Akiu-onsen

 village, resort, spa resort, hot spring, onsen, spa town

Akiu-onsen Hot Spring is located in the west part of Miyagi, on the bank of the Natori-gawa River, which flows from Sendai Bay into the Pacific Ocean. It is an old hot spring whose origin dates back to the 6th century. Though Akiu is near the center of Sendai, over 90 percent of the town consists of mountain and forests.

Along the Natori-gawa River, there are many beautiful spots, from Rairai Valley with its mysterious, eye-catching crags, to Akiu-o-taki Falls and Futakuchi Valley. Rairai Valley is near the entrance of Akiu-onsen Hot Spring, and is beautiful in the green of spring and when the leaves are tinted by autumn.

Akiu-no-taki Falls are 55 meters high. Walk down the walkway to its basin and look up, to appreciate its vast scale. The great sound of falling water and the spray have become symbols of Akiu-onsen Hot Spring.

www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/miyagi/akiuonsen.h...
Tourist information: (022) 304-9151 (phone), (022) 304-9152 (fax)

Get there: by bus from JR Sendai Sta. East Exit Bus Pool, central platform, stand 8, get off at Akiu Onsen Yumoto or Akiu Sato Center (780 Yen)

There are many hotels which allow people not staying in the hotel as day-visitors to their baths; ask for time and availability at the tourist information office near the Naruko Onsen Center bus stop.

The Ryokusuitei (022) 397-3333, the Akiu Grand Hotel (022) 397-3131 and the Hananoyu (022) 397-3141 are especially recommendable. Also, note that the onsen water type is different in different baths, so check ahead if you have your preferences.