National Historic Relic : The Takayama Local Agency of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
“Jinya” refers to a venue where political proceedings were conducted during the Edo period (1603-1868), and the term collectively refers to the administrative headquarters, as well as the residence of the local magistrate. Takayama Jinya was built by the shogunate as an administrative base to enforce its rule over the Hida Province. You’ll also find the rice storehouse, where rice collected as land taxes was stored. Takayama Jinya is also famous as the lone remaining magistrate’s office in Japan, and offers a vivid, firsthand glimpse of life in feudal Japan.
Although there were 64 regional headquarters and sub-headquarters during the Edo period, the Takayama Jinya is the only one existing today.
In 1692, Shogun Tokugawa took direct rule over Hida, and for the next 176 years until the Meiji restoration, 25 generations were sent from Edo to work as Administrators, Accountants and Police in the Takayama Jinya.
The present main building was constructed in 1816, and consists of the Public Administration Office, Grand Hall and Messengers Hall, all in their original condition. The Rice Storehouse that was used to store the rice collected as a tax was built in the 1600’s, and is presently used as an exhibition space, displaying items from the time of direct rule to the Meiji period. There are over 250 separate historical displays including documents, maps and artifacts.
Takayama Jinya received two stars in the 2015 Michelin Green Guide Japan. ★★ Two stars … “worth a detour”.
Hours:
March to October (except August) —> 8:45 – 17:00 (last admission)
August —> 8:45 – 18:00 (last admission)
November to February —> 8:45 – 16:30 (last admission)
Closed —> December 29th and 31st, January 1st
Admission:
Adults —> 440 yen
Groups (30 or more) —> 390 yen
Children 18 and under with student I.D. —> Free
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