Ouchijuku

Ouchijuku (大内宿, Ōuchijuku), nestled in the mountains of Fukushima Prefecture, is a former Edo-period post town that once served travelers along the historic Aizu-Nishi Kaido route connecting Aizu and Nikko. During Japan’s feudal era, travelers were required to journey on foot, and Ouchijuku thrived as a rest stop offering meals, lodging, and supplies. Today, the village preserves its old-world charm with a wide, unpaved main street lined by thick thatched-roof houses. The absence of visible power lines and modern clutter allows visitors to experience the town much as it appeared centuries ago, surrounded by a landscape that changes beautifully with each season.

Wandering through Ouchijuku reveals family-run shops, rustic eateries, and traditional minshuku inns that welcome guests with local hospitality. The town’s specialty is hand-cut negisoba, soba noodles eaten with a green onion instead of chopsticks, and skewered river fish roasted over open charcoal fires. The former Honjin, once the official inn for government officials, now serves as a museum displaying Edo-period artifacts and furnishings. A climb to the temple overlooking the town rewards visitors with sweeping views, while a nearby cedar grove hides a quiet shrine with a rare purification fountain that reflects the tranquil spirit of the region.