[Fukushima] The atmosphere is just like the Edo period! ``Ouchi-juku'' is lined with houses with thatched roofs.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Fukushima Prefecture

Ouchi-juku was founded in the Edo period (around 1640) as a post town on the Aizu Nishi-kaido Road, which connected Aizu Castle to Shimotsuke no Kuni, which is now Imaichi, Nikko City. It served as an important base for the clan's visits to Edo and for the transportation of rice to and from Edo.

Photo by Dai Fujihara – Ouchi-juku (2012) / Size-adapted.

Honjin and wakihonjin were built inside the post, and a townscape was formed with mansions lined up on both sides of the road that ran through the post. The townscape of Ouchi-juku, where there are records that Date Masamune and Toyotomi Hideyoshi passed through, is still carefully preserved and has been designated as a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

The highlight of Ouchi-juku is its townscape. Walking along the road lined with thatched-roof houses on both sides, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. There are many souvenir shops and restaurants along the approximately 1km road. In addition, the restored site of the former main hall has become a townscape exhibition hall, and inside the thatched-roofed hall, there are reproductions of the lord's bedroom, bath, and hearth, as well as exhibits of daily necessities, allowing you to learn about what life was like back then. The hill at the top of the stairs at the end of Ouchi-juku is an observation deck that overlooks the neat rows of thatched roofs, making it a popular spot for taking photos.

When you visit Ouchi-juku, you must try the famous Takato soba, which is famous for its green onion soba. A green onion is generously added to the soba noodles, and you bite into the green onion as a condiment, and eat the soba by scooping it up with a green onion instead of using chopsticks. In addition to Takato soba, you can also enjoy local dishes such as char and miso mochi.

To access Ouchi-juku, take National Route 118 from Aizuwakamatsu IC, or take National Route 289 (Koshi Road) and National Route 121 (Nikko Kaido) from Shirakawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway without going through Aizuwakamatsu City. It is common to do so. Additionally, from April to November, a special bus called ``Saruyu'' runs from Yunokami Onsen Station.

Ouchi-juku also holds events such as the Snow Festival in February, the Half-Summer Festival in early July, and the impressive fire drills in the fall, so you can enjoy the area throughout the year. As it is a popular tourist destination, it can get very crowded during holidays, so if you are visiting during those times, we recommend arriving early.

INFORMATION