Outline

This spa resort is located on the upper reaches of Natori-gawa River and is the "Annex to Sendai". It is said to have been opened during the era of the Emperor Kinmei (531-571) and a legend tells us that the Emperor, suffering from smallpox, ordered someone to the bring hot water from this spa to Miyako ( the Capital). After bathing several times in the spa water, he completely recoved. In ancient times this hot water was called "Natori-no Miyu" and was considered as "One of the three great Miyu (hot water) sorces of Japan". The other two were Arima Hot Springs and Dougo Hot Springs. During the feudal period, this was a bathing site for the Date family. Nearby are Rairai Gorge, Akiu Craft Village, Tenshukaku Castle Tower Park, and Akiu Forest and Sports Park.

Highlights

The hot water contains sodium and calcium chlorides which are good for such disorders as rheumatism, neuralgia, wounds, skin disease, anemia, and other diseases.

Information

[Address] Yumoto, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Japan
[Telephone] 022-398-2323 (Akiu-onsenkyo Tourist Information Office)
[Access] From Sendai Sta. Go to bus pool #8. Take the bus bound for "Akiu". Get off at the "Akiu-Sato Center" stop
[Estimated fare] From JR Sendai Sta. by Miyagi Kotsu bus 780
[Nearby Tourist Spots]Rairai Gorge, Akiu Craft Village, Tenshukaku Castle Tower Park, Akiu Forest and Sports Park, Akiu-sato Center