Visit Japan Web Takayama Jin’ya
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore the Takayama Jin’ya, a well-preserved administrative office from the Edo period, serving as the Daikansho for Hida Province under the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan from 1692 to 1871. It is located in what is currently Hachiken-machi in Takayama.
Designated as a National Historic Site since 1929, the main building of the jin’ya underwent reconstructions in 1725 and 1816, followed by renovations in 1871. The northern part of the building was relocated in 1876. But the rest of the building remains largely unchanged since the 1816 reconstruction.
Additionally, the earthen storehouses, originally built at Takayama Castle, were moved to their current location in 1695. The roofs of the buildings exhibit various styles, all utilizing wooden shingles due to the abundant snowfall and its status as a timber production center. Wooden materials were more readily available and durable compared to clay roof tiles. They were prone to damage from ice and snow. In 1883, one of these warehouses was dismantled to make space for the Takayama City Prosecutor’s office.
The Gifu District Court’s Takayama branch continued to utilize the jin’ya until 1969. In 1996, the structure was meticulously restored based on a 1830 drawing at a cost of two billion Yen. Today, as the sole surviving building of its kind, Takayama Jin’ya stands as a prominent tourist attraction and houses a museum showcasing its historical significance. Additionally, a farmer’s market takes place every morning in front of the Takayama Jin’ya. The building is conveniently located within a 10-minute walking distance from Takayama Station on the JR East Takayama Main Line.
