Ouchi-juku

During the Edo period, Ouchi-juku operated as a lodging town for travelers making their way to and from Tokyo (known as Edo at the time). It is situated on what once was the Aizu Nishi Kaido, a highway that was constructed to connect important areas in the Tohoku region. Even today, many of the buildings in Ouchi-juku have been preserved in the same condition as they were before the Meiji Restoration, and the town retains an atmosphere of the past. It has also been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Today, the town is known as a popular tourist destination. Particularly popular is the Snow Festival held in February, when the town is decorated and lit by the soft light of lanterns. Ouchi-juku is also famous for its soba noodles, which are eaten using a long green onion instead of chopsticks.