Sakunami Onsen

Sakunami Onsen is a hot spring resort located about a 40-minute drive from central Sendai, and has long been cherished as “Sendai’s inner parlor.” Situated along National Route 48, also known as the Kansan Highway, which leads toward Yamagata, it has been widely loved by both Sendai residents and visitors, alongside Akiu Onsen. The hot spring town is lined with accommodations ranging from modern hotels to simple, rustic inns, welcoming guests with the quiet natural beauty of a valley and the warmth of its healing waters.

History and Legends
The origins of Sakunami Onsen are said to date back to 721, when the monk Gyoki reportedly discovered a spring bubbling up from the bed of the Hirose River after being guided by the call of the blue-and-white flycatcher (bupposo). This is considered the beginning of the spread of its reputed benefits and bathing practices among the local people.

There is also an anecdote that during the Battle of Oshu in 1189, Minamoto no Yoritomo bathed here to recover from his fatigue. In the Muromachi period, Juroku (Kisoji), a descendant of the Iwamatsu clan, reopened the hot spring, and in 1796 (Kansei 8), the Sendai domain lord Date Narimura formally authorized its opening. This marked the foundation of the hot spring town. Since then, it has been visited by many cultural figures, including Masaoka Shiki, and continues to be loved as a famous hot spring to this day.

Spring Quality and Benefits
Sakunami Onsen is abundant in water and is known as a “beauty bath” for its gentle, skin-friendly spring quality. This name comes from the fact that its waters are mild and smooth, making them kind to the skin.

Its current spring classifications are as follows:
Simple hot spring (colorless, clear, tasteless, and odorless): Mild and suitable for a wide range of people, with expected benefits for fatigue recovery, neuralgia, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis.

Sodium-calcium sulfate/chloride spring (formerly known as sodium sulfate/chloride spring): Contains salt and sulfate components, and is considered beneficial for bathing in cases such as chronic arthritis, injuries, chronic skin diseases, and arteriosclerosis.

Its gentle water is appreciated by people of all ages and offers healing for both body and mind.

Ways to Enjoy the Hot Springs
Each inn and lodging in Sakunami Onsen offers a variety of distinctive baths, including:
- Natural rock baths along the Hirose River
- Standing baths about 1.3 meters deep
- Medicinal baths using maifan stone
- Open-air baths where you can feel the changing seasons

With a wide range of baths that make full use of the abundant hot spring waters, visitors can enjoy bath-hopping to the fullest.

Nearby Attractions and Highlights
There are many attractive sightseeing spots in and around the hot spring area:
- Hōmei Shijūtaki Falls: A series of waterfalls scattered along the upper reaches of the Hirose River, offering beautiful valley scenery throughout the seasons.
- Mt. Kamakura (nicknamed Gorilla Mountain): A mountain known for looking like a gorilla’s face from a certain angle.
- Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery: Offers factory tours and tastings, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad.
- Sakunami Stream Fishing Area: A nature experience spot where you can fish for iwana and yamame trout.
- Sakunami Kokeshi: Traditional crafts dating back to the end of the Edo period, with hands-on painting experiences available. The giant kokeshi doll at the entrance to the hot spring town is a symbol of Sakunami.
- Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple: An ancient temple associated with the legend of Heike survivors, deeply revered by local people.

In addition, Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple) is about 15 minutes away by train, making it easy to enjoy a combination of hot springs and sightseeing.

Sakunami Onsen offers:
▸ A historic hot spring resort known as Sendai’s inner parlor
▸ A venerable famous bath colored by legends of Gyoki and Minamoto no Yoritomo
▸ Gentle waters praised as a “beauty bath”
▸ A variety of bathing experiences, including rock baths and standing baths
▸ A tourism base where you can enjoy rich valley scenery, famous landmarks, and cultural experiences

It is one of the representative hot spring destinations of Tohoku, where visitors can step away from the bustle of the city and enjoy bathing surrounded by nature and history.