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?
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. |
