Local Guide
From classic to hidden gems. 8 recommended sightseeing spots in the Sendai-Akiu area

Sendai, known as the "City of Trees," is the largest city in Tohoku with rich nature and history. Akiu hot springs, located on the outskirts of the city and also known as "Sendai's back yard," is quietly alive with beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. We have carefully selected some of the best places to visit when you visit Akiu Hot Spring. We will introduce you to a wide variety of spots, from the most popular sights in the Sendai-Akiu area to popular local spots.

Museum with valuable materials on Date Masamune and a CG theater

A model of Sendai Castle and the surrounding topography at that time. In addition, a model of Sendai Castle and the surrounding terrain from the time of the castle's construction, as well as a collection of Sendai han's armor and a letter written by Date Masamune, which shows how well written his letters were.
A model of Sendai Castle and the surrounding topography at that time. In addition, a model of Sendai Castle and the surrounding terrain from the time of the castle's construction, as well as a collection of Sendai han's armor and a letter written by Date Masamune, which shows how well written his letters were.

This is the site of Sendai Castle, built by Masamune Date, one of Sendai's most famous military commanders. The castle flourished as the residence of the Date family for about 270 years, but the buildings were lost during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when the castle was closed down and air raids were carried out, and now only the stonewalls and reconstructed side towers (wakiyagura) remain.
The Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall, located in the Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan, exhibits valuable materials and panels, such as tools and letters in the handwriting of the Date family, as well as a model of the topography of the Sendai Castle area. The CG theater features a video introducing the Date family and Sendai Castle with the appearance of original characters.

Time travel to Sendai Castle in those days with VR

Statue of Lord Date Masamune mounted on a horse standing on the site of the Sendai Castle's main citadel, 100 meters above sea level.
Statue of Lord Date Masamune mounted on a horse standing on the site of the Sendai Castle's main citadel, 100 meters above sea level.

We also recommend "Sendai Castle VR Go," an Experience program in which you rent a special scope and go around the eight points of interest located in the ruins of Sendai Castle Honmaru. By looking through the scope at each point, you can experience the castle in a 360-degree virtual tour of the period when Date Masamune lived. With detailed explanations provided by voice guidance, you can enjoy a realistic view of the hall, the Noh stage, the kakezukuri, the view from the kakezukuri, and the gate, giving you a realistic feeling of going back in time.

Local Guide Comment
A statue of Lord Date Masamune mounted on a horse stands at the site of the main citadel of Sendai Castle. The statue of Masamune Date on horseback stands at the site of the castle's main citadel, with a view of the city of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean stretching out before his eyes. This is a place where visitors can feel Masamune's wish for the prosperity of the castle and the peace and tranquility of the people.
Ruins of Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle Ruins)
  • Address 1 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 15 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car.
  • Direction Approx. 26 min. by Loople Sendai bus from JR Sendai Station to Sendai Castle Ruins.
  • Business hours Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall: April-October: 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:40), November-March: 9:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:40)
  • Closed Every Wednesday from the last Wednesday in November to the first Wednesday in March (see official website for details)
  • Admission Fee Adults 770 yen, junior high and high school students 550 yen, elementary school students 330 yen (Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall)
    Sendai Castle VR Go is an extra charge.
  • TEL 022-222-0218(Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan)
  • Parking Charged
  • Memo Show a one-day pass for the Loople Sendai and get a 110 yen discount for admission to the Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall.

Plenty of highlights, including important cultural properties and materials registered as UNESCO "Memory of the World

A wide variety of exhibited materials are on display, with an emphasis on actual items. There is also a corner where visitors can touch the actual materials.
A wide variety of exhibited materials are on display, with an emphasis on actual items. There is also a corner where visitors can touch the actual materials.

The museum opened in 1961 on the site of Sendai Castle San-no-maru. The museum has a collection of about 100,000 items, including materials donated by the Date family of Sendai, as well as historical, cultural, and arts and crafts materials related to the Sendai han (feudal domain), mainly from the Edo period. Representative items include the "Black Lacquer Five-Piece Gusoku" said to have been worn by Date Masamune and the "Materials Related to the Keicho Mission to Europe," a national treasure registered in UNESCO's Memory of the World (*Exhibition periods are limited. Please inquire for details). The general exhibition room is decorated in black, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

Attractive exhibition space and services that are friendly to both visitors and materials

The museum also owns the UNESCO
The museum also owns the UNESCO "Memory of the World" statue of Tsunenaga Shikura, which is said to be the oldest oil painting depicting a real Japanese person in Japan and a national treasure.

