6 Sightseeing Spots in Akiu Onsen! Full of Highlights Unique to Sendai’s Retreat!

Akiu Onsen is the retreat of Sendai, the City of Trees. Just a 30-minute bus ride from Sendai Station, you’ll already find yourself in a hot spring village surrounded by mountains, forests, and valleys—far from the bustle of the city! Despite its excellent accessibility, it also has a long history; it already appears in 6th-century writings as an imperial hot spring for the Japanese royal family. Alongside Naruko Onsen and Iizaka Onsen, it is counted as one of the Three Famous Hot Springs of Oshu. Its sodium-calcium chloride waters are said to have instantly cured the skin disease of Emperor Kinmei, the 29th emperor of Japan. Here we introduce recommended sightseeing spots around Akiu Onsen, easily accessible from Sendai.

1. Rairai Gorge

Akiu Onsen springs bubble up in the deep valley of the Natori River. Downstream of the hot spring town lies “Rairai Gorge,” a scenic spot formed by the river.
Named by Natsume Soseki’s disciple Toyotaka Komiya, Rairai Gorge is known for its rugged yet elegant landscape of steep, lined rocks. A 650-meter walking path extends from Nozoki Bridge, making it ideal for a light stroll before soaking in the hot springs or for cooling off afterward. Looking down from the bridge, you’ll see a heart-shaped hollow in the riverbank, earning this place recognition as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary” and a popular dating spot.
The rocks on both sides are tuff stone known as “Akiu Stone,” which was once widely used as building material because of its ease of processing. The dynamic scenery of Rairai Gorge, carved by the river’s erosion, owes much to this stone. In autumn and spring, the contrast of the stream, rocks, and trees creates a truly breathtaking view.

2. Akiu Great Falls

Together with Rairai Gorge, Akiu Great Falls is one of Akiu Onsen’s most famous natural attractions, often featured in suspense dramas set in Akiu.
With a drop of about 55 meters, the sight of water cascading down like a great white cloth is overwhelming! You can even descend close to the basin of the waterfall to breathe in the fresh mountain air and negative ions.
On the southern bank of the falls, you’ll find sightseeing spots such as Akiu Great Falls Fudoson Temple and Akiu Great Falls Botanical Garden, along with some dining options. Do note, however, that despite its name, Akiu Great Falls is about 10 km away from Akiu Onsen. In particular, if traveling by public transport, keep in mind that buses only operate on weekends and holidays.

3. Akiu Traditional Craft Village

Located on a hill behind Akiu Onsen town, the “Akiu Traditional Craft Village” is home to nine traditional craftsmen living and working together. Visitors can encounter various crafts, including the famous Miyagi kokeshi dolls, the luxurious Sendai tansu chests, and rare buried-wood crafts.
In addition to viewing and purchasing works, you can also experience various crafting activities at this facility. Try painting spinning tops or kokeshi dolls, lacquering chopsticks, or dyeing handkerchiefs with indigo. Seasonal events are also held regularly, offering fun experiences and great memories.
Adjacent to the village is the “Kokeshi Forest,” a city-owned forest planted with maple and wild cherry trees used for kokeshi doll wood. From the gazebo at its eastern edge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Akiu Onsen hotel area.

4. Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum

At the edge of Akiu Onsen town lies the “Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum,” the world’s first museum dedicated to kaleidoscopes! Based on the concept of “See, Touch, and Enjoy,” it features three main areas: exhibition rooms, hands-on workshops, and a shop.
The exhibition rooms showcase large-scale kaleidoscopes, electric kaleidoscopes, and more, all of which visitors can touch and look through. Works by David Brewster, the inventor of the kaleidoscope, are also on display. These exhibits elevate kaleidoscopes from toys to true works of art.
At the workshop, you can create your own kaleidoscope simply by filling a container with beads. No reservation is needed, and in just 10 minutes you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation. Families with children and couples alike are sure to have fun.
In the shop, a wide variety of kaleidoscopes are available, from small souvenirs to works by artists. Custom orders are also accepted, making them perfect gifts for someone special.

5. Housewives’ Store Saichi

At first glance, it looks like just another small local supermarket. But the steady stream of cars outside tells a different story. Most customers come here for the large packs of ohagi (sweet rice cakes). While they may look ordinary, Saichi’s ohagi is a runaway hit in Akiu, selling an astonishing 5,000 pieces a day! The popularity is such that traffic jams form outside the parking lot.
The reasons for its fame are its size, affordability, and mildly sweet, old-fashioned taste. Made with red beans from Hokkaido and glutinous rice from Miyagi, the handmade ohagi are prepared fresh from 6 a.m. They come in four flavors—red bean paste, soybean flour, sesame, and natto—but the most popular is the classic red bean. Its simple, rustic flavor appeals to both adults and children.
Though you’ll want to take some ohagi home as souvenirs, note that they must be eaten the same day. Beyond ohagi, Saichi is also famous for its delicious home-cooked deli foods, making it a beloved local store.

6. Tenshukaku Natural Park

Located on the western edge of Akiu Onsen, “Tenshukaku Natural Park” offers hot springs, gardens, forest bathing, and even auto camping.
In the Oyadate Garden, where Akiu Stone is skillfully arranged, plum blossoms can be enjoyed in early spring and autumn foliage in fall. During the fall foliage season, the park is illuminated at night, making it a recommended evening spot for those staying at Akiu Onsen.
The attached day-use hot spring, “Ichitaro no Yu,” allows you to soak in two types of outdoor baths surrounded by the fragrance of cypress. After your bath, enjoy soba made from 100% domestic buckwheat flour at “Ichitaro” soba restaurant. For a leisurely afternoon, the Italian café “Roche” is also a great option.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced six carefully selected sightseeing spots around Akiu Onsen. There are plenty of attractions where you can enjoy both art and nature. Akiu Onsen is easily accessible by car from Sendai, but note that there are only two main routes. On holidays, return traffic can get especially congested, so plan your departure with plenty of time to spare.