All About Yunokami Onsen, Fukushima Prefecture (2nd Part) ~Yunokami is awesome~

ōuchi-juku

Established around 1640, this post town flourished as the third lodging station from Aizu Castle Town along the road connecting Aizu to Shimotsuke Province (present-day Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture).

It was an important route frequently used for sankin-kōtai—the “alternate attendance” system that required feudal lords (daimyo) to travel regularly to Edo—as well as for exchanges with other domains.

The street, lined with traditional thatched-roof buildings, transports visitors back several centuries, offering a glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period past.

 

Bunke Tamaya

Just steps from the entrance to Ōuchi-juku, this cozy café welcomes visitors inside a beautifully preserved thatched-roof house, built with timber from Aizuwakamatsu—perfect for soaking in the historic atmosphere. 🌿☕

 

From the old-fashioned cooking stove to the warm vintage lighting and retro furnishings, the nostalgic ambiance gently slows your heartbeat and makes time seem to pause. ✨

There’s a wide selection of sweets and drinks made with local specialties, making this the perfect place to take a break during your sightseeing.

With a variety of seating options—including outdoor terrace seats—you can even bring your pet and relax.

● The dark caramel topping has a rich, slightly bitter flavor and cracks with a satisfying snap♪
The smooth custard melts in your mouth, rich and creamy.
Even the bowl it’s served in is absolutely adorable. 🍮✨

▲Crème Brulee

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▲Bluebery Cheesecake

This cheesecake is a delightful balance between baked and rare styles, topped generously with blueberries from Minami-Aizu.

You can enjoy the pleasant tang of the cheese, while the texture remains creamy yet light. A perfectly refreshing treat. 🍰✨

▲Pumpkin Pudding
Made with red pumpkin from Kaneyama Town, this treat has a soft texture and a gentle, natural sweetness.
Even if you’re not usually a fan of pumpkin, it’s definitely worth a try♪ 🎃✨

 

ōuchi-juku Misawaya

Located near the entrance of Ōuchi-juku, this restaurant welcomes guests with stylish antique furniture that adds to its historic charm.

The spacious interior makes it a great choice for large groups as well.

The menu features a variety of dishes made with local specialties, including Takato Soba and a Sweetfish (Mego) Sandwich—perfect for enjoying regional flavors in a unique setting. 🍽️✨

▲ Takato Soba

Takato Soba—buckwheat noodles served with a whole green onion—is a signature specialty of Ōuchi-juku. Each restaurant adds its own unique touch to this traditional dish.

Here, the soba noodles are thin and topped with bonito flakes. The broth, mixed with grated daikon radish, is rich and flavorful with a pleasantly spicy kick.

In true Ōuchi-juku style, you use the long green onion instead of chopsticks to eat the noodles. Take a bite of the onion as you go to add an extra burst of sharpness and flavor. 🌿🍜✨

▲ Sweetfish (Mego) Sandwich

Freshly fried sweetfish (mego) is tucked into special house-made bread, along with crisp fresh vegetables and homemade tartar sauce.

The bread is made with egoma (perilla seeds), adding a subtle nutty flavor. The fish is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside♪

It’s a great takeaway option—perfect to enjoy while strolling and taking in the beautiful scenery. 🌿🐟✨

▲ Special Junmai Sake: “Secchu Momohime”

This premium junmai sake is crafted using groundwater pumped from 500 meters below the Misawaya site. The water is purified through a reverse osmosis process and used during brewing.

After bottling, any unwanted flavors (zatsumi) are carefully removed. The sake is then aged in snow for 100 days and further matured at a low temperature of –5°C. Only about 8,000 bottles are produced, making it a rare and special brew.

Smooth and pure like water, it glides effortlessly down your throat. Best enjoyed well chilled♪ 🍶✨

Ouchi-juku Misawaya

Address:
26-1 Yamamoto, Ouchi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture

Tel: +81-241-68-2927

Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

 

【Along the National Route121】
Country Kitchen Doronko

This cozy log cabin–style café restaurant is located along National Route 121, next to Kamamoto Kaizangama and across from the Shimogo-machi Bussankan.

Everything—from the plates to the burgers—is carefully handmade, and no additives are used. The dishes are prepared with a focus on natural cooking methods, including the use of far-infrared heat, which enhances flavor and tenderness.

The restaurant is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of smoke, making it hard to wait for your meal to arrive♪ 🍔🔥✨

▲ Bamboo Charcoal Burger Set

Served on handmade buns infused with bamboo charcoal, this burger is filled with crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, tartar sauce, and melted cheese.

The thick-cut bacon delivers a rich, smoky flavor, while a hint of spice adds a satisfying kick. The balance of ingredients is excellent, creating a perfectly harmonious taste♪

Enjoy the potato fries and coleslaw on the side as they are at first, then try adding the smoked soy sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

You can choose from three types of buns—White, Egoma (perilla seed), or Bamboo Charcoal. (All buns are dairy-free.)

For drinks, even the iced coffee is thoughtfully prepared—the ice cubes are made from coffee, so your drink never gets diluted. With its smooth and refreshing taste, even those who usually need syrup or milk may find themselves enjoying it black! ☕🍔✨

Country Kitchen Doronko

Address:
3299-1 Michiue, Yagoshima, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture

Tel: +81-241-69-1065

Business Hours:
Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Wednesdays
(Please note there may be additional irregular holidays.)

Visited in September 2018.

 

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