If you want to enjoy onsen near Sendai, Akiu Onsen (秋保温泉) has to be the top choice. Not only is this one of the top three hot spring towns in northeastern Japan, but two past Japanese emperors also loved it. This was how it earned the title of Nihon San Miyu (日本三御湯), a name bestowed on only three onsen towns by Emperor Juntoku (順徳天皇) in the early 13th century!
Akiu Onsen’s Legend
Like most hot spring locations in Japan, Akiu Onsen has its legend.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl who fell down the Rairaikyō Gorge (磊々峡) with a cow that had a large amount of salt on its back. Seeing the scene, the villagers desperately searched for the girl. While the girl and the cow were never found, they discovered a miraculous spring containing a large amount of salt instead.
The villagers thus concluded that the girl must be the god of the hot spring there.
The impressive medicinal effects of Akiu Onsen were first brought to the attention of the entire country when Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇) ruled the country. At the time, to cure the emperor’s skin disease, the water of the hot spring was brought to the imperial palace. It is said that the emperor recovered soon after. Emperor Kinmei thus gave the hot spring a title, Natori no Miyu (名取の御湯).
During the Sengoku period, the famous feudal lord Date Masamune also regularly visited Akiu Onsen to relieve his weariness.
So if you want to indulge in the hot spring endorsed by many previous leaders in Japan, below is a list of attractions you can visit during your time in Akiu Onsen!
The Best Places to Visit in Akiu Onsen
- Akiu Village Agrie no Mori (秋保ヴィレッジ アグリエの森)
- Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum (仙台万華鏡美術館)
- Akiu Sato Center (秋保･里センター)
- Rairaikyō Gorge (磊々峡)
- Akiu Traditional Craft Village (秋保工芸の里)
- Supermarket Saichi (主婦の店 さいち)
- Tenshukaku Natural Park (天守閣自然公園)
- Akiu Shrine (秋保神社)
- Ōta Tofu Shop (太田とうふ店)
- Jigenji Temple (慈眼寺)
- Akiu Ōtaki Fall (秋保大滝)
- Saikōji Temple (西光寺)
- Akiu Ōtaki Botanical Garden (秋保大滝植物園)
- Futakuchi Gorge (二口峡谷)
Tips:
☛ Print out THIS COUPON that can be used at the facilities in Akiu Onsen.If the link has expired, a new link should be available HERE. If you don’t read Japanese, you can simply hand the coupon to the staff to see if it’s valid at one of the facilities that offer discounts.
☛ Akiusha (アキウ舎) is where you can have a vegan lunch at Akiu Onsen.
How to Get to Akiu Onsen
There are a few ways to get to Akiu Onsen from JR Sendai Station.
The Japanese timetable can be found HERE. You can translate the webpage using Google Chrome’s translation function to the right of the address bar.
By Direct Bus: Miyagi Kōtsū’s (宮城交通) Akiu Line (秋保線)
- From JR Sendai Station’s bus stop no. 8, take Miyagi Kōtsū’s bus bound for Akiu Onsen (秋保温泉).
- The bus trip will take around 50 minutes.
- A one-way trip costs:
- 860 yen to Akiu Onsen Yumoto
- 1,150 yen to Akiu Ōtaki Falls
Important: The service terminates at Akiu Onsen Yumoto (秋保温泉湯元) on weekdays. So if you want to go to Akiu Ōtaki Falls (Akiu Great Falls) or Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) directly from Sendai Station, you will need to change for Sendai City Bus’s Futaguchi (二口) or Nojirimachi-kita (野尻町北) at Akiu Onsen Yumoto.
By JR Train + Sendai City Bus (仙台市営バス)
- From JR Sendai Station, take the train to JR Ayashi Station (愛子駅).
- From JR Ayashi Station’s (愛子駅) bus stop no. 2, take Sendai City Bus (仙台市営バス) bound for Futakuchi (二口) or Akiu Onsen (秋保温泉) or Nojirimachi-kita (野尻町北) or Kaminohara (上ノ原).
Important: If you want to go to Akiu Ōtaki Falls (Akiu Great Falls) or Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) directly from Sendai Station, take services bound for either Futakuchi (二口) or Nojirimachi-kita (野尻町北).
By Direct Bus: Takeya Kōtsū’s (タケヤ交通) Sendai Western Line (西部ライナー)
- From JR Sendai Station’s bus stop no. 63, take Takeya Kōtsū’s Akiu, Kawassaki, Sendai Western Line (秋保･川崎 仙台西部ライナー) and get off at Akiu Sato Center (秋保・里センター).