The use of high transparency glass for clearer viewing of the exhibits and LED lighting to reduce damage to the exhibits are also noteworthy. Visitors can also use the free "Pocket Curator" application to view explanations of exhibit materials and listen to voice guidance via smartphone or other devices, making it easy for even those who have difficulty reading captions to understand the contents.
The museum also has a play museum where visitors can play with local toys, a museum store that sells original goods, and a restaurant with a view of the rich natural landscape.

Local Guide Comment
The museum is located in Aobayama Park, surrounded by lush greenery. The museum is located in Aobayama Park, surrounded by lush greenery, and there are many historical spots, including the Zangetsutei, a tea ceremony house associated with Sendai Castle, on the grounds of the adjacent Ryokusaikan. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay in an environment where nature and culture are in harmony.
Sendai City Museum
  • Address 26 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction From Sendai Station on the Subway Tozai Line, board a bus bound for Yagiyama Zoological Park, disembark at Kokusai Center Station, and walk about 8 minutes.
  • Direction From JR Sendai Station, take the Loople Sendai circulator bus (approx. 20 min.); approx. 3 min. walk from the "Museum/International Center/Ryokusaikan-mae" stop.
  • Business hours 9:00-16:45 (Admission until 16:15)
  • Closed Mondays (open on national holidays and substitute holidays), the day after national holidays (open on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the day after the second Monday in October), December 28 - January 4
  • Admission Fee Adults and university students: 460 yen, high school students: 230 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 110 yen
  • TEL 022-225-3074
  • Parking Free of charge

The glittering mausoleum where the spirit of Date Masamune is enshrined

Zuihouden, which consists of the main hall, a worship hall, an offering hall, and the Nirvana Gate. The beauty of the black lacquer and gold leaf decorations is a sight to behold (photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation).
Zuihouden, which consists of the main hall, a worship hall, an offering hall, and the Nirvana Gate. The beauty of the black lacquer and gold leaf decorations is a sight to behold (photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation).

The Otamaya, built in 1637 at the bequest of Date Masamune, enshrines the spirit of the feudal lord Masamune. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1931, but was destroyed by fire during an air raid in World War II.
The present building was reconstructed in 1979, faithfully reproducing the original Zuihouden building using modern construction methods, and underwent a major renovation in 2001, with many of the ornaments, such as the carved lion heads on the pillars and dragon head tiles on the roof, restored to a form close to that of the original building.

The mausoleums and archives of Tadamune II and Tsunamune III are also highlights.

Around the end of November, the precincts of the temple begin to change color with the beautiful autumn leaves. During this period, the temple is also illuminated (photo courtesy of Zuihouden).
Around the end of November, the precincts of the temple begin to change color with the beautiful autumn leaves. During this period, the temple is also illuminated (photo courtesy of Zuihouden).

On the grounds are Kansenden Hall, which was rebuilt after the war, for the second lord Tadamune, and Zennouden Hall, for the third lord Tsunamune, both of which were built and beautifully decorated so that visitors can read about the history of the deceased.
The museum is a reconstructed version of the Gokusho, which was part of the Zuihouden Property, and exhibits records of excavations, secondary burials, and other valuable materials. Visitors can also see a reconstructed statue of Date Masamune, which was restored using state-of-the-art scientific research and facial restoration techniques.
Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery of cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow.

