World's Wildest Houses VII

Chino, Japan

Takasugi-an (which translates roughly to "too high hut") is a modern take on a traditional Japanese teahouse. Designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori for his personal use in 2004, this teahouse rests on two chestnut trunks and is accessible only by propping up freestanding ladders. To enter, visitors must remove their shoes and crawl through a nijiriguchi, or small entry opening. Like traditional Japanese teahouses, the Takasugi-an was built for ceremony rather than comfort and luxury, so the interior is very modest.