1
Akiu Great Falls

The majestic Great Falls surrounded by colorful autumn leaves

Along with Kegon Falls (Tochigi) and Nachi Falls (Wakayama), Akiu Great Falls is said to be one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. The powerful scene of the waterfall, which breaks through the tuff and cascades down from a height of 55 meters, is breathtaking. The surrounding area is lush with maple, oak, and mountain cherry trees, and after mid-October every year, a panorama of colorful autumn leaves spreads out like a panorama.
For a panoramic view of the waterfall, go to Takimidai, located beyond Akiu Great Falls Fudoson (Takihonzan Saiko-ji Temple). If you descend from the riverside promenade to the basin of the waterfall, you will be overwhelmed by the thunderous sound and splashes of water. It is also recommended to look up at the red- and yellow-rimmed waterfall while feeling the cool mist.
Akiu Great Falls Fudoson also has a 350-year-old giant ginkgo tree. Not only is it dazzling when the leaves are at their peak, but the precincts of the temple covered with a carpet of fallen leaves are also very picturesque.

Best time to view the autumn leaves: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Types of trees】Momiji, maple, oak, ginkgo, etc.

Akiu Great Falls

• Otaki, Bamba, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 50 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
• 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.
• Free to walk around
• Free to walk around
• Free of charge
• 022-398-2323（Akiu Hot Spring Village Tourist Information Center)
• Free of charge (Akiu Great Falls Botanical Garden Public)

2
Tenshukaku Nature Park

Enjoy the photogenic autumn garden lighting up

The grounds of the temple are a vast 240,000 m2 garden near the hot spring resort of Akiu, with a pond garden that skillfully incorporates the natural topography and landscape. Around the pond, where Nishikigoi carp swim comfortably, more than 500 Japanese maples, mountain maples, and Japanese maples are planted, and the late-autumn scenery, bathed in sunlight and glowing golden, is simply magnificent.
During the autumn foliage season, the "Akiu Night Museum" is held, an annual lighting event that attracts much attention.
The Japanese garden is enveloped in light, and the illuminated maple trees at night are elegant and fantastic. Photo spots are set up here and there so that you can take an original photo.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from early to mid-November.
Tree species】Iroha-momiji, Yama-momiji, Itaya-maeda, etc.

Akiu Night Museum
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025 - Monday, November 24, 2025 (national holiday)
Light-up: 16:30 - 21:00 (last admission 20:30)
Place: Hut-house site garden (reception at Ichitaro no Yu)
Fee: Adults 1,000 yen (1,500 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), children (4 years old to elementary school students) 500 yen
URL: https: //akiu-sizen.co.jp/archives/lp/lightup

Tenshukaku Nature Park

• 10 Genpei Genbaru, Yumoto, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Sendai Station and get off at "Ki-no-ie-mae" bus stop.
• 10:00-16:00
  Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays: 16:30
• December - March: 3rd Friday of the month, December 31, January 1
• March-November Adults 400 yen, children (4 years old to elementary school students) 100 yen
  During the Akiu Night Museum, the price is 100 yen more each.
• 022-398-2111
• Free of charge

3
Leiraikyo

The beauty of the valley with dynamic giant rocks and autumn leaves

The word "Lei" means "rocks strewn about. As the name suggests, "Lei Lei Gorge" is a gorge where oddly shaped rocks eroded by the Natori River are piled on top of each other. The 1km-long promenade is lined with large rocks and waterfalls, such as Hachiken Iwashi, Shiguretaki, and Tenono-iwa, which offer a close-up view of the powerful scenery.
In November, the gorge is decorated with a gradation of vivid autumn colors, including shirakis dyed in deep red and nishikigi, which reminds one of brocade fabrics. The walking path behind Akiu's tourist center, Akiu-Sato Center, is lit up every year during the autumn foliage season. The maple trees and rock walls along the Natori River are beautifully illuminated, giving the Leiyu Gorge a different look from the daytime.
The free footbath "Juemon no Yu" (usually open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April to November from 11:00 to 16:00) is located on the grounds of the Village Center, and can be used until 19:30 every day during the lighting-up period. Wear warm clothes to visit and enjoy the long autumn nights.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from early to mid-November.
Tree species] Japanese white birch, sawtooth oak, zelkova, oak, etc.

▼Leiyu Gorge Maple Trail Light-up ~Sairen Hanatou
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 - Monday, November 24, 2025
Light-up: 17:00-19:30 *Canceled in case of stormy weather
Location: "Leidakyo Maple Trail", a walking path behind Akiu Satoyama Center
Admission: Free

Lei Gorge

• Yumoto, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at Akiu-sato Center, and walk about 2 minutes.
• 022-304-9151（Akiu Satoyama Center)
• Free of charge

4
Jogi-nyorai Saifo-ji Temple

Worship at the colorful shrine of "Definition-san" and taste the specialty "Abura-age" fried bean curd

The "Seiho-ji Temple of Definition" stands in the mountains of Sendai and is a temple associated with the Heike clan, which is said to bring good luck in marriage, childbirth, and childbirth. Locals call the temple "Jogi-san," which means "definition.
Passing through the powerful gate, you will enter the spacious temple grounds. After passing through the gate, you will enter the spacious precincts of the temple, where you will see the Enmei Jizo, Chomei Water, and the Gobyo Sadayoshi Hall, where you can experience sutra copying, and visit the Daihondo Hall, where the Gohonzon (the principal image of the temple) is enshrined. The "Matcha (powdered green tea) Restaurant Yasuragi," where you can taste powdered green tea made with Chomeisui, is also a wonderful place to visit.
After mid-October, the maple trees, maples, and ginkgo trees on the temple grounds begin to change color. At the best time of year, the combination of the majestic five-story pagoda and the graceful autumn leaves is breathtaking.
Around Bunka no Hi (Culture Day) in November, the approach to the temple becomes a pedestrian paradise, attracting many visitors. We also recommend tasting "triangular fried tofu," a specialty of Defin-san, and enjoying an autumn stroll along the path.

