Japanese terrain question

[Whtknt1066]

This is an offshoot of the seven samurai movie post that's getting its own post. After watching a couple samurai movies for inspiration I have a terrain question: why do old Japanese buildings have all those rocks on the roof? Thatch and tile roofs don't seem to, but wooden ones all do. What's that about? And anyone have any good links to Japanese buildings and terrain inspiration? Especially towns and how they were constructed and laid out. Thanks in advance!

[Elk101]

I like this site:

http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=687

You may need to cut and paste the link, for some reason.


The rocks were just to help hold the roof covering on, as far as I understand.

[Rich J]

In a land of typhoon seasons the rocks are your roof's best friend!