Chasing Sakura - Japan (11) - Takayama: Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋)

Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋) is a former government outpost that was established in order to bring the Hida Province under the direct control of the Edo Bakufu (Shogunate).  It was in official use from 1692 to 1969.  (That's 277 years!!!)  There used to be a number of these buildings across Japan but this is also the only one left today.   (More reasons to visit!)

Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋)

a cute Shiba baby!

A symbolic architectural feature of Takayama Jinya built in 1832.

The crests of hollyhock on the lanterns and hanging screens indicated that 
Takayama was under direct control of the Edo Shogunate.

a lovely tree

“Jinya” includes residential space and storehouses for rice paid as tax.Their main business is conducting legal trials and collecting tax. Takayama was well known for its abundant forest resource to produce timbers and an underground natural resource of gold, silver, copper and lead. This is one reason why the Shogunate put Takayama under the direct control as an important economic area.

I am not sure I would like to work at these tables.

a side entrance to the building

Tea room
It's bigger than all the pantries at places I have worked at combined

I wish our break room is as big as this one!

an old style urinal
I wonder how they flush these...

Loyalty & Filial Obedience
The most important virtues in Asian cultures.

This hall was used for official meetings and ceremonies.
It could be divided into three areas.
There were initially 48 tatami in the hall, but one tatami was added later
because an even number was related to hara-kiri ("cutting the belly").  
All other rooms also have uneven numbers of tatami.

There is also a store house next to the main building.  It was used to store crops back in the days but is now used as a museum to display exhibits from the era.  No photography is allowed there.  If you are into history and things of this sort, you will find this place interesting.  Otherwise, you might want to spend more time at Sanmachi.  Personally, I think it's worth a visit!