- The bus trip will take around 40 minutes.
- Refer to HERE for the service’s timetable.
- A one-way trip costs 900 yen (450 yen for children) to Akiu Onsen Yumoto.
Important: The service doesn’t stop at Akiu Ōtaki Falls (Akiu Great Falls) or Akiu Shrine (秋保神社).
Ryokans and Hotels in Akiu Onsen that Can Cater to Vegan/Vegetarian Dietary Requirements
Given the number of awesome attractions in the hot spring town, staying overnight at Akiu Onsen is recommended. If you have special dietary requirements like ours, below is a list of accommodation providers that can cater to them.
- Oshu Akiu Onsen Rantei (奥州秋保温泉 蘭亭)
- Hotel New Mitoya (ホテルニュー水戸屋)
- Akiu Resort Hotel Crescent (秋保リゾート ホテルクレセント)
Akiu Village Agrie no Mori (秋保ヴィレッジ アグリエの森)
The best place to buy fresh, affordable, organic local produce and specialties in the hot spring town is probably Akiu Village Agrie no Mori. Not just Sendai but many of Miyagi Prefecture’s craftworks and specialties can also be found in the souvenir shop.
The facility isn’t just a farmer’s market but also has a food court with many tasty and interesting menu items. The foot spa there is great for when it is cold outside or when your feet are worn out from a day of exploration.
When the season is right, you will also want to head to the Akiu Village Garden next door for the gorgeous flowers (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Tips:
☛ For local specialties, check with the staff to see if they have samples you can taste before purchasing.
☛ Refer to our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article for phrases you can use to order vegetarian/vegan dishes.
☛ If you are accompanying young children, there is a playground for them to burn off their energy.
Akiu Agrie no Mori’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Akiu Agrie no Mori is open from
- 9 am to 6 pm from March to November
- 9 am to 5 pm from December to February (closed on the 1st of January)
- If you plan to take a bus, please get off at Nakachi (中谷地).
Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum (仙台万華鏡美術館)
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into a world of shifting colors and intricate patterns at the Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum. The unique destination is one of the few museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the art of the kaleidoscope. Experience the magic firsthand with hands-on activities and kaleidoscope-making workshops. In the Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum, you can even be a part of the artwork!
For more information, refer to our article on Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum!
Akiu Sato Center (秋保･里センター)
A facility in Akiu Onsen offering a free foot spa is the Akiu Sato Center. The tourist information centre is conveniently located near one of the village’s main attractions, Rairaikyō Gorge. Besides providing sightseeing information in the area, the Akiu Sato Center has some useful services you might want to utilize.
- Free coin-operated lockers from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
- 100 yen is required to operate it. You will get your money back after the key is returned.
- Free rental bicycle from 9:30 am to 5 pm from April to November.
- Bicycles must be rented by 4 pm.
- A 1,000 yen deposit is required.
- The service is unavailable on rainy days.
- Only adult bicycles are available to rent.
- From 11 am to 4 pm on weekends and public holidays from April to November, the foot spa outside of Akiu Sato Center, Jūeemon no Yu (寿右ェ門の湯), is free for anyone to use.
- While in Japanese, the notice board tells you the spring source of the foot spa of the day. We have this free facility to enjoy thanks to various ryokans and hotels in Akiu Onsen!
The information center is also a local museum.
At the museum corner, you will find artworks by craftsmen based in Akiu, models of Akiu Dentetsu train carriages (秋保電鉄), and dioramas that showcase the World Intangible Cultural Heritage, Akiu’s rice planting dance (秋保の田植踊).
Akiu Sato Center’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Akiu Sato Center is open from
- 9 am to 6 pm
- 9 am to 5 pm from the 31st of December to the 3rd of January
- If you plan to take a bus, please get off at Akiu Sato Center (秋保・里センター).
Rairaikyō Gorge (磊々峡)
The Rairaikyō Gorge is the natural highlight in Akiu Onsen. Carved by the Natori River over thousands of years, the scenic gorge offers visitors a scenic walking path, where you can admire dramatic rock formations, lush greenery, and the famously clear river. Moreover, the Nozokibashi Bridge at the trailhead is a must-visit spot for couples!
For more information, refer to our article on Rairaikyo Gorge!
Akiu Traditional Craft Village (秋保工芸の里)
If browsing through the traditional crafts is your favorite thing to do when visiting Japan, the Akiu Traditional Craft Village is the perfect place to stop by during your time at Akiu Onsen.
