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| Ouchi-juku is located in Ouchi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture, and around Kan'ei 20 (1643) in the Edo period it flourished as a "half-farming, half-inn" post town on the Aizu Nishi Kaido. Today, it is a tourist destination with thatched-roof houses lined along the highway. In 1981 (Showa 56) it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and as one of Fukushima Prefecture's representative tourist spots, it bustles every day with many visitors from across Japan and overseas. |
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Ouchi-juku Townscape Exhibition Hall |
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| In 1984 (Showa 59) it was reconstructed on the former site of the honjin in Ouchi-juku as the Ouchi-juku Townscape Exhibition Hall. It features a lord's exclusive entrance (norikomi), an upper chamber (jodan-no-ma), a bath, and a latrine, and together with the solid dignity of its thatched roof, it vividly recreates the atmosphere of the time. Inside, there are exhibits on thatched roofing and old folk implements. |
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Ouchi-juku Observation Deck |
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| This is an observation deck on a small hill at the very back of Ouchi-juku. Called Yudonosan, it enshrines and is dedicated to "Koyasu Kannon," believed to grant blessings for conception, safe childbirth, and childrearing, and to "Benzaiten," a goddess who brings wealth. |
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Takakura Shrine |
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Takakura Shrine lies beyond the torii gate standing along the street of Ouchi-juku.
In the main sanctuary, Prince Mochihito of Takakura-no-miya, who rose in revolt against Taira no Kiyomori, is enshrined as Takakura Daimyojin; on May 18, Meiji 3 (1870) it was renamed Takakura Shrine, and even now it is revered as the village's guardian deity.
Every year, a festival honoring the prince is held on Hangesho, the day that marks half the year (Hangesho Festival). |
