A historical Edo-period government building, still standing in the heart of Takayama’s Old Town.

Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋) is a beautifully preserved former government office located right in the heart of Takayama’s Old Town. In 1692, the Hida region was placed under the direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate because of its rich forest resources, and for the next 176 years, officials sent from Edo, what is now present-day Tokyo, governed the province from this building.

At the height of the Edo period, there were around 60 regional government offices spread across Japan. Takayama Jinya is the only one whose main buildings still remaining today, which is why it has been designated a National Historic Site. Visitors can walk through the front gate, rebuilt in 1832, and explore the administrative offices, the reception hall, the officials’ residence, and even a restored courtroom used for interrogations. 

Takayama Jinya is located along the Miyagawa River, making it perfect to pair with exploring Takayama Old Town. A small morning market is also held just outside the Jinya’s front gate, alongside the larger and more well-known Miyagawa Morning Market a short walk away, so it’s worth timing your visit for the morning if you’d like to browse local produce and crafts on your way in.

You’ll need to remove your shoes at the entrance and carry them with you in a provided bag as you walk through the tatami-floored rooms, be sure to wear shoes that are easy to take on and off. The rooms are largely unfurnished, so an audio guide or a little background reading beforehand goes a long way toward appreciating the history behind each space.

Since it is indoors and usually doesn’t draw large crowds, Takayama Jinya also makes for a great stop on a rainy day or as a break between exploring Takayama Old Town and the riverside. If you’re looking for great restaurants to enjoy a meal after exploring, be sure to take a look at our Takayama restaurant recommendations. You can also book a table at a restaurant from the MACHIYA LOCALS platform, as well.

Takayama Jinya is located approximately  10-minutes by foot from JR Takayama Station, making it an easy stop on the way into or out of Takayama’s Old Town.

Admission for Takayama Jinya is 500 yen for adult, with free admission for high school students and below. 

To get the best access to Takayama Jinya and other local attractions, we recommend staying at an accommodation nearby, with access to JR Takayama Station for your other travel needs.

The perfect mix of traditional and modern, this boutique hotel is located near Takayama Old Town, and is a leisurely 8-minute walk from JR Takayama Station.  A renovated traditional Japanese architecture (machiya) with 14 exclusive rooms, you can choose to stay in a spacious western-style room or a classic Japanese tatami room.  If you are traveling to Takayama city with family or a group of friends, we recommend staying in THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA’s suite or loft-style rooms!

THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA also has a private machiya villa, THE MACHIYA HANARE – a traditional Japanese two-story machiya house – exclusive for one group per day. This private machiya villa has a luxurious hinoki wood Japanese bathtub, 2 bedrooms, modern kitchen, and views of the Miyagawa River.