The roof structure of yosemune provides an extra layer of protection from harsh weather elements and is made from wood, tiles, or copper. It is commonly seen in traditional Japanese homes and temples, especially those located along the coastline near the ocean. Yosemune is a Japanese term used to describe a style of architecture that is characterized by a steeply sloped roof- sometimes referred to as a “Yosemune roof”-that tapers off to a single point at the top. The distinct look of these roofs gives traditional Japanese buildings an instantly recognizable aesthetic and can be found in a number of popular castles and temples, making them easily identifiable and loved by tourists from all over the world. The curved shape of the roof is designed to guide rain away from the house in a way that will prevent water from gathering, as this would create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
These roofs typically consist of overlapping and curved clay tiles, which provide extra stability and protection from rain, hail, and natural disasters like earthquakes. In Japan, curved roofs are typically referred to as ‘kawara’, which literally means ‘tiles’ in Japanese and is an umbrella term for all varieties of curved roofs that are commonly seen in traditional Japanese architecture.