Local Guide Comment
This is a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy historical architecture representative of Sendai. On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteer guides from the "Zuihouden Guide Association," dressed in purple robes, offer free guided tours of the grounds.
(Photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation)
(Photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation)
Zuihouden (Zuihouden Hall)
  • Address 23-2 Reiyashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station
  • Direction 13 minutes by Loople Sendai bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Zuihouden-mae" bus stop, 7 minutes walk from the bus stop.
  • Business hours 9:00~16:50 (last admission 16:30) *December and January: ~16:20 (last admission 16:00)
  • Closed Dec. 31 (all buildings are closed), Jan. 1 (only Zuiho-den is open. Kanzen-den, Zen'o-den, and the museum are closed)
  • Admission Fee Adults/University students: 570 yen, High school students: 410 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students: 210 yen
  • TEL 022-262-6250
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Show a one-day pass for the Loople Sendai and get a 110 yen discount for adults and university students, a 100 yen discount for high school students, and a 50 yen discount for elementary and junior high school students.

The symbolic road of Sendai, the City of Trees, which has continued since the Edo period.

A 700-meter-long street connecting the street in front of Sendai Station and Nishi Koen Dori, lined with four rows of approximately 160 zelkova trees, which become famous for their autumn foliage in the fall.
A 700-meter-long street connecting the street in front of Sendai Station and Nishi Koen Dori, lined with four rows of approximately 160 zelkova trees, which become famous for their autumn foliage in the fall.

The city center of Sendai is rich in nature and greenery. Jozenji-dori, lined with zelkova trees stretching 700 m east to west, is a symbolic street that embodies the reason why Sendai is called the "City of Trees.
Jozenji Dori was originally the approach to Jozenji Temple, which was established in the Edo period (1603-1868) by Date Masamune, the feudal lord of Sendai, as a temple of prayer.

There are many ways to enjoy the road, such as taking a stroll or participating in events.

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival,
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival," where the entire town takes center stage on Jozenji Street, and music of all genres resounds. Photo courtesy of Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Association

The zelkova trees, which change their appearance each season from fresh greenery to autumn leaves to snowy landscapes, make a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Benches are provided along the promenade, allowing visitors to take a break from strolling around the city. The surrounding area is also lined with fashionable cafes and unique stores, making it the perfect place to take a break or do some shopping.
Every September, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, a music event, is held here, and in December, the SENDAI Pageant of Light, in which the trees are lit up with approximately 450,000 LED bulbs, attracts many visitors.

Local Guide Comment
Although located in the heart of the city, this peaceful tree-lined promenade is free from the hustle and bustle of the city. Three bronze statues stand quietly among the zelkova trees that neatly line the promenade, making visitors feel as if they are walking through a small outdoor museum.
Jozenji-dori Street
  • Address Near Kokubun-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Sendai Station
    2 min. walk from Kotodai Koen Subway Station
  • Direction 13 minutes by Sendai City Bus from JR Sendai Station to Jozenji-dori Shiyakusho-mae stop.
    Approx. 58 minutes from JR Sendai Station by Loople Sendai bus, alighting at Jozenji-dori Shiyakusho-mae bus stop.
  • TEL 022-222-2256（Sendai City Transportation Bureau Information Center)
  • Parking None

A shrine dedicated to the god of victory, which you should visit to pray for good luck in the game.

The current shrine pavilion was built in 1652. The shrine grounds are home to a ginkgo tree, considered the sacred tree of the shrine, and a weeping cherry tree approximately 300 years old.
The current shrine pavilion was built in 1652. The shrine grounds are home to a ginkgo tree, considered the sacred tree of the shrine, and a weeping cherry tree approximately 300 years old.

The shrine is dedicated to the "God of Victory" and is known to be visited by famous athletes. It is said that the Kumano Shrine was first enshrined here by the great barbarian general Sakagami Tamuramaro in the early Heian period (794-1185) when he was trying to conquer the Emishi (barbarian tribes). In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the shrine became worshipped as a "god of war," and today it is visited by many worshippers who pray for victory in sports, examinations, and business.
A strange persimmon tree discovered in the 1200th year of the shrine's founding is also enshrined as the "God of Child Harmony (marriage)" in the shrine grounds. It is said that touching the round part in the center of the tree brings good luck, and some people can be seen gently placing their hands on the tree.

The shrine grounds are full of sights such as the "victory stone" and the "child-rearing young milk gingko tree".

The Katsu-ishi stone in front of the main shrine building is popular among worshippers.
The Katsu-ishi stone in front of the main shrine building is popular among worshippers.

