Cypress-bark Roofs, Shingle Roofs, Thatched Roofs,
Bark Harvesting, Shingle Making
Preserving the Thatched and Wooden Roofs that Make up Japan’s Traditional Landscape
Conservation Society
for the Roofing
of Temples and Shrines
Designated for cypress-bark
and shingle roofs (1976)
Thatched roofs (1980)
Harvesting of cypress bark
and shingle making (2018)
Training Center for the Conservation
of Cultural Properties and Historic Structures
2-205-5
Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862
Thatched and wooden roofs have been providing protection against the elements in Japan since ancient times. They include cypress-bark roofs, roofs composed of hand-crafted cedar and sawara cypress shingles, and thatched roofs using thatch sourced from the likes of reeds and Eulalia grass. These roofs need periodic replacement. This society helps preserve the skills associated with these traditional types of roofing, as well as the skills associated with obtaining and producing the roofing materials.
