This is a post town that still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
I visited in January when it was covered in snow, and it was so magical and beautiful. Around 9 a.m. on a weekday, it was quiet and almost empty, which made for a peaceful experience.
If you follow the road, you'll find some stairs leading up to an observation deck where you can get a great photo of the whole Ouchi-juku area. Be careful in winter, though—the stairs can be covered in snow and sometimes you can't climb them.
The souvenir shops were really kind, offering hot tea and being very welcoming. I didn't have time to stop this time, but I remember the 'negi soba' I had on a previous visit was absolutely delicious!
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Ouchi-juku
The townscape which makes you feel like you had a time-trip back to the Edo Period.
4.07
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More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago. Today, the residents honor the three principles of their charter “Do not sell, rent or destroy” and strive to preserve the valuable traditional landscape, which is designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
Many homes are also used as shops which sell the local specialty, Green Onion Soba Noodles, sweets, souvenirs, etc. There are inns which are cultural properties or workshops to let you experience the historical culture, such as painting Akabeko, Fukushima’s original toy.
While the thatched roof made of Susuki (Japanese silver grass) keeps homes cool in summer and warm in winter, it is vulnerable to fire. To prevent the hazard, a watering drill is conducted in the whole town on September 1. The water shooting up high from each home along the road is quite a sight to see.
Cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage; sceneries are gorgeous throughout four seasons. Tea ceremony in June, the Hannatsu (Mid-Summer) Festival in July, Bon Dance in August and other events are held in different seasons. Check them out on the website before your visit.
Highlights
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The townscape still preserves the Edo-Period which was 400 years ago.
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Many thatched-roof homes are also used as restaurants, souvenir shops and inns.
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Designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
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Various events are held in different seasons.
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The town-wide watering drill conducted on September 1 is quite a sight to behold.
Photos
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The townscape makes you feel like you time-tripped to the Edo Period
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Homes are also used as restaurants and souvenir shops
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The watering drill
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Snow Festival is held in February
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The Hannatsu (Mid-Summer) Festival is said to have 800-year history
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)
A
There are no staff members who speak foreign languages. English and Chinese pamphlets are available.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A
The Ouchi-juku Village is free so there is no fee to enter. You are welcome to come and enjoy the views at any point all year. For re-entry into the parking lot, you should be able to re-enter same day if you tell the parking lot attendant.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Free Wi-Fi is available along the main street of Ouchi-juku. Please ask at the tourist information building for more details. All restaurants and lodgings have Wi-Fi available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
The Ouchi-juku No. 1 Parking Lot has a tourist information building with coin lockers inside (available to use all year around).
Q
Are you open during the winter season?
A
Ouchi-juku is a destination that is lived in by local people so you are able to stroll through and enjoy the view at any point during the year. The parking lot is always open (during the day). Even when the lot closes early or at night it isn’t locked so you should be able to park.
Q
Please tell me about directions in the winter season.
A
Ouchi-juku is a destination that is lived in by local people. The prefectural highway is plowed like any national highway. You should be able to visit if your car is furnished with studless tires.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are translated by AI.
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It really feels like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period—like being a time traveler!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 大内宿
- Postal Code
- 969-5207
- Address
- Ouchi, Shimogomachi, Minamiaizugun, Fukushima
- Telephone
- 0241-68-3611 (Ouchi-juku Tourism Association)
- Closed
- Open every day
- Hours
- 9:00am - around 4:00pm
- Directions
- From Aizu Railway’s Yunokami Onsen Station, drive 10 min.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)