The small village comprises nine workshops specializing in one traditional craft, including tea utensils, Kokeshi Dolls, and dyeing and weaving. It is your chance to see the amazing skills of the traditional craftsmen up close!
While the prices of the craftworks on sale are often steep, there is no harm in just browsing the artisans’ beautiful works.
If you can speak Japanese or will be accompanied by an interpreter, make a reservation with one of the craft-making workshops to fully enjoy what the village can offer!
- Refer to HERE for a list of workshops in the village and their details (in Japanese only).
- Refer to HERE for the village map (in Japanese only).
Akiu Traditional Craft Village’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- The business hours of each workshop differ. But most of them are open between 9 am and 5 pm.
- If you plan to take Takeya Kōtsū’s bus services, get off at Akiu Kōgei no Sato (秋保工芸の里).
- If you plan to take either Miyagi Kōtsū or Sendai City Bus, get off at Akiu Onsen Yumoto (秋保温泉湯元). The village is about a 15-20-minute walk away (some hilly roads involved).
Supermarket Saichi (主婦の店 さいち)
Around a 5-minute walk from Akiu Sato Center, there is a very ordinary-looking supermarket renowned for its Ohagi (おはぎ). The traditional dessert is so famous here that a queue is usually formed outside of the supermarket, especially in the morning.
Ohagi is a sticky rice cake coated with sweetened red beans, soybean powder, or sesame. While Ohagi can be found almost everywhere in Japan, not all shops can sell more than 10,000 Ohagi daily, even on a weekday. The traditional dessert is so famous that it has been featured on a Japanese TV program.
Although you might have a really sweet image of the red bean paste in Japan, the red bean paste at Saichi is made with less sugar. So even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you should be able to enjoy this rice cake that can attract a queue at 11 am on a Wednesday!
The Ohagi is sold at the supermarket’s side dishes corner. The side dishes sold here vary daily, depending on the person in charge that day. So the taste of the dishes just isn’t the same as those from the supermarkets in big cities (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Of course, no preservatives are added to the Ohagi or the side dishes!
If you need a spot to sit down and enjoy the Ohagi, there are benches at Akiu Sato Center.
Tips:
☛ You can now get Saichi’s Ohagi from the shop called Tōhoku-meguri Irotoiro (東北めぐり いろといろ) S-PAL Sendai Main Building’s 2nd floor (エスパル東館) from 10 am until sold out from Thursday to Saturday.
☛ The queue is usually the longest between 9 and 10 am. As Ohagi is made throughout the morning, there are usually plenty of stocks. So, visit Supermarket Saichi later during the day to avoid long queues. Obviously, don’t leave it to the last minute.
☛ The kinako (soybean powder) and black sesame flavors are highly recommended.
Our Visit to Supermarket Saichi
We rushed to Supermarket Saichi while we waited for our table to dine at Akiusha. Although there were around 20 to 30 people in front of us, we got in within 10 to 15 minutes. So, don’t be too worried if there is a long queue when you get to Supermarket Saichi.
The rice cakes were still warm when we got to the Ohagi section. While the Ohagis were still delicious when we had them as desserts, we probably should have had one Ohagi when it was still warm to compare the cold and warm Ohagis (´▽｀*).
Supermarket Saichi’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Saichi is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm except on the 2nd and the 4th Wednesday.
- Saichi is around a 5-minute walk from Akiu Sato Center.
Tenshukaku Natural Park (天守閣自然公園)
If you are like us, who love traditional Japanese gardens, afternoon tea in a nice cafe, or even camping, Tenshukaku Natural Park is a must-visit spot. In autumn, the park is beautifully illuminated, making the visit to Akiu Onsen more worthwhile. The best news is that private hot spring pools are available, too!
For more information, refer to our Tenshukaku Natural Park article!
Akiu Shrine (秋保神社)
If you have a competition or anything you want to win, make sure you visit Akiu Shrine. The shrine erected in the early Heian period has been a popular shrine to pray for victory. In recent years, starting with the famous Japanese figure skater Hanyu Yuzuru, Akiu Shrine has become a pilgrimage site for athletes preparing for upcoming events.
The shrine also has a few interesting rituals you can participate in/perform. For more information, please refer to our article on Akiu Shrine!
