Nagaya (architecture)

Nagaya (長屋, "longhouse") is a type of Japanese rowhouse that was typical during the Edo period (1603–1868).

Nagaya was a long housing complex under the same ridge, one or two stories high, divided into small compartments for rent. The well, toilet and waste facilities were shared. Except for a bedroom, each household only had a kitchen. Historically, similar houses were built around a rich manor or castle for low-ranking samurai. Later, they accommodated both samurai and commoners. At the ends of the building shops were located, typically, their owners living in adjacent rooms. The wealthier tenants lived in the rooms facing the street. Usually, the tenants of a nagaya didn't have a family. The rooms had an earthen floor, with a size of 8–10 square meters.

Nagaya were also known as yakeya (焼け家, やけや, burning houses), due to their tendency to catch fire.

If a gateway was located in one section, such a house was called nagayamon (長屋門, longhouse-gate).