A Summer Day-Trip Bathing Guide to Cooling Off in Akiu Onsen, Miyagi: Ultimate Refreshment at a Famous Hot Spring Near the City
The summer heat is starting to take a toll on our bodies, isn't it? For such a time, I highly recommend Akiu Onsen, a famous hot spring boasting a 1400-year history, located just about 30 minutes by car from Sendai city.
Akiu Onsen is counted as one of the three great hot springs of Japan, alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture, and it is a historic hot spring resort where it is said that even Date Masamune, the lord of the Sendai Domain, once visited to bathe. The scenery of inns lining the Natori River valley has a tranquility that makes you feel as if you have wandered into a mountain village, and it is easy to see why it is called the inner parlor of Sendai.
The great thing about day-trip bathing is that you can easily enjoy the atmosphere of a hot spring inn, the cuisine, and the proud large public baths without staying overnight. You can refresh your summer fatigue with a half-day or full-day mini-trip. The moment you cool your body, warmed by soaking in the hot spring, with the breeze blowing across the valley is exceptional.
The feeling of being enveloped by the greenery of the trees and the murmuring of the river is something you can rarely experience at other hot spring resorts. Especially in the summer, the temperature often feels several degrees lower than in the city, and I have the impression that many people visit in search of coolness. This time, I will carefully introduce six hotels and inns in Akiu Onsen that actually offer day-trip plans, along with their respective charms. Please note that plan prices are subject to change, so please treat them as a guide and check the latest information before making a reservation.
Area Introduction: What kind of place is Akiu Onsen, the inner parlor of Sendai?
Akiu Onsen is located in the mountains of Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the Sendai-Minami Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. Its accessibility is a major appeal, being about 30 minutes by car from Sendai Station. Many inns operate free shuttle buses from Sendai Station, which is a nice point that makes it easy to visit even for those who do not have a car.
The hot spring town is also rich in natural scenic spots, such as the valley called Rairaikyo and the Akiu Great Falls on the upper reaches of the Natori River. I think it is a greedy travel destination where you can enjoy a bit of sightseeing along with day-trip bathing.
The water quality varies slightly depending on the inn, but most are sodium-calcium chloride springs, which are said to be characterized by a moist texture that makes it hard for the body to cool down after bathing. I often hear people say that it washes away sweaty skin even in summer, and the refreshing feeling after bathing becomes addictive. Since there is a wide range of facilities from long-established inns to relatively reasonable ones, being able to choose according to your budget and purpose is also a good thing about Akiu Onsen. Now, let me introduce the charms of each hotel and inn.
Densho Sen-nen no Yado Sakan
When it comes to Akiu Onsen, the first name that comes to mind is probably Densho Sen-nen no Yado Sakan, isn't it? It is a long-established inn with an episode that history buffs will love, as it is said to have flourished as a bathing palace for Date Masamune, the lord of the Sendai Domain, and a sacred fire brought back from Mount Koya has been burning in the main building for 400 years.
The biggest attraction is, after all, the baths. The large public bath on the first floor of the Kagetsukan building was just renewed in the spring of 2023, and it boasts a tour of four types of baths where you can also enjoy a sauna and a silk bath. There is also a private bath where you can enjoy a free-flowing hot spring while looking at the Natori River, the only one in Akiu, where you can relax and bathe while listening to the murmuring of the mountain stream. For day-trip plans, a course that includes a Japanese kaiseki meal enjoyed in a private room and bathing is popular, allowing you to spend a luxurious time away from your busy daily life.
The recommended points are, above all, the atmosphere of the building where you can feel the 400-year history and the kaiseki cuisine that incorporates the flavors of the four seasons. I think it is also perfect for a special anniversary outing. The guide for the plan is from around 6,000 yen per person for a day-trip bathing plan with a meal. A set plan for children with a kid's lunch and bathing is also available. Reservations are required in advance, so it is safe to make arrangements as soon as you decide on the day you will visit.
Access is about 30 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station, or about 50 minutes by Miyagi Kotsu Bus bound for Akiu Onsen from bus stop number 8 at the Sendai Station West Exit bus pool. A shuttle bus is also in operation, but advance reservation is required, so please apply from the official website. The parking lot is spacious with 500 spaces, so you can rest assured when visiting by car.
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Akiu Onsen Akiu Grand Hotel
Known as the only inn that overlooks Rairaikyo Gorge, it is the Akiu Grand Hotel. The location where you can spend time relaxing while looking down at the greenery of the valley is a major attraction that other inns do not have. With over 4,800 reviews, it gives the impression of being an inn loved by the locals.