If you visit the shrine to pray for victory, be sure to stop by the "Masaruishi" stone. It is said that if you purchase a "Yakuwari-dama" (a ball made of kawara tiles), blow your worries and anxieties into the hole in the ball and throw it toward the stone, it will break down any misfortune.
In addition, the "Kosodate Wakamilk Gingko" has been a sacred tree for a long time and is believed to bring good luck in raising children because of the many fruits it bears in autumn, as if it were carrying a child. There are also many other sights within the temple grounds, including a large statue of the Seven Deities of Good Luck, so if you have time, why not take a leisurely stroll?

Local Guide Comment
In addition to the regular red seals, Akiu Shrine distributes a variety of seasonal and beautiful red seals made of natural cypress. In addition, special red seals are available only for guests of "Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu", so be sure to stop by.
Akiu Shrine
  • address (e.g. of house) 22 Shimizu Kubo-Kita, Nagabukuro, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 40 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Business hours Free to visit, shrine office open 9:00-17:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-399-2208
  • Parking Free of charge

Enjoy the magnificent nature in each season

Akiu Great Falls is designated as a national scenic beauty spot. Also popular for its autumn foliage. Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association.
Akiu Great Falls is designated as a national scenic beauty spot. Also popular for its autumn foliage. Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association

The famous waterfall has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. You can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons, surrounded by the powerful roar and splash of water cascading down from a height of 55 meters. In summer, the area is surrounded by lush greenery, in autumn the ginkgo trees turn golden, and in winter the icicles sparkle in the sunlight, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the greatness of nature.
The Akiu Great Falls Fudoson is located near the falls and offers a panoramic view of the waterfalls from its viewing platform. A 20-minute walk down the promenade from the viewing platform will take you close to the basin of the waterfall. The path to the basin is steep, so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Akiu Great Falls Fudoson stands quietly in a deep forest on the way to Takimidai.

Fudo Hall of Akiu Great Falls Fudoson, surrounded by the roar of the waterfall and the silence of the forest.
Fudo Hall of Akiu Great Falls Fudoson, surrounded by the roar of the waterfall and the silence of the forest. Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association

If you visit Akiu Great Falls, you should also stop by Akiu Great Falls Fudo-son, a simple wooden hall built in 1825 with exquisite carvings both inside and outside, and paintings of dragons and flowers on the ceiling said to have been drawn by the daughter of a priest Chisari.
Every year at the end of April, a spring festival is held, during which a powerful grand goma prayer is performed. The shrine is also home to the "Baba no Taue Odori," one of Akiu's "Taue Odori" (rice planting dances), which has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.

Local Guide Comment
The area is also famous for its verdant foliage in early summer and its autumnal foliage in fall, which looks even more spectacular. You can also go down to the waterfall basin and enjoy the difference in scenery and the power of the waterfall from above and below.
Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association
Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association
Akiu Great Falls
  • Address Otaki, Bamba, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 50 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Bus Direction 1 hour and 20 minutes by Miyagi Kotsu Bus from JR Sendai Station to Akiu Otaki Waterfall Bus Stop (available only on Saturdays and holidays).
    From JR Aiko Station, take the Sendai City Bus for about 40 minutes and get off at Akiu Otaki Waterfall.
  • Hours of Operation Free to walk around
  • Regular holiday Free to walk around
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-398-2323（Akiu Hot Spring Village Tourist Information Center)
  • Parking Free of charge (Akiu Great Falls Botanical Garden Public)

Winery surrounded by Akiu's rich natural environment

Enjoy wine and local food surrounded by Akiu's nature
Enjoy wine and local food surrounded by Akiu's nature

The winery is located amidst a vast vineyard. The Great East Japan Earthquake triggered the opening of the winery. The winery opened in 2015 out of the owner's passionate desire not to let the wine industry in the prefecture die out. Since then, the winery has been cultivating grapes, making wine, and selling it under the theme of "the marriage of wine and food.
On the premises, there is a store, a restaurant, and a brewing room with space for tours. The brewing room, where visitors can watch the preparation and brewing process through glass, is a popular spot for visitors to get a close-up look at the wine-making process.

