Takayama Jinya

Overview

Takayama Jinya was the deputy governor's office (daikansho) and Hida County Magistrate's office (jinya) established by the Edo shogunate to directly govern Hida Province. Located in present-day Haken-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, it preserves buildings from that era, including the main gate, gatekeeper's post, storehouses 1-4 and 9-12, and the document storehouse. The storehouses on the grounds were originally built within Takayama Castle during the Keicho period (around 1600) and relocated to their current location in 1695 (Genroku 8). The roofs of the buildings are distinctive, using various techniques like *noshibuki*, *kokerabuki*, and *ishiokinagakurebuki*, all employing wooden planks. This is attributed to Hida being a snowy region and a major timber producer; tiles were easily damaged by snow, while wood was readily available. The grounds and buildings are open to the public for a fee, displaying Edo-period historical materials. A morning market is held daily in front of the main gate, known as the Jinya Morning Market, alongside the popular Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama City. Takayama Jinya served as the administrative center, playing a central role in Hida's politics, economy, and culture. By observing the buildings' structure and style, you can gain insight into the life and culture of Hida during the Edo period. Takayama Jinya is a nationally designated historical site, a structure of significant historical value. Be sure to visit Takayama Jinya when you're in Takayama.