Takayama Jinya: Echoes of Edo Governance
Step back in time at Japan's only remaining Edo-era government building, where feudal history comes to life in the heart of Takayama.
Takayama Jinya, located in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is a unique historical site that served as the administrative headquarters for the Hida region during the Edo period. From 1692, the Tokugawa Shogunate directly controlled the Hida region to exploit its valuable timber and underground resources. Takayama Jinya functioned as the local government office, with officials dispatched from Edo (present-day Tokyo). For 176 years, 25 generations of provincial governors and magistrates ruled Hida from Takayama Jinya, overseeing administration, policing, and judicial functions. It is the only remaining magistrate's office with its main buildings intact. The complex includes well-maintained tatami rooms that once served as offices, conference rooms, guest rooms, and residential spaces. An interrogation room offers a glimpse into the judicial practices of the time. Beside the main building stands a large storehouse built 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. Takayama Jinya was in official use until 1969 and opened to the public as a museum in 1974.
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season and weekends.
- Take off your shoes before entering the main building; bring a shoe bag or use one provided.
- Explore the Jinya-mae Morning Market outside the entrance for local produce and crafts.
- Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the buildings and gardens.
- Check the official website for seasonal hours and temporary closures.
A brief summary to Takayama Jinya
- 1 Chome-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama, 1 Chome Hachikenmachi, Gifu, 506-0012, JP
- +81577-32-0643
- Visit website
- Monday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 8:45 am-4:30 pm
Getting There
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Walking
Takayama Jinya is located in the heart of Takayama's old town, near the Nakabashi Bridge. From Takayama Station, walk east towards the old town (Sannomachi). Cross the Nakabashi Bridge, and you'll find Takayama Jinya on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Takayama Station, you can take the Machinami Bus. The fare is ¥100 per ride. Get off at a stop near the old town and walk a few minutes to Takayama Jinya. Alternatively, a 1-day pass for ¥500 allows unlimited rides on the Machinami, Sarubobo, and Takumi bus lines.
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Taxi
Taxis are available at Takayama Station. A short taxi ride to Takayama Jinya from the station costs approximately ¥660, plus an additional ¥100 if you call for a taxi. During peak seasons or snowy days, expect potential delays.
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Driving
If driving, paid parking is available near Takayama Jinya. Municipal Fudobashi Parking is one option. D-Parking Takayama Ekimae is another choice, offering 24-hour parking for around ¥900. Parking fees typically range from ¥150 per 30 minutes to ¥700-¥1100 per day. Be aware that parking spaces can be limited.
