Ouchi-juku (大内宿)
A Historic Edo-Period Post Town in Fukushima Prefecture
Ouchi-juku is a beautifully preserved post town located in Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture, in northern Japan. Once part of the important Aizu Nishi Kaido trade route during the Edo Period (1603–1868), the town is famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses and old-world charm.
🏘️ Step Back in Time
-
Ouchi-juku feels like an open-air museum, with dozens of thatched-roof buildings lining a wide, unpaved street.
-
The architecture and townscape have remained largely unchanged since the Edo Period.
-
Power lines and modern buildings are hidden or minimized to preserve the historical ambiance.
🍜 Local Delicacies
-
The town is known for “Negi Soba” (ねぎそば) — soba noodles eaten with a giant green onion (negi) instead of chopsticks! It's a fun and unique culinary experience.
-
Other local specialties include grilled fish on skewers, mochi, and traditional sweets.
🏔️ Scenic Surroundings
-
Ouchi-juku is nestled in the mountains, surrounded by forests and rivers.
-
It’s especially beautiful in:
-
❄️ Winter, when snow covers the rooftops
-
🍁 Autumn, with colorful leaves all around
-
🌸 Spring, when cherry blossoms bloom
-
☀️ Summer, with lush green scenery and local festivals
-
🎎 Traditional Events
-
Every February, the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival is held. The town glows with candles and lanterns in the snow, and visitors enjoy fireworks, traditional dances, and sake.
-
Local people sometimes dress in samurai or kimono-style attire for events and tourism promotion.
🚗 Access
-
From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take a train to Yunokami Onsen Station, then ride a bus or taxi (about 15–20 minutes) to Ouchi-juku.
-
The journey itself offers great countryside views and a break from city life.
📸 Great Photo Spot
-
For the best panoramic view, walk up the small hill at the end of the street to the Ouchi-juku Viewpoint.
-
It's the perfect place for photos of the entire village, especially with the mountain backdrop.
🧳 Why Visit Ouchi-juku?
-
A rare chance to experience life as it was in old Japan
-
A quiet, atmospheric escape from modern cities
-
Ideal for lovers of history, traditional architecture, and Japanese culture
Ouchi-juku offers a peaceful, immersive look into Japan’s Edo-period past — perfect for anyone seeking authenticity, tradition, and natural beauty all in one charming village.
Official Website
https://fukushima.travel/destination/ouchi-juku/11
Accommodation sites
Agoda
 A Historic Edo-Period Post Town in Fukushima Prefecture Ouchi-juku is a beautifully){kind=link}