板井原集落, Traditional Japanese settlement house in Toyo-oka, Japan
Itaihara is a traditional rural settlement of wooden houses nestled among rice fields on the Toyama plains. The structures display classic Japanese farming architecture, with buildings positioned directly within the cultivated landscape to serve the agricultural lifestyle.
The settlement was established in the late 1800s when farmers built homes directly within their rice fields. This development arose during Japan's period of rapid modernization and reveals how rural communities merged living spaces with agricultural work.
Each residence maintains kainyo borders of trees that provide protection from winter winds while supplying materials for daily household needs.
The easiest way to reach this location is by taking a train to Toyooka Station, then connecting by local bus to the site. The pathways crossing the fields can become muddy in wet weather, so sturdy footwear and rain gear are recommended.
The houses feature a special drainage system designed to manage water flowing from the adjacent rice fields and protect the structures. This engineering solution was essential for the homes to remain stable in the wet environment.
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