Ouchi-juku

【Ouchi-juku】A post town where the breath of the Edo period sleeps. The stunning thatched roofs and the temptation of 'negi soba'

Nestled quietly in the mountains of Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture, 'Ouchi-juku' flourished as a post town connecting Aizuwakamatsu and Nikko during the Edo period. Designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District by the national government in 1981, this area still features neatly lined thatched-roof houses that instantly transport visitors back in time.

■ A 'Japanese landscape' loved across the ages

Walking along the highway, the sound of clear water flowing through the irrigation channels and the colorful Japanese accessories lined up at the eaves delight the eyes.

• Walking through living history: The preserved houses are now bustling as souvenir shops selling traditional crafts and dining places surrounding warm irori.
• Breathtaking panorama: From a high point deep in the village, you can overlook the town of thatched roofs embraced by mountains. Its appearance, changing with the seasons, is truly like a painting.

■ A unique culinary experience: 'Specialty - negi soba'

If you visit Ouchi-juku, you absolutely cannot miss 'Takaoto soba (negi soba)', which is eaten using a single 'fresh green onion' as chopsticks.

• Amazing style: The experience of pulling soba with a green onion instead of chopsticks, occasionally nibbling on the onion as a condiment, becomes the best memory of your trip.
• Experience with all five senses: Enjoying a bowl while feeling the smell of smoke from the irori and breathing the same air as travelers from the Edo period is truly a moment of bliss.

History, breathtaking views, and food. Enjoy a journey through 'Beautiful Japan' at Ouchi-juku, where all of these elements come together and you can forget your daily life.