Ōta Tofu Shop (太田とうふ店)
Just a 10-minute walk from Akiu Shrine, Ōta Tofu Shop offers the best soybean products in the area. These days, the shop receives so many orders from department stores and supermarkets in Sendai’s city center that the staff has to start making tofu as early as 1 am!
Among the many products on the counter, the Triangular Abura-age (三角油揚げ) is the one that you want to grab before it sells out. Triangular Abura-age is deep-fried bean curd. Unlike Abura-age sold elsewhere, the Abura-age here is as thick as 3cm!
While the most famous Triangular Abura-age in Sendai is probably the ones sold at Jōgi Tofu (定義とうふ店) in the Jōgi area, the Ōta Tofu Shop boasts the original.
Moreover, a unique menu item you must try is the Take-tofu (竹豆腐). It is basically tofu using fresh bamboo as a container. The bamboo isn’t just for holding the tofu, but for bringing out the tofu’s flavor even more!
For dessert, Soymilk Almond (豆乳杏仁) should be perfect!
Tip: Use a oven toaster to heat the Triangular Abura-age.
Ōta Tofu’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Ōta Tofu is open from 10 am to 4 pm or until sold out, except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- If you plan to take a bus bound for Akiu Ōtaki Falls, get off at Baba (馬場).
Tip: Arrive early to avoid disappointment. The shop is often sold out by 4 pm.
Jigenji Temple (慈眼寺)
While there are countless temples in Japan, meeting a monk who has undergone intensive training is rare. If you want to meet such a person, plan your visit to Akiu Onsen!
Shionuma Ryōjun Acharya (塩沼亮潤 大阿闍梨) is one of only two monks to have completed the training called Sennichi Kaihōgyō (千日回峰行) in the last 1,300 years. One who took on the challenge lasting a thousand days has to walk at least 48 km a day. In addition, Ryōjun completed another harsh training called Shimugyō (四無行), during which drinking, eating, sleeping, and lying down are forbidden for the 9-day training period. No wonder he became one of Japan’s leading religious figures after completing the training in 1999 at Mt. Yoshino in Nara.
That is why whenever Jigenji holds Goma Prayers (護摩祈祷), the number of pilgrims always exceeds the temple’s worship hall capacity. Number plates are thus given out at 9 am on the day.
Jigenji, a Shūkendō (修験道) temple enshrining Zaō Daigongen (蔵王大権現), was erected by Ryōjun upon his return to his hometown. At 1 pm on the 3rd Sunday of each month, you are welcome to participate in the Goma Ceremony (a fire ritual) led by this famous monk. You can refer to the temple’s website HERE for more information about the Goma Ceremony.
Jigenji’s Goma Ceremony
The ceremony starts at 1 pm on the 3rd Sunday of each month. You will need to reserve to participate. The reservation for the following month’s ceremony is open on the 1st of the prior month at 10 am. If you are interested, follow the link on the official website HERE.
The ritual lasts around 90 minutes, including the Dharma talk after the prayer (in Japanese). During other times of the year, you can take a stroll in Jigenji’s precinct. The gorgeous garden will be even more stunning in November, with bright fall foliage.
Jigenji’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Jigenji is open from 7 am to 5 pm.
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Jigenji-mae (慈眼寺前).
Akiu Ōtaki Fall (秋保大滝)
Akiu Ōtaki Fall, also known as the Akiu Great Falls, is the must-see spot in Akiu Onsen. The 55-meter-tall waterfall is spectacular no matter which season you visit. It was thus chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
Close to the magnificent waterfall, there are a couple more places that you can visit, including a temple with a gigantic Fudō Myōō statue and a gorgeous botanical garden!
For more information, please refer to our Akiu Ōtaki Fall article!
Futakuchi Gorge (二口峡谷)
Traveling further west from Akiu Ōtaki Falls, another scenic spot awaits. The 8-km Futakuchi Gorge stretches as far as the prefectural border between Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures. A 2 km natural trail along the gorge is well-maintained for you to trek on.
You will definitely be impressed by the Banji-iwa (磐司岩), a designated National Place of Scenery Beauty. It is a tuff rock wall with a maximum height of 150 meters that spans over 3 km!
For more information about this stunning spot, please refer to our article on Futakuchi Gorge.
Discover Other Fantastic Attractions in Sendai
You might not be aware of it, but Sendai, the Tōhoku region‘s biggest city, receives more than 20 million tourists each year!
So if you want to find out how Sendai managed to attract so many people to visit it, refer to our article on Sendai, which is filled with historical, cultural, and natural attractions (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
