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Takayama Jinya: Stepping Back into Edo-Era Japan

Step back in time at Takayama Jinya, the only remaining Edo-era government building in Japan, and explore its rich history and well-preserved architecture.

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Takayama Jinya is the only remaining Edo-era government complex in Japan, offering a glimpse into the administration, policing, and judicial functions of the Tokugawa Shogunate's direct control over the Hida region. Explore well-preserved offices, interrogation rooms, and a historic rice storehouse.

A brief summary to Takayama Jinya

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends.
  • Combine your visit with the Jinya-mae Morning Market for a taste of local culture and produce.
  • Take off your shoes at the Makushita entrance and put them in the shoe bag you brought with you.
  • Explore the nearby Sanmachi Suji district for traditional buildings, Hida beef, and sake.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Takayama Jinya is located in the heart of Takayama's old town, a short walk from most central locations. From Takayama Station, walk east for about 10 minutes, crossing the red Nakabashi Bridge. The Jinya is located on the other side of the bridge. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Takayama Nohi Bus Center, Takayama Jinya is approximately a 10-minute walk. Head east towards the old town and follow the signs. No additional public transport is needed for the final approach. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that Takayama Jinya does not have a dedicated parking lot. Several paid parking options are available in the city center. Takayama Municipal Fudobashi Parking is close to Takayama Jinya. D-Parking Takayama Ekimae is another option and costs 900 yen for 24 hours. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around 150 yen per 30 minutes. Be aware that some parking lots have size restrictions.

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Discover more about Takayama Jinya

Takayama Jinya, a nationally designated historic landmark, stands as a unique testament to Japan's Edo period. From 1692, the complex served as the local government office for the Tokugawa Shogunate, who directly controlled the Hida region for its valuable timber resources. For 176 years, 25 generations of governors and magistrates dispatched from Edo (present-day Tokyo) ruled Hida Province from this location. The building was used as a local administration office from the Meiji period (1868 to 1912) onward. It continued to protect this area for 277 years until the government office was relocated in 1969. Takayama Jinya is the only such site of a provincial governor/magistrate's office – which are said to have numbered 60 across Japan in the closing days of the Shogunate – where the main building still remains today. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained tatami rooms that once functioned as offices, conference spaces, guest quarters, and residential areas. The interrogation room offers a chilling insight into the judicial practices of the time. Adjacent to the main building is a large storehouse constructed in the 1600s. Known as the biggest traditional rice storehouse in Japan, it now functions as a museum, showcasing belongings and official documents of past local leaders, old maps of the Hida Region and historic town plans. Architectural highlights include the Kure Roof, bearing marks from the Umemura Uprising, and the Seigaiha Wave Pattern, symbolizing the authority of the local governors. The complex also features a Japanese garden, offering a tranquil escape.

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