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This is day 6 (12 April 2018) and we are in front of the 19th-century Jin’ya government building. The Takayama Jin’ya is a former government outpost that was established in order to bring the Hida Province under the control of the Edo (the ancient name for Tokyo) bakufu, which was the military government of Japan between 1192 and 1868. It was headed by the shogun.

In front of the building was a very pleasant open-air farmer’s market. Before exploring the government house, we browse in the market. The apples were exquisite.

Joyce and Tim contemplate making a purchase. Some of the products for sale are less than identifiable, so you needed to be able to read Japanese to know what they are.

I found it all very interesting, but didn’t venture into becoming a customer. I knew we had a delicious lunch coming up.

We eventually entered the Government house through the main gate, crossed a small courtyard which had an interesting design in the sand on both sides of the walkway. This design, it turns out, had a very specific significance.

The design was also incorporated in the wall paper. It represents the waves of the ocean, and expresses the hopes of the Tokugawa government for peace that lasts forever, like the waves of the ocean. This room is where the officials sat and conducted the business of the government, such as trying criminals and issuing sentences of punishment for their crimes.

This is one of those visits where you hope you don’t have any holes in your socks, because we had to leave our shoes outside.

I take a short rest on my seat-cane. It was a real lifesaver, as walking and standing was difficult at this time. This room was probably used for the tea ceremony.

The kittle of water hung from the ceiling and its height above the coals was adjustable by a unique mechanism at the bottom.

I’m always struck by the Japanese architecture, and how they tend to include the outside as part of the experience. Very open.

The yard surrounding the building was very well kept, and in typical Japanese fashion offered random paths to walk and experience the beauty of nature.

Just resting again. ;o) The birds eye view of the model of the property shows the layout of the buildings and the grounds.

This room is where the prisoners sat before the government officials who heard their cases, and passed judgements.

Some punishments were apparently administered here. Rather humiliating, and painful I’m sure.

In this room the shingles for the roof were made and stored. The Japanese are superb craftsmen with many thing, wood being one of them, and ceramics being another. Their artistic talents can be seen everywhere. Two gentlemen at the ticket booth.

Our group poses for a photograph. The cameraman we enlisted to take the shot had 7 or 8 cameras from the group around his neck, and he took a photo with each one of them. This one is from Pete’s camera. I hope someone else got a shot where Karen is looking at the camera instead of talking with George. If so, can you send me a copy. Thanks! ;o)

After we finished visiting the Takayama Jin’ya we left to spend the rest of the morning exploring the winding streets of Takayama, but this seems like a good place for a break, so that will be presented in Part 7.