Ochiai-juku Honjin Site

Visit Ochiai-juku Honjin on Open Days

The Ochiai-juku Honjin is best visited on Sundays or public holidays from March to November. During this period, the Honjin is open to the public, and visitors can go inside through the main gate. You can also join a volunteer-guided tour for explanations about the building and its history.

The Only Surviving Honjin in Gifu Prefecture

Among the 17 post towns of the Nakasendo Trail in Gifu Prefecture, this Honjin is the only one that still stands today. It is a large and luxurious example of Edo-period architecture. A guided tour lasting 15–30 minutes is offered by volunteers, making it a very valuable and satisfying experience for visitors.

Supporting Edo’s Travel System

In Japan, a Honjin was the central inn in the Edo-period post town system, symbolizing both status and function. Ochiai-juku was at the entrance to the Kiso region, and its Honjin served as an important rest stop for feudal lords traveling to Edo (sankin-kotai) and other important travelers. By hosting them, the Honjin helped support the shogunate’s transportation and governance system.

This Honjin is also one of the rare Edo-period post town inns that still exist today. Visitors interested in history or architecture can see the building’s original features up close.

Getting There

Take the Kitena Kotsu bus from JR Nakatsugawa Station toward Ochiai/Magome, and get off at the Ochiai bus stop. From the bus stop, it is about a 5-minute walk to Ochiai-juku Honjin.

Google Map
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