Located in Fukushima Prefecture’s Minamiaizu district, Ouchi-juku played an essential role as a post station—a town where feudal lords and other travelers heading to Edo (Tokyo) could rest—during the Edo Period (1603–1868).

Even now, over 30 traditional thatched-roof houses line the old city street, presenting a memorable vestige of Japan’s past. In late autumn each year, Ouchi-juku follows a tradition of harvesting the pampas grass used to thatch the roofs, preserving their classical and eco-friendly roofs.