A charming tourist spot with streetscapes featuring thatched-roof houses that evoke the Edo period.
Shimogo Town Ouchi-juku is an Edo-period post town located in Minami-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It flourished as an important post town on the Aizu Nishi Kaido and retains a strong atmosphere of its past, leading to its designation as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Along the approximately 450-meter-long street, thatched-roof houses stand side-by-side, creating a charming townscape. The scenery is so evocative that you might feel like you've stepped back in time. Preserving traditional lifestyles and culture, Ouchi-juku captivates not only history buffs but also a wide range of visitors. The charm of Ouchi-juku extends beyond its beautiful streetscape. In addition to its historical buildings, it carefully preserves traditional culture and ways of life. For example, "Takato soba," where you eat soba noodles using a scallion as chopsticks, is a unique culinary experience in Ouchi-juku. There are also spaces where you can view traditional household tools and irori (sunken hearths), offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there. When visiting Ouchi-juku, take your time to stroll through the town and immerse yourself in its history and culture. It's sure to create unforgettable memories.