Autumn foliage viewing time】Late October to mid-November
Tree species】Maples, ginkgo, yellow maples, etc.
Okura Dam / maple, azalea, mountain poison ivy, etc.

▼ Definition of the Buddha's statue: Pedestrian paradise on the approach to the gate of the temple
Date: November 1 (Sat.) to 3 (Mon.), 2025 (national holiday)
Pedestrian paradise: 10:00-16:00
Location：About 300m from the gate of Nichinichi Nyorai
URL: https: //www.sentabi.jp/event/2025100018/

Definition Nyorai Saiko-ji Temple

• Aza-joge, Okura, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 60 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Sendai Station and get off at "Definition" stop.
• 7:45-16:15
  Yasuragi Matcha Cafe 10:00-15:30
• 022-393-2011
• Free of charge
• https://www.sentabi.jp/guidebook/attractions/70/

5
Okura Dam

Trees along the dam lake turn colorful and colorful in the lake water.

Okura Dam, located on the way from downtown Sendai and Akiu hot spring to "Jogi-yorai Saibo-ji Temple," is also a good spot to stop by and enjoy the autumn leaves. The double-arch concrete dam and the yellow gradation of maple and azalea trees that adorn the cliffs in the area are truly spectacular. The sight of the autumn leaves reflected in the water mirror of the dam lake is also heartwarming.
There are two parks nearby. Okura Dam Park is compact, but the autumn scenery of the trees shining in candy colors is enchanting. The Okura Dam Lakeside Park has a roller slide on a small hill, perfect for parents and children. Looking upstream from the Okura Bridge, you can see the five-story pagoda of the Nyorai Buddha surrounded by mountains in autumn leaves.

Best time to view the autumn leaves: Usually from late October to mid-November.
Tree species】Maple trees, azaleas, poison ivy, etc.

Okura Dam

• Aza-Takahata, Okura, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 45 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Okura Dam" and walk 2 minutes.
• 022-393-2211
• Free of charge

6
Matsushima

View of the autumn leaves and Matsushima Bay from the hilltop. Mysterious garden lights up at night.

Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, is also famous for its autumn foliage. At "Ougidani", named after the fan-shaped inlet of Matsushima Bay, maple trees turn deep red all at once. Don't miss "Saigyoshi-no-Matsu Park," a scenic spot overlooking Matsushima Bay. The view of the glossy autumn leaves and the islands in Matsushima Bay is like a painting.
The Entsuji Temple, with its magnificent garden, Zuiganji Temple, which is associated with Date Masamune, and Matsushima Rikyu, which is pet-friendly, are also lit up. Among them, Entsuji Temple offers many highlights, such as the Karesansui (dry landscape) garden where maple trees float in the quiet darkness, and Shinji-no-ike (pond with mirrored leaves) where maple leaves are reflected upside down like a mirror. During the festival, various artists will perform every day, immersing visitors in the soothing sounds and mysterious colors.

Best time to view the autumn leaves: Usually from mid-October to late November.
Tree species】Iroha-momiji, Nomura-momiji, Kouchiwa-maeji, etc.

Entsun Temple Autumn Foliage Light-up
Date: Saturday, October 25 - Monday, November 24, 2025
Light-up: 17:30 - 21:00 (last admission at 20:45)
Place: Entsuin Temple
Fee: Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,300 yen, elementary school students and younger: free
URL: https: //www.entuuin.or.jp/lightup/2025/
Access：5 min. walk from JR Matsushima-kaigan Station
Tel: 022-354-3206 (Entsuin Temple)
Parking: No (Pay parking is available nearby)

Matsushima Island

• Matsushima, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
• A short walk from JR Matsushima-kaigan Station
• 022-354-2618（Matsushima Tourist Association)
• Yes (free of charge)

7
Akiu Winery

Winery picnic with a view of autumn-colored vineyards

This winery was established in Miyagi Prefecture in 2015 for the first time since the earthquake. It aims to revitalize the local community through wine, based on the concept of "terroirge," a cross between "terroir," which describes the climate and human activities, and "marriage," which means the pairing or marriage of food and wine.
In November, the vines of Merlot, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and other grape varieties gently change color, turning the vineyards a gentle autumn hue.
At the Restaurant Terroirge Akiu, which opened in August 2024, visitors can enjoy the luxurious experience of savoring Italian food and wine made with local ingredients while gazing out the large windows at the autumn leaves of the vineyards. On a clear autumn day, the outdoor seating area, with over 70 seats, is a special place to sit. You can take out a lunch box and enjoy a refreshing winery picnic at a table in the vineyard.

Best time to see the autumn leaves: Usually in early November.
Type of trees】Grape vines

Akiu Winery

• 6 Biwabara-nishi, Yumoto, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi MAP
• Approximately 28 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
• 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.
• 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.
• Tuesdays
• Free of charge (free to visit the brewing facilities)
• 022-226-7475
• Free of charge