During the Edo period (1603-1867) Ouchi-Juku was a post town that served travelers. Many of the buildings have been preserved from this time, providing visitors with an authentic time travel experience to one of Japan's most culturally rich periods.
Ouchi-Juku is best accessed by bus or taxi from Yonokami Onsen Station.
From Tokyo, it is about two and a half hours by shinkansen to Aizu Wakamatsu Station. From here, take a train to Yonokami Onsen Station and then a taxi or a bus — which is only available from April to November — to Ouchi-Juku. The bus runs about once an hour and takes 20 minutes, only slightly longer than a taxi.
Ouchi-Juku connects Aizu and Nikko
Ouchi-Juku is filled with buildings that are over 300 years old, with traditional thatched roofs and streets with running water to either side. At the end of the main road is a short but steep set of stairs that leads to a temple. From the temple you can see a beautiful panoramic view of Ouchi-Juku in its exquisite mountain setting.
Feudal lords had to make regular trips to Edo city and would pass through Ouchi-Juku along the way as part of the Shimotsuke Kaido route. This was one of the most popular routes for travelling to Edo city until the Meiji period (1868-1912), when a new national route was opened.
There is a local myth that Prince Mochihito lived in hiding in Ouchi-Juku during the Heian Period (794-1185) after losing a battle. The town has a shrine dedicated to Prince Mochihito.
Ouchi-Juku has several annual festivals, including one on the second weekend of February for the Ouchi-Juku Snow Festival, and the Hange Mid-Summer Festival in July.
If you ask a local when the best time to visit is, they will have a hard time deciding between the beautiful wintery scenery, the blossoming cherry trees in spring, or the refreshing summers.
Ouchi-Juku is famous for handmade soba noodles. However, instead of chopsticks, you are given a leek to use as cutlery. You'll also see many char fish roasting over an open fire, another local specialty.
For a closer look at the Edo period lifestyle, stop by the Machinami Tenjikan Town Exhibition Pavilion. Located in the center of the main street, this building used to be an inn used by lords passing through on their way to Edo city. There are Edo period tools, an authentic interior, and various historical artifacts on display.
On the way to Ouchi-Juku is Yonokami Onsen, where you can enjoy Japanese hot springs and an open-air footbath.