MIYAGI Akiu Breathtaking gorges to hike and bike, and charming hot springs to soak in afterward

Just 30 minutes from Sendai and offering some of Miyagi's best hot springs, hiking, and scenery, mountainous Akiu is a convenient and restful place to recharge.

You can reach Akiu from Sendai by bus or car. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

Bus service to Akiu departs from Sendai Station. Go past the Sendai City Observatory and get off at the fourth stop, the Akiu Sato Center. You can purchase roundtrip tickets from the bus driver. Please note that if you are staying in Akiu, most accommodations offer a free shuttle service from Sendai Station.

The Akiu Sato Center has an outdoor footbath, as well as anything you might need. Take advantage of the free bike rental service to explore the hilly area.

You can stay at one of the hot spring hotels or use the baths as a day visitor. Check the opening times for the hot springs at the tourism center and remember to visit early; many day-use spas are only open until 2-3 p.m.

With records dating back 1500 years and historical figures such as an emperor and the famous feudal lord Date Masamune rejuvenating in its waters, the healing Akiu hot springs have long been a go-to spot for rest and relaxation.

You can stay at one of the hot spring hotels or use the baths as a day visitor. Check the opening times for the hot springs at the the Akiu Sato Center and remember to visit early; most day-use spas open only until 2-3 p.m.

A 650-meter-long hike that begins from behind the Akiu Sato Center, Rairai Gorge is a forested canyon-side trail which cleaves the town of Akiu in two. As you cross Nozoki Bridge, pause and look down to see a perfect heart-shaped hole, naturally carved into the stone. Allow for about 40-50 minutes to complete the journey there and back.

Satisfy your sense of adventure by completing a challenging 14-kilometer bicycle ride to Akiu Otaki. This 55-meter high, six-meter wide waterfall is impressive in any season, but especially lovely when framed by verdant summer green or the colored leaves of autumn.

An elevated platform allows a great view of the entire falls, then you can descend to the basin below to hear the thunderous roar of the cascading waters.

Akiu's main tourist area is compact and offers everything you might need.

Visit Shufu no Mise Saichi supermarket before early afternoon to get your hands on ohagi, local rice cakes covered with red azuki beans. Then wash the delicacies down with a glass or two of local wine from Akiu Winery or peek inside the studios at the Akiu Traditional Crafts Village. At the craft village you can find items such as smiling wooden kokeshi dolls and chat directly with their creators.