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 bring hot water from this spa to Miyako ( the Capital). After bathing several times in the spa water, the Emperor 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.
Sakunami Hot Springs
The Hot water comes from the bottom of the valley which forms both the Motoyu and Shinyu areas. It is said that this hot spring was found in 721 by Gyouki, a Buddhist monk, who was traveling to the Tohoku Region. A legend tells that in 1189 the troops of Yoritomo once took a rest there. Motoyu spa resort was developed in 1796 by Iwamatsu Kisoji under the permission of the Date clan.
