Naruko Onsen Hot Spring Hopping and Naruko Gorge Autumn Color Course

Naruko Onsen is a hot spring resort said to gather many of the spring types found in Japan, making it perfect for spring hopping. From milky cloudy water to clear baths, each inn offers a different kind of water. Nearby lies Naruko Gorge, a famed autumn color spot, so here is a healing course that lets you enjoy hot springs and ravine beauty at once.

Course Route

10:00 Start at Naruko Onsen Station Begin at Naruko Onsen Station on the Rikuu East Line. A foot bath waits in front of the station, so first ease the fatigue of travel. The station building, warm with wood, is a spot with its own charm.

10:30 Hot Spring Hopping in the Onsen Town The appeal of Naruko is above all its variety of spring types. Visit several public baths and inns that allow day use, and feel the differences in the water on your skin. From baths with a scent of sulfur to smooth, silky water, each has its own character.

12:30 Lunch and Local Food Have lunch in the hot spring town. Try a set meal made with local ingredients or the famous hot spring eggs. Afterward, a hot spring manju bun makes a fine snack.

14:00 Naruko Gorge Go a little farther from the town to Naruko Gorge. A deep ravine carved by the Otani River stretches on, and the scene woven by the cliffs and trees on both banks is stunning. In autumn especially, the red and yellow foliage colors the whole valley, and it is known as a leading autumn spot in the Tohoku region.

15:30 Naruko Gorge Walking Path After looking down into the valley from the lookout, walk the trail into the ravine. Feel the rock faces close at hand and the sound of the clear stream while enjoying the sculpted beauty of nature.

16:30 Kokeshi Workshop Visits Naruko is also famous as a home of traditional kokeshi dolls. Peek into a workshop to watch the craftspeople at work, or pick out a favorite doll as a souvenir.

Highlights

The greatest appeal of Naruko is spring hopping among the varied waters offered by each inn. Enjoying so many kinds of water in a single resort is rare nationwide and a delight for hot spring fans. The autumn color of Naruko Gorge is stunning, and the tinted trees that fill the valley become a memory of a lifetime.

Access and Tips

From Sendai Station, transfer trains on the Rikuu East Line to reach Naruko Onsen Station. The town is walkable, but for Naruko Gorge a seasonal bus or a taxi is convenient. The autumn color season is very crowded, so an early start is the trick to enjoying it in comfort. A small towel comes in handy for spring hopping.

A Quick Tip

The gorge trail can be slippery with fallen leaves, so set out in comfortable shoes. The best autumn color usually runs from late October to early November. Timing your visit to that window brings the finest views.