🗺️ Ouchi-juku

🎨 Attraction Gallery

📝 Introduction

It retains the streetscape of the Edo period, making it a place where one can experience a journey through time and space.

📖 Details

Ouchi-juku has over 30 thatched-roof houses lined up in rows, preserving a strong atmosphere from the Edo period. This small town, which prospered about 400 years ago as a post town on the Aizu Nishi Kaido, is currently protected by the residents' charter of "no selling, no renting, no destruction." Thanks to the efforts of the residents, the local traditional landscape is maintained. This precious landscape has been designated as a National Important Traditional Building Group Preservation Area. Many of the houses also serve as shops, with restaurants offering the locally famous green onion soba, as well as dessert shops and souvenir stores. In addition to accommodations in cultural heritage buildings, there are facilities where visitors can experience painting the traditional Fukushima toy "Akaushi" (Red Bull), allowing for an in-depth engagement with the historical culture. The thatched roofs made from miscanthus grass have the characteristic of being warm in winter and cool in summer, but they are also highly flammable materials. Therefore, every year on September 1st, a water-spraying drill is held. The sight of water columns being sprayed into the sky from the front of each house along the street is quite spectacular. The area not only boasts beautiful seasonal scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, but also seasonal events such as tea ceremonies in June, the Hanjitsu Festival in July, and Bon Odori dances in August, so it's advisable to check these events before visiting.

⭐ Highlights

It retains the street scenery that flourished during the Edo period about 400 years ago. The thatched-roof buildings are now used as residences and storefronts (restaurants, souvenir shops) or accommodation facilities. It has been designated as an important national traditional building preservation area. Various activities are held in each season. The joint water release training held every year on September 1st is also worth seeing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you provide foreign language services? (If so, please let me know which languages are available.)

A: The staff do not speak foreign languages, but they have booklets available in English and Chinese.

Q: Is re-entry allowed?

A: Ouchi-juku Village is free to visit, and you can stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the year. Regarding parking, if you explain to the staff, you may be allowed to re-enter on the same day.

Q: Is there free Wi-Fi in this area?

A: Free Wi-Fi is available on the streets of Ōuchi-juku. Please inquire at the tourist service center on the street for the Wi-Fi password. Some restaurants and accommodations also offer free Wi-Fi.

Q: Is there a coin-operated locker?

A: The tourist service center building near the No. 1 parking lot in Ouchi-juku has coin-operated lockers (open without holidays).

Q: Is it open for visits in winter as well?

A: Ouchi-juku can be visited year-round for walking and enjoying the scenery. The tourist parking lot is open every day (during the day). Even in the early morning or at night when the parking lot is closed, you can freely park since it is not locked.

Q: What should I pay attention to when visiting in winter?

A: Ouchi-juku is not only a tourist destination but also has residents living there, so even in winter when it snows, you don't need to worry about snow accumulation on the national and prefectural roads. However, it is best to equip your vehicle with studless winter tires.