irori

An irori is a traditional Japanese sunken hearth used for heating and cooking in rural houses, especially in traditional farmhouses known as minka. The hearth is a square or rectangular pit embedded in the floor, often lined with clay and surrounded by a bench or edge that can be used for seating. In the center or near one side, a fire rests in the pit and is tended during colder months; a kettle or cooking pot is suspended above the flames from a movable hook-and-chain device called the jizaikagi, which allows the height of the vessel to be adjusted to regulate heat. Some irori setups include a grate or rack to support fuel or to facilitate cooking over embers. Smoke from the fire is vented through a chimney or roof vent to keep the living space comparatively free of smoke.

The irori serves as both a heating source and a social center, around which family members gather, cook, and converse. It was a common feature in Japan from the Edo period onward and remained widespread in rural regions into the early 20th century. The introduction of gas and electric heating led to a decline in traditional irori, and many houses were rebuilt with modern kitchens. Today, surviving irori are preserved in museums, restored minka, and heritage lodgings, where they offer a window into traditional domestic life. In contemporary settings, irori may be maintained as a cultural feature or used for occasional cooking and ceremonial purposes.