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Hida-Takayama
飛騨高山 · Takayama, Gifu
The machiya streets of 'Little Kyoto' and the only surviving Edo-period intendant's office, hidden among the mountains of Hida.
Know before you go
- Don't walk into private machiya homes
- the lanes are narrow, so don't stop in the middle of the road for photos
- if you taste something at the morning market and don't buy, say thank you
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
From castle town to shogunate territory
After the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted Hida Province to Kanamori Nagachika, and Takayama developed as a castle town. In 1692 the Kanamori were transferred to Dewa, Hida came under direct shogunate rule, and Takayama Jinya served as the intendant's office until 1871. It is the only surviving building of its kind in Japan, still used by the courts until 1969.
Source: Wikipedia: Takayama Jinya
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
In the Sengoku period Takayama was ruled from Takayama Castle by Kanamori Nagachika, and the castle town grew up around it. After Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted Hida Province to Kanamori Nagachika; when the Kanamori were moved in 1692, Hida came under direct shogunate rule, and Takayama Jinya served as the intendant's office until 1871. It is the only surviving building of its kind in Japan, used by the courts and other bodies until 1969, and is now a museum.
Local customs
- The machiya of the Sanmachi old streets house sake breweries, miso shops and craft shops
- a ball of cedar (sakabayashi) hanging at the door marks a brewery
Religion & beliefs
- There are many temples and shrines around the old streets
- follow ordinary etiquette when visiting.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't walk into private machiya homes
- the lanes are narrow, so don't stop in the middle of the road for photos
- if you taste something at the morning market and don't buy, say thank you
Locals appreciate DO
- Locals appreciate visitors who browse the morning market and wander the old streets slowly
- buying a little local sake and trying Hida beef are locals' recommendations.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Good in every season |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1 day |
Travel tips
- Take the JR limited express from Nagoya
- stay a night to visit the morning market
- buses link Takayama with Shirakawa-gō if you visit both
Photos
Photos
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Ankur P · CC BY 2.0
Mti · CC BY-SA 3.0
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