There is a wide variety of day-trip plans, and in the plan that includes a bamboo basket meal and day-trip bathing, you can enjoy the Akiu Grand Hotel original Raiko Umen noodles and steamed egg custard in addition to a colorful bamboo basket platter with tempura, sashimi, and simmered dishes. The relaxed time setting of being able to stay for up to 5 hours from 10:00 to 15:00 is also a nice point. For a limited time in the summer, a special plan that includes a lunch buffet and bathing is sometimes held, so if the timing is right, please check it out.
The recommended points are the open location overlooking the valley beauty and the good balance of reasonable yet satisfying meal plans. The rest room is a large hall that is open for free, so it is also suitable for use by families and groups. The guide for the plan is about 4,400 yen for adults for a set of a bamboo basket meal and day-trip bathing, and a bathing tax of 70 yen is charged separately. For the lunch buffet plan, about 5,500 yen is a guide.
Access is about 15 minutes by car from the Tohoku Expressway Sendai-Minami IC, and about 40 minutes by car from Sendai city center. A free shuttle bus also runs every day from the Sendai Station East Exit, and if you contact them in advance, they will secure a seat for you. Since it is located along the valley, access by car is the smoothest.
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TAOYA Akiu
Formerly known as Iwanumaya and now rebranded as TAOYA Akiu, this inn is one of the most attractive all-inclusive style accommodations in Akiu Onsen, often called the inner parlor of Sendai. It prides itself on its garden atmosphere and a large public bath where the sound of a waterfall echoes pleasantly.
With the day-trip plan, you can enjoy a kaiseki lunch at the restaurant and then relax in the natural hot springs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is helpful that face towels and bath towels are included, so you can visit empty-handed. There are also options to use a guest room for 6 hours or a 60-minute private bath plan, so if you want to spend a more special time, adding these is recommended.
The highlights are the freshly prepared food enjoyed in a lively restaurant and the extraordinary all-inclusive atmosphere. Akiu Craft Village, where artisans work on their crafts, is also within walking distance, making it fun to stroll around before or after your day-trip bath. The plan starts at around 5,000 yen for a set including a kaiseki lunch and day-trip bathing. If you add a private bath, it will cost about 3,300 yen more.
Access is about 30 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station. A shuttle bus from Sendai Station is also available, so it is convenient to use it after making a reservation in advance. It is also relatively close to the Sendai-Minami IC on the Tohoku Expressway, making it a perfect location to stop by while driving.
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Akiu Onsen Akiu Resort Hotel Crescent
Known as a resort hotel where you can enjoy authentic French cuisine, which is rare in Akiu Onsen, isAkiu Resort Hotel Crescent. It is well-regarded for its clean, non-smoking facility where you can fully enjoy a resort atmosphere.
The highlight of the day-trip plan is, above all, the full-course French meal using seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy a course-style lunch just like in a restaurant, from appetizers to soup, fish dishes, meat dishes, dessert, bread, and coffee. After your meal, you can stay comfortably from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can use the large public bath as many times as you like while relaxing in a Western-style room. I think this is the perfect plan for those who want to enjoy both hot springs and fine dining.
The highlights are the Western-style resort atmosphere, which is a bit different from the many Japanese-style inns in Akiu Onsen, and the quality of the authentic French cuisine. You can spend quality time suitable for anniversaries or special outings. The plan starts at around 7,000 to 9,000 yen for a set including a French lunch course, day-trip bathing, and room use. Prices vary depending on the season and course content, so please check the latest official plans.
Access is about 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from Sendai Station, departing from the sightseeing and shuttle bus stop at the East Exit of Sendai Station. The shuttle bus requires advance reservation and departs on time, so it is safe to arrive with plenty of time. Of course, arriving by car is also smooth.
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Akiu Onsen Hotel New Mitoya
Popular as an inn where you can easily stop by with family and friends isHotel New Mitoya. It operates multiple large public baths that rotate between men and women depending on the day of the week, which is unique because you can enjoy baths with different atmospheres every time you visit.
The standard day-trip plan is the lunch-inclusive plan called the Benichidori Course. In addition to hot spring access, face towels and bath towels are included, so you can visit empty-handed with peace of mind. A private room with chairs and tables is provided as a rest area, allowing you to relax comfortably. It is a thoughtful touch for families that children can choose the same meal as adults or a special children's lunch. The large public bath has three bathing areas: Ume no Sho, Suishinkyo, and Getsukyuden, and since the baths for men and women rotate depending on the day of the week, you can enjoy a fresh experience no matter how many times you visit.
