Sendai Autumn Foliage: Brocade Autumn at Akiu and Sakunami Onsen Gorges

Sendai Autumn Foliage Spots

Akiu Onsen (along the Natori River) and Sakunami Onsen (upper Hirose River) in Sendai, Miyagi, are known as Sendai's "inner parlors" — hot spring resorts whose gorges blaze with brilliant autumn colors in late October to mid-November.

Akiu Onsen Autumn Foliage

• Akiu Otaki Waterfall: 55m high, 6m wide waterfall contrasting with autumn colors
• Rairaikyo Gorge: Natori River gorge with a continuous series of bizarre rocks
• Akiu Onsen Town: Many ryokan where you can soak in outdoor baths while viewing autumn foliage

Sakunami Onsen Autumn Foliage

• Hirose River Gorge: Autumn foliage along the gorge flowing beside the onsen town
• Teigiji Nyorai (Seihoji Temple): Popular pilgrimage site on Sendai's outskirts; also famous for triangular deep-fried tofu

Getting There

• Akiu Onsen: From Sendai Station by Miyagi Kotsu bus: about 1 hour
• Sakunami Onsen: Alight at JR Senzan Line Sakunami Station (about 45 minutes from Sendai)

Tips

The Akiu Otaki walking trail leads to the waterfall base (one-way). Roads are congested during foliage season — public transport recommended.

📚 Sources

The highlights in this article, such as Akiu Onsen, Sakunami Onsen, Rairaikyo Gorge and Homei Shijuhachi Falls, are organized based on tourism information published by Sendai City and the Sendai Tourism and Convention Bureau, along with local tourist information centers and on-site signboards. Details on the autumn-foliage peak and walking paths along the Natori River and Hirose River draw on public information from official bodies. Because fees, foliage timing, access and day-use bathing hours may change, please confirm official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Time estimate: About half a day for foliage viewing plus a hot-spring soak. Allow a full day if you visit both Akiu and Sakunami.
• What to prepare: Comfortable walking shoes for the gorge paths. From late October to early November it gets cold, so bring an extra layer.
• Best timing: The peak is typically late October to early November. Weekends are busy, so an early-hours visit is recommended.
• Suggested route: Enjoy Akiu Onsen and the Rairaikyo Gorge scenery, then head to Sakunami Onsen and Homei Shijuhachi Falls. Finish by relaxing in an open-air bath at one of the famed hot springs.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season: According to the City of Sendai's official tourism information, the Homei Shijuhachi Falls are usually at their best in late October, Akiu Great Falls around the end of October, and the Rairai Gorge from early November onwards (this varies from year to year).
• Access: For Akiu Onsen, take the Miyagi Kotsu bus bound for "Akiu Onsen" from stop 8 at the bus terminal at the west exit of JR Sendai Station, about 50 minutes, and get off at "Akiu Onsen Yumoto." Alternatively, take the Sendai Seibu Liner bound for "Kawasaki-machi" from stop 63 at the bus terminal at the west exit of Sendai Station, about 40 minutes, and get off at stops such as "Akiu Sato Center." For the Homei Shijuhachi Falls, take the bus bound for Sakunami Onsen from stop 10 at the bus pool at the west exit of Sendai Station and get off at "Homei Shijuhachi Taki Iriguchi." The nearest station to Sakunami Onsen is Sakunami Station on the JR Senzan Line.
• Clothing and gear: At the Rairai Gorge, a walking trail runs along the gorge from the Akiu Sato Center, letting you admire the ravine scenery up close. Bring comfortable walking shoes and an extra layer to throw on.

* The state of the autumn foliage is published on the website of the "Akiu Sato Center." For inquiries, contact the Akiu Onsen resort tourist information office (022-398-2323 / 9:30-18:00), or for the Sakunami area, the Sakunami-Jogi District Tourist Information Office. * The Rairai Gorge stretches about 1 km up and down from Nozokibashi Bridge at its center and reaches depths of 20 m. The walking trail is dangerous when the water is high or the ground is frozen, so watch your footing.

(Sources: Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association "Sendai Tabibiyori" feature "10 Best Autumn Leaf Viewing Spots in Sendai"; City of Sendai "100 Selected Green Landmarks" (Rairai Gorge and Homei Shijuhachi Falls); Sakunami Onsen Ryokan Association official website)