Ohara-juku

Ohara-juku is a post town in the Mimasaka valley consisting of roughly 30 wooden buildings with tiled roofs elevated from the ground along an ancient trade route. The houses feature sliding doors and multiple levels that follow the slope of the land.

The settlement developed during the Edo period as a rest point for travelers journeying between Kyoto and Edo. Its importance came from its location on the sankin-kotai route, where regional lords and their entourages passed regularly.

The street displays traditional craftsmanship in its construction, reflecting local building techniques particular to this region. You notice details like wooden carvings and window designs throughout, showing how people once worked and lived here.

The village is best explored on foot, walking up the main street and spending time in the various buildings throughout. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the ground is hilly and some surfaces have uneven features.

Many of the buildings are still inhabited today and used as residences or small shops, not just museums. This gives the place a lived-in feeling and shows how the community continues here.