Takayama Jinya is the former government office for the Hida region, in the old town of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. From 1692 the Tokugawa shogunate ran the region from here, through officials sent from Edo. The complex stayed in official use until 1969, when it opened as a museum. Walk through the tatami rooms, the trial courtyard, the officials' quarters and the garden, then finish at the rice storehouse, one of the largest traditional storehouses in Japan. The building is the reason to come, and the morning markets outside make an easy pairing.
From 1692 to the museum
Takayama sits in the Hida region, which was rich in timber and skilled carpenters. In 1692 the Tokugawa shogunate brought Hida under its direct control. Before that, the Kanamori family ruled the region, and they were moved to Uzen, present-day Yamagata, that same year. The shogunate then sent officials from Edo to run the district from this complex, which handled taxes and legal cases.
After the Meiji Restoration the building kept its role as the seat of local administration, and it later served as the prefectural centre. It stayed in official use until 1969, when it was opened to the public as a museum. The site was designated a national historic site in 1929.
Working, living and storage areas
The complex falls into three parts: a working area, a living area and a storehouse. The working area holds the Great Hall, a room of 49 tatami mats used for official ceremonies, and the Goshirasu, the courtyard where trials were held. Officials' quarters, including the living room known as the Arashiyama Room, sit in the living area alongside a kitchen and rooms for officials' families.
As is usual in Japanese interiors of the period, many rooms hold little furniture, so the empty spaces can look odd at first. Signs beside the rooms say what was done there or who worked and lived there, which helps you read the space. The inner garden, covered in snow in winter, is part of the tour.
The interrogation room and the rice storehouse
An interrogation room displays traditional devices from the period, which shows how the office handled criminal cases.
The storehouse at the back held rice barrels collected as tax. It is considered the largest traditional rice storehouse in Japan and one of the oldest surviving granaries from the Edo period. Display panels here explain how the local government worked. Most of the text is in Japanese, with some panels in English.
Visiting on foot
The Miyagawa Morning Market runs for about 350 metres along the river, between Kajibashi Bridge and Yayoibashi Bridge, with around sixty shops and stalls. The stalls on the river side sell vegetables, fruit, pickles and spices, and those on the other side sell Japanese sweets and crafts. A second morning market sets up in front of the Jinya itself.
The old townscape begins just after Ikadabashi Bridge at the south end of the shopping street, and Sanmachi Suji is a short walk away. From Takayama Station, the walk to the Jinya takes about 15 minutes.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is an admission fee. Sources quote slightly different amounts, so check the official site for the current price.
How long do you need?
Plan 1 to 2 hours to see the main building, the rooms, the storehouse and the garden.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
The site recommends getting tickets in advance.
Is Takayama Jinya a shrine?
No. Jinya means a government office. It is not the same as jinja, which means shrine.
Is there information in English?
Some panels are in English, and English tours are available. Much of the storehouse display is in Japanese.
