Seat of Power, Hands of Finesse: Experience Jinya traditional craftsmanship and a Sowaryu-style tea ceremony
Retrace the origins of the grand history and refined architecture behind Japan's only remaining government building preserved from its establishment in the 17th century, the Takayama Jinya (Takayama Historical Government House). This structure from which 25 generations of provincial governors and magistrates carried out their official duties on behalf of the Edo Shogunate also houses the superb work of master craftsmen of the Hida region, called the "Hida no Takumi", in the form of the "kurehegi" technique still ongoing in use from 400 years ago. Learn about its roof structure, made up of as many as 500,000 kurehegi shingles (boards), and even try your hand at hammering shingles into the roof of the Jinya doma (room with earthen flooring), a space usually inaccessible to the public. After that, cross Takayama's iconic red Nakabashi bridge and make your way to the famous Takayama Historical District, and into Kazehikaru, a private gallery where you can enjoy the sophisticated hospitality of the Sowaryu-style tea ceremony. Enjoy the aroma and taste of matcha in a tea room while admiring the elegance of traditional Gifu craftsmanship such as the elaborate "Ajiro" ceiling made from techniques similar to the Jinya's "kurehegi", and the versatile but durable beauty of washi paper, along with the gentle interplay of light and shadow filtering through.
Recommended points
● Hammer kurehegi shingles into a roof under the guidance of a craftsman at the Jinya doma (room with earthen flooring), inaccessible to the public. ・Kurehegi: An ancient Japanese method of splitting logs to make shingles (thin pieces of wood), a traditional resource that is used as a flexible yet durable material for roofing.
● Observe a demonstration of roof repair techniques by the Jinya's specialized maintenence craftsmen using models. ・Experience the wisdom and the skills of traditional architecture through repair techniques passed down through the ages, shown up close and personal by craftsmen who oversee the protection of the building.
● Exclusive reservation of a gallery featuring the ajiro tenjo (wickerwork ceiling) woven with kurohegi and a Sowaryu-style tea ceremony. ・Sowaryu-style tea ceremony: A school of tea ceremony originating from that of the samurai class where beauty in its simplicity and functionality is prized. ・Enjoy a moment in stillness and privacy while savoring cup of tea the Sowaryu way beneath a beautifully crafted ceiling.
Overview
- Season
- 2026/2/1～2027/3/31(Excluding Dec 27th - Jan 10th)
- Activity Time
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Place
-
Takayama Jinya
1 Chome-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0012
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 8 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- Takayama Jinya
- Ending Point
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Meeting Time
- ①9:30
②13:00
- Schedule
-
9:30/13:00 - Meet up in front of Takayama Jinya entrance
9:45/13:15 - Tour the interior of the Takayama Jinya with a Jinya specialist guide
10:30/14:00 - Kurohegi roof thatching viewing and assembling activity using a model at the Jinya doma (room with earthen flooring)
10:50/14:10 - Depart the Jinya, cross the red Nakabashi Bridge to get to Gallery Kazehikaru
11:00/14:20 - Introductions to the traditional techniques utilized in the interior design of the gallery and the Sowaryu-style tea ceremony, followed by a tea ceremony.
12:00/15:30 - End of tour
- Important Information
- Please inform us in advance if you would like to try preparing the green tea yourself. There will be no extra charges for this.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
