Ouchi-juku

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Ouchi-juku

The townscape which makes you feel like you had a time-trip back to the Edo Period.

3.46 11

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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

  • The townscape still preserves the Edo-Period which was 400 years ago.
  • Many thatched-roof homes are also used as restaurants, souvenir shops and inns.
  • Designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
  • Various events are held in different seasons.
  • The town-wide watering drill conducted on September 1 is quite a sight to behold.

Photos

  • The townscape makes you feel like you time-tripped to the Edo Period

    The townscape makes you feel like you time-tripped to the Edo Period

  • Homes are also used as restaurants and souvenir shops

    Homes are also used as restaurants and souvenir shops

  • The watering drill

    The watering drill

  • Snow Festival is held in February

    Snow Festival is held in February

  • The Hannatsu (Mid-Summer) Festival is said to have 800-year history

    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

11

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    In early summer, I finally visited Ouchi-juku, a place I had long dreamed of seeing, on my own. There weren't many people early in the morning, so I climbed the hillside to look out over the street. These well-preserved gassho-style buildings were truly breathtaking!
    Back on the “main street,” I strolled around at a leisurely pace. An elderly woman selling wild vegetables shyly smiled as she introduced me to her fresh produce. She also calmly told me that she had encountered a black bear while gathering wild vegetables in the mountains early that morning! I asked if I could sell vegetables with her, and she laughed and said yes! I fell in love with Ouchi-juku and with this optimistic, cheerful, and healthy woman!

  • See More

    When visiting Fukushima, you can’t miss Ouchi-juku, a historic old village. Walking among the neatly lined-up thatched-roof houses feels like traveling back in time to the Edo period. Without the hustle and bustle of the city, the old street has a peaceful, simple atmosphere. Strolling through it slowly is truly relaxing.

    Looking down from above, you can see the thatched roofs lined up along the entire street. The scenery looks like an old Japanese painting, and every photo has a distinctive charm. Of course, when visiting Ouchi-juku, you should also try its unique Takato soba! Eating soba with a whole green onion instead of chopsticks was a novel and fun experience for me, and the soba was also quite delicious. It’s a local specialty well worth trying while you’re here.

    As you stroll along the old street and look at the traditional buildings that have been preserved to this day, you can also sense the simple, warm way of life of the local residents. This is more than just a tourist attraction—it feels like a chance to slow down and get away from the bustle of the city.

    If you enjoy traditional Japanese streetscapes and nostalgic atmospheres, be sure to include Ouchi-juku in your Fukushima itinerary and experience the charm of this old village for yourself.

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    Ouchi-juku feels like stepping right into the Edo period. The whole street is lined with thatched-roof houses and charming old-fashioned scenery. Walking through it feels like traveling back in time, and every corner has so much character and is perfect for photos.
    Unfortunately, we arrived too late this time, and most of the shops had already closed, so I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to try the local food. Still, with fewer crowds, I was able to capture the quiet beauty of this old village, which became a lovely memory in its own way.
    Next time, I’ll definitely come earlier and take my time exploring!

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    Coming here in winter is unbelievably beautiful. The whole Ouchi-juku is covered in snow, and the thatched-roof houses with the snowy scenery have so much charm.
    Every photo looks like a postcard.

  • See More

    It felt like visiting Shirakawa-go.
    Just as beautiful, with a slightly ghostly vibe.

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)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa