A Must-Visit in Hida Takayama: Takayama Jinya - A Journey Through Edo Period Architecture

When visiting Hida Takayama, aside from strolling through the old streets, you must not miss the historically rich Takayama Jinya. Once the administrative center directly controlled by the Edo Shogunate, it is now the only remaining complete district magistrate office in Japan, allowing visitors to travel back in time and experience the atmosphere of ancient officialdom. 🏯 Historical Background: From Castle Lord's Residence to Shogunate Administrative Center Takayama Jinya was originally the castle lord's residence of the Kanamori clan. Later, when the Edo Shogunate took direct control of the Hida region, it was converted into an administrative office for managing local affairs and tax collection. This Jinya was in continuous use from the 17th century until the abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures in the Meiji era. Today, it is an important cultural heritage site in Japan. 🎐 Interior Tour: Exploring Shogunate-Era Government Buildings Inside the Jinya, visitors can explore the district magistrate and deputy magistrate offices, interrogation rooms, archives, and more. The ancient wooden floors, paper doors, gardens, and warehouses showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture. The recreated courtroom (御白洲) vividly depicts the scene of interrogating prisoners, allowing visitors to feel the authority of the Shogunate era. 🌿 Morning Market in Front of Jinya: Experience Takayama's Local Culture Every morning, a bustling morning market is held in front of Takayama Jinya, selling local agricultural products, handicrafts, and Hida Takayama specialties. It is highly recommended to buy some Hida miso and pickles as souvenirs! 📍 Location: 1-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture 🕰 Opening Hours: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM (until 4:30 PM in winter) 🚃 Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station To delve deeper into the history of Hida Takayama, Takayama Jinya is a must-visit destination!