The highlights are the flexible plan settings that are easy for families to use and the richness of the variety of bathing areas. Private baths available only for same-day reservations are also provided, so it is also recommended for couples' outings. The plan starts at around 5,000 to 6,000 yen for a day-trip plan with lunch for the Benichidori Course.
Access is via a free shuttle bus departing from the East Exit of Sendai Station, which runs daily and can be easily used if reserved in advance. It is about 15 minutes by car from the Sendai-Minami IC on the Tohoku Expressway, and about 20 to 30 minutes from Sendai city center. It is safe to check before visiting that it is closed on Thursdays for maintenance.
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Sendai Akiu Onsen Hananoyu
For those who want to enjoy the hot springs of Akiu more casually and cost-effectively,Hananoyuis recommended. It has an atmosphere closer to a day-trip hot spring facility than a traditional inn, and its accessibility is its charm.
The most popular option is a plan that includes a curry lunch buffet with a private rest room and the admission fee. Since it is a buffet style, you can enjoy as much as you like of whatever you want, which is a great perk. It has an atmosphere where even those with small children can enjoy themselves without worrying about those around them. After bathing, you can rest your body in a private room, so you can spend the day without feeling rushed. I think it is an easy option to visit even for those who are not comfortable with the formal atmosphere of a traditional inn.
The recommended points are, above all, the affordability and ease of use. Access from the center of Sendai City is relatively good, and the casualness of being able to drop by when you have a little free time is a charm not found in other luxury inns. The price for a plan including a curry lunch buffet, bathing, and a small towel is reasonable compared to other inns, starting from around the 2,000 to 3,000 yen range. It is nice that it is easy on the wallet, isn't it?
Access is about 20 to 30 minutes by car from downtown Sendai. If you use public transportation, there are bus services, but the number of trips is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance. As a casual day-trip hot spring, it is also a perfect place for a little break on a weekday.
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Recommended sightseeing spots around the hotel
Along with day-trip bathing, I hope you will also enjoy sightseeing around Akiu Onsen.
First, I would like to introduceRairaikyo Gorge. Centered on the Nozoki Bridge at the entrance to Akiu Onsen, the beauty of the gorge, woven by strange rocks and giant boulders, spreads out for 1 kilometer above and below. Since it can be accessed in about 10 minutes on foot from many hotels, it is a perfect distance for a stroll before or after a bath. In summer, the greenery is lush, and you can feel the coolness of the mountain stream on your skin.
Next, I would like to recommendAkiu Great Falls. It is a powerful landscape where the entire volume of the Natori River flows down from a height of 55 meters. It has long been known as a famous waterfall, and I think it is a perfect spot for summer where you can feel the coolness while bathing in negative ions. It is about a 15 to 25-minute drive from the hotel.
Also, theAkiu Shrine, which has ties to the Date family, is also recommended. If you pray at the historic shrine building, it will be a moment suitable for the beginning or end of your trip. Access is also good, being about 15 minutes by car from many inns.
For those who like crafts,Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Village) is a must. Workshops for woodworking, pottery, glass crafts, and more are gathered here, and you can observe the handiwork of artisans up close. There are also experience corners, so it is recommended for making memories by creating something with your children.
Finally, you cannot miss the locally popularOhagi no Saichi. It is a popular shop that sometimes has lines, and the freshly made ohagi, which are prepared after you order, are exquisite. I think it is a good idea to stop by on your way back from your day-trip bath and take some home as a souvenir.
If you have more time, please also stop byAkiu Winery. You can taste and tour wines made with locally grown grapes, and if you are not driving, you can also enjoy choosing souvenirs. In the summer, the greenery of the vineyards is lush, and it is also popular as a photogenic spot. Don't you think it is quite luxurious to have all the fun of hot springs, gorges, gourmet food, and wine all in the Akiu Onsen area?
Summary
This time, I introduced 6 hotels and inns in Akiu Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture, where you can enjoy day-trip bathing. Being called the back parlor of Sendai, it is a great charm that you can enjoy the atmosphere of a full-scale hot spring inn surrounded by the nature of the gorge while having good access, being about 30 minutes by car from Sendai Station.
Day-trip bathing is nice because it is easier to keep within your budget than staying overnight, and it is easy to plan for weekends after work or holidays that you suddenly think of. The time spent eating while looking at the gorge and being blown by the cool breeze after a bath is more refreshing than you can imagine. Whether chatting with friends or taking time to face yourself slowly alone, I would be happy if you could enjoy the waters of Akiu in your own style.
Since plan details and prices are subject to change, please be sure to check the latest official information before visiting. This summer, why not spend a day resetting your mind and body at a famous hot spring near the city?