Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya is one of the most important historical landmarks in the Hida region and the only remaining Edo-period government office in all of Japan.
Originally established in the 17th century, it served as the administrative headquarters for officials sent directly from the Tokugawa shogunate to govern the valuable timber-rich Hida region.
Visitors can explore a wide range of restored rooms and learn in depth about how the government operated during the samurai era:
• Official government chambers
These include meeting rooms, offices, and the residential quarters of the local magistrate. The tatami rooms, wooden corridors, and carefully preserved interiors show what daily political life looked like for Edo-period officials.
• Interrogation and court rooms
The building features authentic rooms used for trials and questioning. Displays explain how justice and law were carried out under the shogunate, offering insight into Japan’s legal history.
• Administrative archives storehouse
One of the most impressive features is the large rice granary (called O-kura), built in 1600s and still preserved today. Here, documents, tax rice, and official records were securely stored—making it a valuable historical asset.
• Beautiful gardens and open courtyard
The central courtyard and garden spaces create an atmosphere of serenity, blending official authority with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
