Relaxing in Onsen

Immerse in healing water and natural views with an onsen experience.
Since the Tohoku region has the most hot springs (onsen) per population of 100,000 people in Japan, it is known as an onsen paradise.

There are two onsen resort towns in Sendai, Akiu and Sakunami, both of which are just a 30 or 40 minute drive from downtown. You’ll be able to enjoy onsen even if you have limited time.
If you are ready to go further, you can find a lot of widely acclaimed hot springs and also many hidden gems in Tohoku, such as Naruko Onsen, a place with a traditional Japanese atmosphere located in the northernmost part of Miyagi Prefecture.
How about exploring Japan’s symbolic culture “onsen” starting with Sendai?

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① Akiu Onsen (Hot Spring)

Since ancient times, Akiu Onsen has been known as one of Japan’s three greatest hot springs. Legend has it that the Emperor of the Kofun era (531 – 570) soaked in these hot springs to treat a skin disease, and since then the historic place has been considered to be a hot spring used by the imperial family.

Access

Bus	55 minutes by bus from the west exit of JR Sendai Station (Miyagi Kotsu Bus bound for Akiu Onsen. Get off at the Akiu Onsen Yumoto stop) 30 minutes by bus from the west exit of JR Sendai Station (Sendai Seibu Liner bound for Kawasakimachi. Get off at the Akiu Sato Center stop)
Car/taxi	15 minutes by car from Sendai Minami IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

　

② Sakunami Onsen (Hot Spring)

Sakunami Onsen has been quoted as a hidden hot spring resort reserved for Sendai feudal lords since Edo era, .
Since opening in 1796, the hot spring has been frequented by various cultural figures.
The spring here is gentle on the skin, and is said to enhance the beauty of women.

Access

Bus	70 minutes by bus from the west exist of JR Sendai station (Sendai City Bus bound for Sakunami Onsen. Short walk from Sakunami Onsen Motoyu stop.)
Car/taxi	5 minutes by car from JR Sakunami Station on the JR Senzan Line. 30 minutes from Sendai Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

　

③ Naruko Onsen (Hot Spring)

Naruko Onsen is a hot spring resort at the northernmost tip of Miyagi Prefecture.
The variety of hot springs there is said to be one of the best in Japan.
Dating as far back as 837, it is said to have appeared upon the eruption of Mt. Gatayama. The onsen opened to the public around the middle of the Edo period, and since then it has been a popular hot spring known for its therapeutic qualities.

Access

Train	Right in front of JR Naruko Onsen Station on the JR Rikuu East Line.
Car/taxi	40 minutes by car from Furukawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

④Togatta Onsen

Since ancient times, Togatta Onsen has flourished as a historic hot spring town and a gateway for pilgrims climbing Mount Zao. Legend has it that these hot springs opened in 1601. The abundant, hot, brownish-iron waters are believed to treat neuralgia and muscle pain, and have long healed the bodies of many worshippers and travelers. It is also widely known as the birthplace of the traditional “Togatta Kokeshi” wooden dolls.

Access

Bus	70 minutes by highway bus from the west exit of JR Sendai Station (Miyagi Kotsu Bus bound for Togatta Onsen. Get off at the Togatta Onsen Yunomachi stop)
Car/taxi	25 minutes by car from Shiroishi IC or Murata IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

⑤Aone Onsen

Legend has it that Aone Onsen opened in 1528. This hot spring town is nestled in a serene environment surrounded by mountains. During the Edo period, it was designated as the “Gotenyu” (exclusive hot spring) for the Date clan, the lords of the Sendai Domain, and successive lords fondly stayed here. Known as a famous spring that treats headaches, it preserves a historic, calm atmosphere alongside its rich nature.

Access

Bus	70 minutes by highway bus from the west exit of JR Sendai Station (Miyagi Kotsu Bus bound for Togatta Onsen. Get off at the Togatta Onsen stop, then approx. 10 minutes by taxi)
Car/taxi	30 minutes by car from Shiroishi IC or Murata IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

⑥Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town where the nostalgic atmosphere of the Taisho Roman era remains strong. Multi-story wooden inns built from the Taisho to early Showa eras line both sides of the Ginzan River. The mystical scenery—with gas lamps lit at dusk and snowscapes blanketing the town in winter—captivates travelers from both Japan and abroad. The clear, colorless waters are effective for treating poor circulation and recovering from fatigue.

Access

Train/Bus	40 minutes by local bus (Obanazawa City Bus) from Oishida Station on the JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line (Get off at the Ginzan Onsen stop)
Car/taxi	45 minutes by car from Higashine IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway.

⑦Kaminoyama Onsen

Legend has it that Kaminoyama Onsen opened in 1458 when a monk discovered a crane healing its injured leg in the hot springs, earning it the nickname “Tsuru-no-yu” (Crane’s Spring). It flourished as a castle town for Kaminoyama Castle and as a post town, and samurai residences and public footbaths remain scattered throughout the area. Known for its mild, weakly alkaline waters, it is celebrated for promoting health and enhancing beautiful skin.

Access

Train	Get off at Kaminoyama-Onsen Station on the JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line, then a 5 to 10-minute walk or taxi ride to each hot spring area.
Car/taxi	10 minutes by car from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway.

⑧Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is an ancient hot spring with a history spanning over 1,900 years. Boasting some of the most strongly acidic (sulfur) waters in Japan, it has long been loved as a “Spring for Beautiful Women” and a “Spring for Children’s Healthy Growth” due to its effect of making skin smooth and fair. Surrounded by rich nature, it transforms into a mountain resort in winter where visitors can enjoy skiing and the world-famous “Snow Monsters” (frost-covered trees).

Access

Train/Bus	45 minutes by local bus (Yatoko Bus) from Yamagata Station on the JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line (Get off at the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal)
Car/taxi	20 minutes by car from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway.

⑨Iizaka Onsen

Iizaka Onsen is a historic hot spring town counted as one of the Three Famous Springs of Oshu. In 1689, the haiku master Matsuo Basho is said to have visited and enjoyed its waters. Traditional Japanese inns line the Surikami River, and the town is dotted with public baths, including “Sabako-yu,” Japan’s oldest wooden public bath house. The hot springs are characterized by their hot and smooth, refreshing waters.

Access

Train	Transfer to the Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line at Fukushima Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and ride for approx. 23 minutes (Get off at the terminal Iizaka-Onsen Station, a short walk from there)
Car/taxi	10 minutes by car from Fukushima-Iizaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway.