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Ouchijuku located in Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture the Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, retaining a strong resemblance to the Edo period .
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
What kind of place is Ouchijuku?
Ouchi-juku was established in the early Edo period , particularly the Tokugawa shogunate's alternate attendance system . It served as a post town, a key transportation hub used by the Aizu feudal lord and travelers between Edo and Oshu.
The eaves of a shop in Ouchijuku
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
The thatched roof architecture is particularly distinctive , recreating the style of a private home from the Edo to Meiji periods, and is highly regarded from a historical perspective due to its excellent state of preservation.
Restoration and landscape preservation through local efforts
From the 1960s to the 1970s, depopulation in rural areas progressed and Ouchi-juku was at risk of decline for a time. However, thanks to the efforts of local residents and the local government, it reevaluated as a tourist resource and in 1981 it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
The streets of Ouchijuku
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
Tourist attractions and experiences
The "Miharashidai" observation deck located on the southern edge of the village , offers a panoramic view of the thatched roof townscape and is a popular spot for spectacular views throughout the seasons. In winter, the fantastical sight of the post town floating in the snowy landscape unfolds, making it a perfect subject for photography enthusiasts.
The view from Ouchijuku's "Omiharashidai" observation deck
Furthermore, many of the buildings within the post town actually homes where people live , but also function as shops and guesthouses, and one of the charms of Ouchi-juku is that traditional lifestyles and tourism coexist
The origin and historical background of the famous "Negi Soba"
Ouchijuku's green onion soba
Ouchi-juku's specialty dish is "Negi Soba ." The most distinctive feature of this soba it is eaten, using a single long leek instead of chopsticks, which is also used as a condiment . This unusual way of eating has attracted the attention of tourists and has often been featured on television programs and social media, making Ouchi-juku known nationwide.
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, when Hoshina Masayuki, originally from Takato Domain (Shinshu), was transferred to the Aizu domain as lord , he brought Shinshu culture to the Aizu region. It is believed that this the culture of spicy soba noodles, which used grated daikon radish and green onions as condiments . Takato soba is characterized by its "karatsuyu" (spicy broth), in which thinly sliced daikon radish and chopped green onions are added, and it is believed that this blended with the Aizu climate and evolved into the current form of "negi soba."
Buckwheat seeds before harvest
Additionally, soba has long been cultivated in the Ouchijuku area a crop suited to the local cold climate . It is said that the playful way of serving soba, "eating it with green onions," coupled with this climate, has helped it become established as a tourist attraction.
summary
Ouchijuku is a precious historical space where you can experience "Aizu in Edo." The townscape has been developed alongside the lives of people for hundreds of years, and even today it continues to explore new forms of tourism.
also a pioneering example of the movement to preserve historic townscapes in Japan , and the town, which has been preserved by residents "protecting it while living in it," is attracting attention as a model case for future townscape preservation.
Winter night view of Ouchijuku
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)
![Takato soba (negi soba) in Ouchi-juku](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/24446478_m-150x150.jpg.webp "[Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture] Enjoy "Takato Soba" at Ouchi-juku!")
