After breakfast and a short break, we headed to Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋) in the snow.
Takayama Jinya was the administrative headquarters of a small domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. It also served as the residence of the head of administration and housed the associated grain storehouse. The building is open to the public for a fee of 420 yen, and visitors can explore many historical documents and exhibits inside.
In front of the gate, a farmer’s market is held every morning, similar to the Miyagawa Farmer’s Market in Takayama City. However, due to heavy snowfall during our visit, the market was not operating.
Takayama Jinya is a must-visit when you’re in Takayama, or even if you’re only visiting Takayama for the purpose of seeing it!
I felt like I had stepped into a samurai film!
Even though it was early in the morning and snowing heavily, there were already many tourists around Takayama Jinya. Luckily, since we arrived early, we were able to take photos of the interior without any people in the frame.
Takayama Jinya is the only surviving jinya in Japan today.
There are several areas to explore within the building, including the government office (Oyakusho), restrooms (Goyoba), hall, employee houses (Yakutaku), examination room (Ginmisho), rice storage, and more. The entrance room is one of the first rooms you’ll encounter.
Oyakusho – This was where administrative duties were carried out.
Guest room – Used for receiving important guests.
Reception room – Where officials and other staff would receive visitors.
The entrance for officials – The entrance designated for government officials.
Onkakoi – A room dedicated to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The Oshirasu was a place used for court hearings for civil cases, and prisoners were sometimes tortured there.
The room for messengers from Edo was used by couriers coming from the Edo government.
Well, I imagine that it was really too cold at that time..
Though it was cold, the snow-covered landscape was still splendid. There’s a small dango shop in front of Takayama Jinya. The lady might have served me a hot one, but it quickly became lukewarm while I was taking the photo. :p
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Name Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋)
Open Morning through evening
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