Shimogō Town | Main Tourist Area | Thread of Travel

Shimogō Town

Shimogō Town

Shimogo Town is an enchanting place where magnificent natural landscapes harmonize with significant historical heritage.
It is the perfect place to experience history at 'Ouchi-juku', which has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and 'Tō no Hetsuri', where you can witness the grandeur of a gorge shaped by the river over a million years.
Additionally, there is an abundance of local specialties such as apples and buckwheat produced by the rich land.
This town is ideal for touching history, being healed by breathtaking views, and tasting delicious food.

Attractions of History and Culture

Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku, located in the mountains of Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture, is a preserved post town from the Edo period, selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
It thrived as an important highway, the Aizu Nishi Kaido, connecting Aizuwakamatsu and Shimotsuke Imaichi during the Edo period.
On both sides of the approximately 450m long residential area, thatched-roof houses stand in a row.
To preserve the landscape, the residents have united to uphold the three principles of 'not selling, not renting, and not destroying'.

Source: ⒸFukushima Prefectural Tourism and Local Products Association

Tō no Hetsuri

Tō no Hetsuri

A magnificent gorge created by nature, designated as a national natural monument.
The term 'Hetsuri' in 'Tō no Hetsuri' is a dialect meaning 'cliff by the coast' or 'steep slope along the river'.
For about a million years, the fierce currents of the Agagawa (Ōkawa) have continued to erode the riverbanks and bedrock, and the weathering caused by wind and rain has left behind hard parts while soft parts have been worn away.
As a result, a unique landscape has formed, with strange rocks resembling towers stretching over more than 1km.

Source: ⒸFukushima Prefectural Tourism and Local Products Association

Gourmet

Masu Burger

Masu Burger

A hamburger featuring fried trout as the main ingredient.
It is famous for using bread kneaded with perilla (shiso).
There are multiple variations of sauces, including salsa sauce and tartar sauce, allowing you to enjoy it according to your mood.
The trout is plump, and the crispy coating pairs perfectly with it.

Source: Shimogo Town

Activities and Experiences

Minatogawa-ya

At Minatogawa-ya, you can experience 'painting the Akabeko' and 'painting the Okiagari Koboshi'.
You can freely paint or draw patterns on a white base 'Akabeko' or 'Okiagari Koboshi' using water-based acrylic paints, creating a unique local toy.
Once the painting is finished, you can take your work home the same day, making it a perfect souvenir or travel memento.

Tenshō Kiln

A pottery studio located near Kannonnuma Forest Park.
You can experience pottery making and purchase works on display.
In the pottery experience, you can choose from three courses, including one that uses an electric potter's wheel, making it an enjoyable experience even for beginners.

Sake Brewery

Sekichu Momohime

Although there are no sake breweries in Shimogo Town, there is a sake that can only be purchased in Ouchi-juku.
Sekichu Momohime can be bought at "Misawaya" in Ouchi-juku.
This sake is aged for 100 days in the deep snow of Ouchi-juku during winter, resulting in a mellow and special flavor that is very popular as a souvenir.

Nature and Hot Springs

Senshin-tei (洗心亭)

Senshin-tei (洗心亭)

Famous as a "hot spring in the forest," the view from the outdoor bath is breathtaking.
It is a 100% natural hot spring with free-flowing spring water.
Another highlight is its good access to tourist attractions like "Ouchi-juku" and "Tō no Hetsuri."

Source: Shimogo Town

Azaki Daikon Flower Field

Azaki Daikon Flower Field

Unlike the typical white daikon flower, its greatest charm lies in the beauty of the pale purple carpet that spreads across the area.
Unlike the neatly maintained flower beds for tourism, it has a beauty reminiscent of the original landscape.
Despite its appearance, the Azaki daikon is also known for its intense spiciness, which is one of its attractions.

Source: Shimogo Town

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