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.