Ouchi-juku, a post town in Fukushima Prefecture where the history and scenery of Aizu live on

Located in Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture"Ouchi-juku"that retains a strong atmosphere from the Edo periodthe important traditional building preservation districtsis one of

It once flourished as a post town on the Shimotsuke Kaido (Aizu Nishi Kaido) road connecting Aizu-Wakamatsu and Nikko-Imaichi, and even today it maintains a landscape of rows of thatched-roof houses

It is a popular tourist destination visited by both domestic and international tourists throughout the year

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What kind of place is Ouchijuku?

Ouchi-juku was developedin the early Edo period, particularlythe Tokugawa shogunate's sankin-kotai system(alternate attendance system). It served as a post town, a vital transportation hub used by the lord of the Aizu domain and travelers between Edo and Oshu.

At that time, Ouchi-juku was lined with inns, teahouses, and merchant houses, and even today, buildings that resemble the townscape of that time have been preserved and restored, allowing you to experience what a post town looked like

Particularly distinctive arethe thatched roofs, which recreate the style of traditional Japanese houses from the Edo to Meiji periods. Their excellent state of preservation has earned them high historical value.

Restoration and landscape preservation through local efforts

From the 1960s to the 1970s, rural areas experienced depopulation, and Ouchi-juku was once in danger of decline. However, thanks to the efforts of local residents and the local government, itre-evaluated as a tourist resource, and in 1981Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildingsit was designated as

These preservation efforts have led to the current beautiful landscape being maintained, with power lines being buried underground, the exterior appearance being standardized, and a system for repairing thatched roofs being put in place.Today, about 30 thatched houses remain, each operating as a souvenir shop, soba restaurant, guesthouse, etc

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Tourist attractions and experiences

located at the southern end of the settlementthe "Miharashidai" viewpoint, a hilltop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the thatched-roof townscape, making it a popular spot for scenic views throughout the seasons. In winter, the post town appears to float amidst a snowy landscape, creating a fantastic scene that is a perfect subject for photography enthusiasts.

Furthermore, many of the buildings within the post townhomes where people actually live, but also function as shops and guesthouses,the coexistence of traditional life and tourismis one of the charms of Ouchi-juku.

The origin and historical background of the famous "Negi Soba"

The signature dish of Ouchi-juku is"Negi Soba" (green onion soba). The most distinctive feature of this sobaeating, where a long green onion is used instead of chopsticks, and also used as a condiment. This unusual way of eating attracts the attention of tourists and has been featured on television programs and social media, making Ouchi-juku famous throughout Japan.

In fact, it is said that the origins of "Negi Soba" can be traced back to "Takato Soba," which was introduced from the Takato Domain in Shinshu (present-day Nagano Prefecture)

During the Edo period,Masayuki Hoshina, originally from Takato Domain (Shinshu), was transferred to Aizu Domain as its lord, bringing Shinshu culture to the Aizu region. It is believed that thisthe spicy soba noodle culture, which used grated daikon radish and green onions as condiments. Takato soba is characterized by its "karatsuyu," a broth in which thinly sliced ​​daikon radish and chopped green onions are added. This is thought to have merged with the local Aizu culture and evolved into the current form of "negi soba" (green onion soba).

Furthermore, in the area around Ouchi-juku, buckwheata crop well-suited to local cold-climate agriculture. It is said that, in connection with this local environment, the playful method of serving buckwheat with green onions has become established as a tourist attraction.

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summary

Ouchi-juku is a precious historical space where you can experience "Aizu in the Edo period." Its townscape has been nurtured alongside the lives of its people for hundreds of years, and it continues to explore new forms of tourism even today.

alsoa pioneering example of the movement to preserve historical townscapes in Japan, and this town, where residents "protect it while living there," is attracting attention as a model case for future townscape preservation.

Learn about history, experience culture, and enjoy the changing seasons of nature. All of these come together to create a place that gives visitors a sense of nostalgia and amazement. That is the true value of Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku＜Information＞

• Name: Ouchi-juku (Nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
• Address: Ouchi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-5207
• Phone number: 0241-68-3611 (Ouchijuku Tourism Association)
• Official URL:https://ouchi-juku.com/

Google Map

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