Nestled in Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture, Ouchi-juku is a beautifully preserved post town that feels straight out of the Edo period. Among its striking streetscapes, Ogiya stands out with its magnificent thatched roof and over 300 years of history. The inn opened its doors in 1981, when the area was designated a historic preservation district, and has spent over 40 years welcoming travelers with genuine warmth.
We sat down with the Okami (the inn’s main hostess), a local icon whose vibrant energy leaves guests feeling completely refreshed, to talk about the inn’s journey, her focus on regional cuisine, and her deep love for the village.
Interviewer, Yohei Osaki (Left)
Okami, Kieko Asanuma (Right)
Honke Ogiya stands quietly in Ouchi-juku, Minami-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. The inn offers an enchanting experience that feels like stepping back into the Edo period, complete with traditional regional dishes served around a sunken hearth.
Keeping a 300 Year Old Tradition Alive
—To begin, could you tell us how Ogiya first started?
Okami: I married into this family when I was 19. Back then, we were part-time farmers and never imagined running an inn. The turning point came in 1981 when the town was selected for historic preservation. As visitors began to increase, I realized this was a perfect fit. I have always loved cleaning, cooking, and above all, I absolutely love people. I convinced my husband to let me remodel the house, and we opened the inn.
—The building itself has an incredible history, doesn’t it?
Okami: Yes, the house itself is over 300 years old. Maintaining Ouchi-juku is a real community effort. To protect these thatched roofs, the younger generation in the village have stepped up to learn the craft themselves, ensuring the traditional techniques are passed down. They put so much effort into protecting our village while running their own businesses, and I am incredibly grateful to them.
A Homemade Feast That Welcomes You Home
—I understand many regular guests look forward to your meals year after year.
Okami: We are fully committed to serving entirely handmade dishes using local ingredients you can only find right here. We never use prepackaged food. A typical dinner features over a dozen dishes, including salt-grilled river fish, wild mountain vegetables, horse sashimi, and Kozuyu, a traditional regional broth. Seeing our guests’ faces light up with excitement the moment the food hits the table is my greatest reward.
—It sounds like visiting your inn feels like returning to a family home.
Okami: It really does. Our most frequent visitors are repeat guests who walk in and say they are back. These days, my daughter has taken over the kitchen and works incredibly hard, so my role is to offer a bit of advice and chat with our guests about the history of Ouchi-juku while they eat. Our international guests love the food too.
Bringing Good Fortune and Smiles to the Community
—You have appeared in a lot of media over the years and are quite well known, aren’t you?
Okami: I have been fortunate enough to appear on television and in commercials. Guests often tell me that just talking with me gives them a real energy boost, and some have even kindly called me the village’s own good luck charm. But I don’t step into the spotlight for myself—it is entirely to share the beauty of Ouchi-juku with the world.
—Your dedication to the village is so clear.
Okami: After the old highway fell out of use long ago, this village went through a very poor and difficult era. I believe that hardship is exactly what nurtured our deep spirit of hospitality. I have no desire to succeed alone. My only wish is for all 48 households in Ouchi-juku to thrive, and for travelers to leave here feeling completely comforted and refreshed.
—Finally, do you have a message for those planning a visit?
Okami: Ouchi-juku offers scenery that looks like a postcard in every season. While the daytime bustle is wonderful, the quiet evenings and exceptionally clear air are a special privilege reserved only for overnight guests. We welcome everyone to come experience Ouchi-juku, and when you visit us, please feel free to say hello.
Sitting around the hearth beneath solid wooden beams that have stood for three centuries, the warm conversations at Ogiya offer a taste of an authentic Japanese hometown.
The Okami’s bright smile and the care poured into every dish gently ease the mind, giving travelers a wonderful sense of vitality for the journey ahead.
Interviewer: Yohei Osaki
Translation: Alyssa Rossi
HONKE OGIYA
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