basic information

Ouchijuku is a former post town along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route, which connected Aizu with Nikko during the Edo Period. Restrictions set by the shogunate required travelers to make their long journeys on foot and as a result, post towns developed along the routes to provide travelers with food, accommodations and rest.

Today, Ouchijuku has been restored to look as it did in the Edo Period with telephone and electricity wires buried. The unpaved main street is lined by thick thatched roof buildings, which house a variety of shops, restaurants and minshuku (small traditional Japanese inns). Soba noodles and locally caught char fish roasted on sticks are popular specialties.

Shrine off Ouchijuku's main street

Ouchijuku's Former Honjin

Ouchijuku's former Honjin, the principle inn, where important government officials could spend the night, is also located along the main street and open to the public as a museum. It offers visitors an example of elegant, traditional housing interior of the Edo Period and includes a collection of dishes, clothing and other artifacts.

Also of note is Ouchijuku's shrine and temple. The temple is located at the end of the main street up a steep set of stairs. Visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the main street and its surroundings. A five minute walk off the main road stands a quiet shrine, set back in a patch of cedar trees. Its pleasant atmosphere and unique purification fountain make for a nice visit.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Ouchijuku is located in Shimogo Town, about 20 kilometers south of Aizu. The nearest station is Yunokami Onsen on the Aizu Railroad Line, from where Ouchijuku can be reached in a 15 minute taxi ride. The train journey from Aizu Wakamatsu Station to Yunokami Onsen Station takes 35 minutes and costs 1000 yen (not covered by the Japan Rail Pass). There is about one train per hour.

How to get to and around Aizu

hours and fees

Ouchijuku Former Honjin
Hours:	9:00 to 16:30
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	250 yen

travel community

Popularity of Ouchijuku:
Users who have been to Aizu: 60
Users who have been to Ouchijuku: 8

8th of 9 most visited sights in Aizu.
479th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Ouchijuku:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating:	n/a	insufficient data

User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

japanese links