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Sep 27 2007 9 Comments

Japanese veranda versatility

Tokyo may well have a massive number of convenience stores and vending machines, but when it comes to living space, land is at a premium, meaning most people have to make the most of what little they can procure.

Japanese house

A rather unfortunate situation that doesn’t allow much leeway for something so frivolous as a garden. Yet for many city dwellers, this drawback can be overcome to a certain extent by utilising the balcony which, if big enough, can accommodate plants and even a person. Like this versatile little veranda for example, as not only does it provide just enough room for a relaxing beer, but also a terrific spot for train-spotting.

Japanese apartment

Not everyone is so lucky though, and despite the abode below being brand new, it may (or indeed may not) boast the worst balcony in the world.

Japanese house

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Okinawa says

    9/27/2007 at 6:16 pm

    Not only does Tokyo have very little land, what land they do have is EXPENSIVE!

    Reply
  2. thomas (nihonhacks.com) says

    9/27/2007 at 6:46 pm

    The last “veranda” is just a space for an air-conditioning unit of course 🙂

    Reply
  3. Adam says

    9/28/2007 at 12:02 am

    Yeah, that’s more “growth” than veranda.

    Reply
  4. buratto says

    9/28/2007 at 7:39 am

    Land is really expensive in not only Tokyo but Japan overall, so there is no other way to fit all people other than building high and thin buildings. And as for the last veranda, I think, as Thomas has mentioned, that its just a space for an eakon.

    Reply
  5. Larm says

    9/28/2007 at 3:11 pm

    Why would you build a veranda for aircon? Especially so large? Usually they are just hanging outside without such a luxurity. I think that thing IS a balcony of some sort. Though with all those trains I doubt owners use it that often.

    Reply
  6. Marsha says

    9/29/2007 at 5:58 am

    Actually I see little balconies like that in Beijing all the time as well. Theyre for air conditioning units.

    If you look carefully you can spot that just above the balcony is an entry pipe that allows the cold air laden pipe to enter the house.

    Keep in mind that the air conditioners are for the entire unit, so much larger than window units typically sold in the US.

    Reply
  7. kayla says

    2/28/2014 at 9:39 am

    cool

    Reply

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