Akiu Onsen is situated about 20 km west of downtown Sendai — roughly a 30-minute drive. Join me on a guided journey where we’ll explore the essence of Akiu: the scenic gorge trail, a soak in the hot springs, wine tasting at the vineyards, one of the region’s spectacular waterfalls, and the craftsmanship of Akiu Kokoshi dolls.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Sendai downtown
Take a walk at nature trail
Along the gorge, there is a walking path from the “Megane Bridge” (slightly past the hot spring source) to the “Shin‑Akiu Bridge,” where you can see a striking landscape shaped by the erosion of rocks by the flow of the Natori River.
Enjoy Hot Spring at Lavish Onsen Ryokan
After a pleasant walk along the trail, unwind in a traditional Japanese‑style hotel with a hot spring bath. Akiu Onsen—one of the three famous hot springs in Ōshū—is said to have been discovered over 1,400 years ago. Legend has it that Emperor Kinmei bathed here and was cured of a skin disease. Since then, Akiu Onsen has been cherished by imperial family members and feudal lords alike as a place of healing and renewal.
The bath is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. It is also equipped with hair dryer. You can buy a towel at hotel too, so there is no need to prepare anything by yourself. It really is hands-free.
Akiu Winery / or / Akiu Great Waterfall
Please choose either of the spot.
【Winery】
The shop and café space at Akiu Winery offer a soothing ambiance surrounded by vineyards. It sell their own wines as well as local food items selected to pair beautifully with wine.
In the winery’s vineyard, some 7,000 vines of twelve grape varieties are planted: red wine grapes such as Merlot and Pinotage, and white wine varieties such as Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Albariño, and more. Behind the vineyard rises a mountain where a tuffaceous rock widely known as “Akiu stone” is quarried. The soil that contains this Akiu stone imparts a distinct mineral character to the wines.
【Waterfall】
A straight waterfall 6 meters wide and 55 meters high, it has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan” and designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. With a roaring sound as it cascades down, and it is regarded as one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls.
Kokeshi Doll Shop
The craftman is interviewed by French newspaper, which brings tourist from French regularly. The staff of Pixar, one of creators of Monsters, Inc. has also visited. The shop also sells very adorable, modern, and unique Kokeshi dolls.
Head back to Sendai
Ending Point
At your hotel at 1:30 pm
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
・Guide fee
・Hotel pick-up
・Private transportation (Honda Freed)
・Gasoline, toll, and parking fees
・Free wine tasting - one glass per person at Akiu Winery
・Free hot spring admission fee at Onsen Ryokan
・Lunch time
・Towels for hotspring (if not, can also purchase at Onsen Ryokan)
・Personal expenses
*This tour involves walking on the trail, so please wear comfortable shoes.
*The winery also has non-alcohol drinks, so children are also welcome to join.
If you are planning private car for more than 3 people, I can arrange a bigger car and give you a new quotaiton. Please feel free to ask me.
Hello! I'm Eiji, your local guide in Sendai.
Looking to venture beyond Tokyo and discover a different side of Japan?
Come to Sendai! Just a quick 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, Sendai awaits – a vibrant government-designated city rich in unique culture and surrounded by stunning nature.
Born in Taipei and having spent my formative years in Tokyo and pursuing a master's degree in California, my international background has given me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. After living in Malaysia with my family for seven years, we settled in Sendai in 2024. During the time in Malaysia, I traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia. These experiences have shaped my passion for travel and allow me to offer you a truly unique, traveler-focused experience.
Let me show you the hidden gems of this fantastic city!
Jamieson C.
“Very Personalized Service”
We specifically visited Sendai because of our love for Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Eiji and his wife accomodated and delivered. We also experienced a genuine vibe where we felt we were being shown around Sendai by friends rather than guide. Highly recommended
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Eiji I.
Hi, Jamieson. Thank you for the heartfelt comment and great review. My wife and I also had a wonderful time chatting with you and your sons. Thank you for telling us about Philippines. We are so intrigued by Philippine style Paella. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip in Tokyo!
$163/ per group
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