Sweltering Heatwaves Drive Demand for North-Facing Homes in Japan

As sweltering summer temperatures become more frequent in Japan, a new housing trend is emerging, with more citizens seeking north-facing homes. These homes are believed to be ideal cooler alternatives to dwellings exposed to excessive sun. This preference has surged particularly during the recent heatwave, influencing buying patterns in the local real estate market.

In Japan, heatwaves are becoming a serious issue due to global climate change. It's not uncommon to see shifts in housing trends based on weather patterns, and the population tends to take steps to adapt. The idea of a north-facing home being cooler is deeply ingrained into Japanese architecture and is now being reflected in consumers' preferences.

In the US and EU, similar adaptations are seen where architecture and housing choices are influenced by the climate. In hot southern US states, for instance, homes are often built with features to mitigate heat. However, there is less emphasis on the orientation of the home compared to Japan.

Information for Your Country

For those interested in adopting similar cooling strategies for homes, several resources are available online – Architecture Lab's guide on how to design a house for a hot climate, or Energy.gov’s advice on energy-efficient homes for example.