Enjoy the marriage of locally produced wine and food

Picnic Lunch Box
Picnic Lunch Box" from 1,980 yen (varies depending on the drink. (Photo: Akiu Craft Cider, 2,800 yen)

Restaurant "TERROAGE AKIU" offers wine tasting and pasta dishes. We also recommend purchasing a "picnic lunch box" that includes a drink and snacks made from local ingredients and enjoying a winery picnic on the terrace.
At the store, you can also purchase wines made from 100% of the winery's own vineyards, as well as special wines brewed using grapes from contracted farmers. Akiu Craft Cider, made with apples grown in Miyagi Prefecture, is popular for its fresh aroma and apple flavor.

Local Guide Comment
Canned ahi jō and snack beef tongue, which go great with Akiu wine and cider, are perfect as souvenirs or to enjoy at your accommodation.
Akiu Winery
  • Address 6 Biwabara-nishi, Yumoto, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 28 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Bus Direction Approx. 50 minutes by Miyagi Kotsu Bus from JR Sendai Station to Akiu Bunka no Sato Center, approx. 6 minutes walk from the bus stop.
    From JR Sendai Station, take Takeya Kotsu Bus (40 min.), get off at Akiu-sato Center, and walk about 6 minutes.
  • Business hours Store & Cafe 9:30-17:00
    Restaurant: 11:00-17:00 (Lunch: 15:30, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 21:00)
    For the time being, dinner (18:00-21:00) is by reservation only.
  • Closed Tuesdays
  • Admission fee Free of charge (free to visit the brewing facilities)
  • TEL 022-226-7475
  • Parking Free of charge

A popular morning market where you can find a wide variety of products from the sea and mountains of the Tohoku region

The aroma of ocean breezes and grilled seafood wafting through the air. You can fully enjoy the atmosphere of Yuriage while chatting with the producers.
The aroma of ocean breezes and grilled seafood wafting through the air. You can fully enjoy the atmosphere of Yuriage while chatting with the producers.

The morning market at Yuriage Fishing Port is held every Sunday and national holidays from 6:00 am. The market features about 50 stores selling fresh seafood landed from nearby waters, seasonal vegetables and fruits shipped directly from the production area, and gourmet foods such as seafood rice bowls and Seri nabe (a pot dish cooked in a pot of rice with a variety of seafood).

In 2013, the shop was relaunched in a new Property in the same location as before the earthquake. Today, the market is a popular morning market, bustling with locals and tourists alike and filled with the energetic shouts of the producers.

Don't miss the "Auction Market Experience," where the chairman of the board of directors himself acts as an auctioneer.

Another attraction is that fresh fish can be purchased at a reasonable price. You can enjoy your purchased seafood in the free hearth-grilling space.
Another attraction is that fresh fish can be purchased at a reasonable price. You can enjoy your purchased seafood in the free hearth-grilling space.

One of its specialties is the "auction market" held every Sunday from 10:00 am. It is an event where anyone can experience the auction.
The auction starts when union members ring a bell and begin parading around the market. The lively signal is followed by a rush of excitement at the venue. Various products such as marine products, vegetables, and confectioneries are on display, and when the items you want are read out, you immediately raise your fan with a number tag attached to it to show off. When your number is called, you have successfully bid. This is an event that is not usually experienced, and the light-hearted talk by the chairman of the board of directors, who also serves as the auctioneer, is one of the most popular features of the event.

Local Guide Comment
To experience the lively market, we recommend visiting early in the morning from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. The Maple Pavilion, a food court and gallery space, is open daily except Thursdays. Seafood-centered restaurants and cafes with a reputation for drip coffee are lined up.
Yuriage Port Morning Market
  • Address 3-5-1 Yuriage-higashi, Natori-shi, Miyagi MAP
  • Direction Approx. 40 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Direction Take "Natorin-go" bus from JR Natori Station, get off at "Yuriage-minato Asaichi-mae" and walk about 2 minutes.
  • Business hours Morning market every Sunday and national holidays only, 6:00-13:00
    Yuriage Kitchen & Gallery Maple Kan Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:00, Sundays and national holidays 6:00-13:00
  • Closed Morning Market Monday-Saturday *Open if the market falls on a national holiday
    Yuriage Kitchen & Gallery Maple Kan Thu.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-395-7211
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Return to article top
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.