Akiu Otaki Waterfall and Rairaikyo Gorge Nature Stroll Course

About thirty minutes by car from the center of Sendai, Akiu Onsen is a fine hot spring known as the hidden retreat of Sendai. Around it are scattered natural sights such as Akiu Otaki, which sends water crashing down, and Rairaikyo Gorge, a ravine carved by a clear stream. Here is a one day stroll that packs together the nature of Miyagi in hot springs, a waterfall, and a gorge.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Sendai Station Head toward Akiu from Sendai Station by bus or car. As you leave the town the green deepens, and a pleasant road follows the river.

10:15 Rairaikyo Gorge First visit Rairaikyo Gorge right beside Akiu Onsen. The flow of the Natori River has carved the rock over long ages to form a deep ravine. Walking the trail, you can enjoy oddly shaped rocks, potholes, and a clear stream up close. The ravine view from Nozokibashi is especially worth seeing.

11:30 Foot Bath and Stroll at Akiu Onsen Wander the hot spring town at leisure. Soak in a foot bath while listening to the murmur of the river, or browse the local farm market for fruit and vegetables, and spend a relaxed time.

12:30 Lunch Have lunch made with local ingredients in the town. Nearby are shops known for hand cut soba and ohagi sweets, which add to the pleasure of the trip.

14:00 Akiu Otaki Waterfall Reach the highlight of this course, Akiu Otaki. About six meters wide and some fifty five meters high, this powerful fall is counted among the three famous waterfalls of Japan. Viewed from the lookout, its full force comes across, and by descending the trail you can go near the plunge pool. The sound of the water, like a rumble in the ground, is overwhelming.

15:30 Akiu Otaki Fudoson Pay a visit to the Fudoson beside the falls. The hall stands as if guarding the waterfall, and together with the surrounding green it carries a solemn air.

16:00 The Return After taking in the nature, return to central Sendai by bus or car. If time allows, a day use bath at Akiu Onsen to ease the fatigue of the trip is recommended.

Highlights

Above all, the force of Akiu Otaki is the greatest highlight. The way its plentiful water plunges down in one rush is a sight worthy of the three famous waterfalls of Japan. The ravine beauty woven by the clear stream and odd rocks of Rairaikyo should not be missed either. The charm of the Akiu area is how closely the falls, the gorge, and the hot spring sit together.

Access and Tips

It is about fifty minutes by bus from Sendai Station to Akiu Onsen. Reaching Akiu Otaki requires a further transfer, so traveling by car is efficient. The Rairaikyo trail and the Akiu Otaki lookout both have stairs and slopes, so comfortable shoes are reassuring. After rain the water rises and the force grows, but footing can be slippery, so take care.

A Quick Tip

Akiu Otaki is especially beautiful in the fresh green and autumn color seasons, when the spray and the tinted trees harmonize wonderfully. Parts of the Rairaikyo trail are narrow, so do not overdo it and walk at your own pace.