No visit to Takayama is complete without experiencing the “old-world” atmosphere of the beautifully preserved Edo era architecture. Strolling along the Old Town is a great way to take it all in, but for a deeper dive, be sure to add Takayama Jinya to your itinerary.
The term jinya refers to an administrative office, the feudal equivalent of a city government building. For over 176 years (1692-1868), Takayama Jinya served as the headquarters of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Hida region. The complex remained in use up to 1969, and is currently open to the public as a museum. Although it is said that there were over 60 similar buildings across Japan by the end of the Edo period, only Takayama Jinya remains standing today.
As you step inside, the wooden architecture pulls you back in time to when the halls were alive with the sounds of busy government officials. The complex includes offices, conference rooms, guest rooms, and even residential spaces. While taking in the atmosphere, be sure to pay attention to some of the smaller details!
A personal favorite is in the tatami flooring. Each tatami mat has a fabric border, called heri, which helps to protect the edges from wear and tear. The fabric border of the tatami differs depending on which room you’re visiting within Takayama Jinya. It ranges from simple for rooms meant for lower-ranking office clerks to more elaborate and high-quality for rooms set aside for the provincial governor and his wife. Even this small detail tells the story of the rigid social hierarchy that existed during the Edo period.
Another architectural detail to look out for throughout your visit is the detailed woodwork, an amazing example of the expert craftsmanship of which Hida artisans were known for. Besides the architecture, you can also see suits of armor, swords, tableware, and even official documents from the Edo period. There is also an inner courtyard to add a bit of greenery to your tour.
Audio guides are available via QR codes placed throughout the building. You can also schedule a guided tour of Takayama Jinya, both in Japanese and English, at the ticket counter or by telephone.
Entrance to Takayama Jinya is just ¥500 for adults, with free admission for ages 18 and younger. It is located about 2 minutes on foot from THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA, near Nakabashi Bridge, making it easy to add to your plans to explore Takayama city.
