Sendai Akiu Onsen
Akiu Onsen has a history that goes back to around 531-570 AD, when it was already known as a famous hot spring. It is considered one of Japan’s “Three Great Hot Springs.” It is said that Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai area, also enjoyed the hot spring water of Akiu. There are currently 14 hot spring inns available to stay in.
By Train
Take the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station to Ayashi Station (approximately 30 minutes). Then, take the Sendai City Bus and get off at the Akiu Onsen Bus stop (approximately 15 minutes).
By Bus
Take the Miyagi Kotsu Bus or Seibu Liner from Sendai Station and get off at the Akiu Onsen bus stop (approximately 40 minutes).
By Car
Take the National Route 48 from Sendai Miyagi IC (approximately 30 minutes).
For Walking (On Foot)
Some ryokans (traditional inns) and hotels in Sendai Akiu Onsen Area offer a free shuttle service from Sendai Station. Let’s head to the Akiu area by taking a bus from the East Exit of Sendai Station!
After checking into your hotel, first go to Rairaikyo Gorge. You can enjoy walking through the beautiful naturally created gorge. The “Heart Rock” at the entrance is also popular as a sacred place for lovers.
Enjoy wine and craft beer made with Akiu water at a winery or brewery. You can also take a peek into the factory through the viewing windows.
If traditional craft interests you, why not take a stroll to the Akiu Craft Village?
For Driving (By Car)
On the way to the Akiu area, why not stop at the Sendai City Astronomical Observatory? The “Hitomi Telescope” with a 1.3-meter aperture, the exhibition rooms that boasts one of the largest telescopes of its kind in Japan for an astronomy museum, and “Earth Candy” souvenirs are popular.
Head to Akiu Otaki Falls, which is selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. The falls are especially beautiful from April to June when the leaves are at their greenest and from October to November of the autumn foliage season. If you’re feeling energetic, consider making your way down to the waterfall basin, we recommend descending to the basin of the waterfall.
Head to Akiu Shrine (Akiu Jinja), the shrine to the god of victory. This spot became popular after Yuzuru Hanyu visited, and it attracts many fans and people active in sports.
For your enjoyment, follow the valley along the Akiu hot spring area to “Rairaikyo Gorge”. You can hike along the beautiful river and enjoy the natural scenery created by the gorge. The “Heart Rock,” a hidden heart-shaped treasure, is popular as a sacred place for lovers.
At the “Akiu Craft Park (Akiu Kōgei no Sato),” you can experience painting traditional Japanese kokeshi dolls, or urushi (lacquer) painting on wooden bowls, and more at the artisan workshops.
Must-Visit Spots
The popular hot spring destination “Akiu” is located close to the center of Sendai, and the Akiu area is filled with attractions beyond just hot springs, including nature, traditional crafts, gourmet food, wineries, and breweries.
First, let’s head to the “Akiu Otaki Falls,” which is selected as one of the three best waterfalls in Japan. The scenery is particularly beautiful during the fresh green season and the autumn foliage. For those confident in their physical abilities, we recommend descending to the base of the waterfall, where visitors can look up and feel its greatness, as well as the spray of water and its negative ions.
The “Akiu Shrine,” known for its deity of competition, has become a popular spot after being visited by figure skater #YuzuruHANYU, attracting many fans and visitors affiliated with sports.
The “Rairaikyo Gorge,” which runs along the Natori River in the hot spring area, offers a walking path where visitors can enjoy the sound of the flowing river and the beautiful gorge created by nature. Also, the “Heart Rock,” which has a heart-shaped mark, is popular as a special place for lovers.
At “Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Traditional Craft Village),” visitors can experience activities such as painting kokeshi dolls and lacquer coating chopsticks in the Sendai tansu (chest of drawers) workshop.
