Visiting Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, you will see many well-preserved historic buildings and rows of merchant houses built during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Among all buildings, Takayama Jinya is the most famous because it was the government office built during the Edo Period and the only one of its kind left in Japan. It is designated as a National Historic Site. Locating right by the red Nagabashi bridge and the Takayama morning market, Takayama Jinya historic building is a not-to-be-missed attraction the area. It is a pretty large complex with offices, a conference room, court rooms, interrogation room, the head official’s living room, guest room, and living space for his wife and maids. All Japanese style with tatami floors. Highlights of the complex: the Japanese-style garden is the most beautiful area, the painting of Yang Guifei, one of the Four Beauties in ancient China is a pleasant surprise, and the wood that feels warm and smells nice is unique. Check it out the next time you visit!

Hida-Tayakama in Gifu Prefecture is a charming city where you can roam around rows of old buildings that were built during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), including the historic government building Takayama Jinya, the morning market, museums, and three rows of well-preserved historic merchant houses. The three rows of old merchant houses, collectively called Sanno-machi district, have become a hot tourist destination. Many of the old merchant houses are turned into shops, restaurants, tea houses, coffee shops and sake breweries, offering a wide variety of things to eat and buy for tourists.