This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Ouchijuku is one of Fukushima's top two tourist spots! Its charm lies in its unchanged scenery
The retro atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period is very popular with young people!
What is Ouchijuku?
Ouchijuku in early summer
located in Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture,Ouchi-jukuis a post town that was established around 1640. At that time, the Aizu-Nishi Kaido, which led to Nikko, was used as an important transportation route, and its predecessor was Yamamoto Village, which was located along that road. It flourished as a post town used by many daimyo and travelers.
in 1981an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District, and it is now a popular tourist spot that attracts a constant stream of visitors throughout the year, with approximately 1.2 million people visiting annually.
The origins of the famous "Takato Soba"
One of the most famous specialties of Ouchi-juku"Takato Soba" (commonly known as "Negi Soba" or "Green Onion Soba"). The soba noodles, topped with a whole green onion, are incredibly impressive! Many people come to Ouchi-juku specifically for this dish, making it a very popular menu item.
Takato soba (green onion soba) from Ouchijuku
When you think of Takato Soba in Ouchijuku, you probably think of soba noodles eaten with spring onions instead of chopsticks. It's a must-try dish for spring onion lovers
Takato soba dates back to the early Edo period
, the founder of the Aizu Matsudaira family and lord of the Takato Domain in Shinano Province, then the Yamagata Domain, before becoming the first lord of the Aizu Domain, wasHoshina Masayukia great lover of soba noodles and apparently took his personal soba chefs with him every time he changed territories. When he became the lord of the Aizu Domain, he also brought soba chefs with him, and it is said that the teachings of these"Takato soba chefs"were the catalyst for the spread of the current "Takato soba" in the Aizu region.
At the time, in the Aizu region, it was common to eat soba noodles with spicy grated daikon radish soup and grilled miso. This way of eating was passed down, and it is said that, combined with the modern culture of soy sauce and dashi, the Takato soba noodles we know today were created
In fact, the way of eating Takato Soba, using spring onions instead of chopsticks, originated in Ouchijuku!
Misawaya's "Negi Soba"
Among the many shops in Ouchi-juku,"Misawaya". It is the birthplace of soba noodles topped with whole leeks.
Misawaya's specialty negi soba is an authentic dish that uses only grated daikon radish juice and no soba broth whatsoever, allowing you to enjoy the traditional flavor!
Lift the soba noodles with the spring onion that comes with it, take a bite, and the flavor of the soba and its refreshing spiciness will fill your mouth. Of course, chopsticks are provided, so don't worry
Inside the restaurant, skewered trout are grilled over an open hearth, allowing you to enjoy soba in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period!
Have you heard of walnut soba, a traditional dish from Ouchi-juku?
, made with green onions, is now famous,walnut sobahas been a popular dish in Ouchi-juku for generations. Here at Yamamotoya, their walnut soba is a popular specialty dish made with natural walnuts harvested in Aizu.
Every morning, the walnuts used that day are carefully ground and kneaded while adding water little by little to create a rich, flavorful walnut. Locally grown walnuts are very popular for their high oil content and rich, creamy taste!
Yamamotoya also sells grilled dumplings and trout in front of the store! The grilled dumplings are a specialty dish, generously smeared with homemade miso, and are even more delicious when eaten under the eaves of the thatched roof!
Ouchi-juku also hosts many seasonal events, making it a place you can enjoy throughout the year. Why not visit Ouchi-juku, a place where you can experience the scenery of the Edo period?
![corn](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30279069_m-150x150.jpg.webp "Enjoy Aomori's specialty "Takekimi"! Introducing delicious ways to eat it and restaurants where you can get soft shakes")
