2025 Osaki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

#2024TravelReview The maple viewing trip in Tohoku, Japan, started from Sendai. The first stop was to drive to the famous attraction #Naruko Gorge in Kurikoma National Park, located between Nakayamadaira Onsen and Naruko Onsen. The maple leaves were red all over the valley, and the mountains were covered with intoxicating red and yellow maple leaves, which was very beautiful. The best photo spot is the Dashenze Bridge that hangs above. This beautiful red arch bridge is beautiful and photogenic from every angle, whether you are looking at the canyon from the bridge, looking straight at it from the observation deck opposite, or looking up from the valley trail. If you are lucky, you may even get to see the tram coming out of the canyon cave, which is also the most representative internet beauty photo of Naruko Gorge! After taking photos at Naruko Gorge, if you have time, you can walk along the Ofukazawa Trail opposite. The mountain is covered with yellow leaves and it feels fresh and comfortable to walk. The route is also easy to walk. Go down the valley and then go back to Naruko Gorge. The whole journey takes about 30-40 minutes. It is a stroll in the phytoncides forest bath, which is highly recommended. #日本东北自由旅行 #东北赏枫 #明子峡 #宫城景点 #送台 #明子温泉 #红叶 #黄叶 #2024旅行评论

#forest #100 ways to travel #大神沢游路 The secret spot of Fendojing, which is easy to miss, is just opposite the parking lot of Naruko Gorge. Because you have to cross the road, most people rush to take pictures of #narukokyo. This trail was newly built later, along the Great Fukazawa Valley. It is a color-changing deciduous forest trail with oak, elm, and maple trees. The forest is lush and rich. It begins to change color as soon as autumn arrives, turning from green to yellow or red, which is quite beautiful. pretty. If you have enough time, after visiting the crowded Naruko Gorge Trail and Ofukazawa Bridge, cross the road and take a walk on the Ofukazawa Trail. The total distance is 1.5 kilometers. The slope is gentle and can be completed in about 40 minutes. It is easy and comfortable. . #日本 Northeast Free Travel #Northeastern Maple Viewing #Naruko Gorge #大深沢 #forest #100 Ways to Travel

The hotel has four hot springs, open-air baths, and free private baths, so you can enjoy them slowly. The room is big and clean, the spring water is hot enough and the quality is sulfur. It is a high-end hot spring hotel with reasonable price. The dinner tasted pleasantly surprising, although not very refined, the meat was very fresh; Breakfast had a lot of options. Address－Yumoto-58-10 Narukoonsen, Ōsaki, Miyagi 989-6823 Japan Environment/Facilities-❣️Four hot springs and open-air baths. ❣️Free ice cream and drinks ❣️Free beer and sake are available at dinner Price per person: HKD 3,000 per night with two meals Rating - 💜💜💜💜💜 #hotspringhotel #travelinjapan #goodplaceforfamily #overseastravel

Visited on 2022.10.20 Naruko Gorge in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture A 100-meter-deep canyon carved by the Otani River✨ The green is beautiful from spring to summer, and from mid-October to mid-November every year, the leaves turn red and yellow🍁 They were just starting to turn, but it was very beautiful😊 If you want to take a photo with the train, it's best to check the time before visiting✨ *Naruko Gorge #Autumn trip#Autumn leaf spot#Autumn leaf viewing

【Top 10 Autumn Foliage in Miyagi】 Here are the top 10 autumn foliage spots in Miyagi. 1. Naruko Gorge 2. Choro Lake 3. Choro Shrine 4. Rinnoji Temple 5. Shorakuji Temple 6. Shonenji Temple 7. Toshogu Shrine 8. Akiu Great Falls 9. Homyo Forty-Eight Waterfalls 10. Hanayama Dam Thank you for your continued reviews! Please be sure to save and share 🙏 ————————— Time: Late October to Late November Location: Refer to above ☑️ Camera Sony α7IV ☑️ Lenses FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II SIGMA 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

– October 19, 2025 This morning, the temperature was around ten degrees Celsius, the sky was a soft white, and a light mist drifted through the treetops above the valley. The sound of cars on the Onikawa Bridge echoed in the gorge, combined with the sound of the water from the Ofukusawa Stream—perhaps the origin of the name “Naruko,” which means “cry.” The gorge was formed by the eruption of Mount Onikube ten thousand years ago. The river slowly eroded, creating a rock wall more than 100 meters high. The golden-yellow steel bridge spanning it, the “Onikawa Bridge,” was built in 1957 to connect Naruko Village to Highway 47. Who would have thought that a road bridge would inadvertently become a symbol of autumn? The leaves weren't at their peak today. Half of the mountain was orange and yellow, while the lower part was still vibrant green, as if the mountain was hesitating whether to change color. For those who enjoy photographing autumn leaves, I highly recommend this place. The sight of just 20% of the leaves is enough to make you melt. 👍 Naruko Gorge (鳴子峡) is one of the best places to see autumn leaves. "The most beautiful in the Tohoku region," perfect for those seeking a peaceful, uncrowded glimpse of Japanese nature. 🌿 Reasons to visit Naruko • Legendary views: Over 100-meter-high cliffs line both sides, with the golden yellow Onigawa Bridge cutting through the valley. This spot is frequently photographed on magazine covers. • Autumn: Late October–early November is when the colors are at their most intense (red, orange, and gold). However, if you visit earlier, you'll witness the "changing colors" that are more beautiful and quieter. • Historic hot springs: The nearby Naruko Onsenkyo town is perfect for soaking in the hot springs after a scenic trail hike. • No strenuous climb required: There's a scenic walking path that's easy to navigate and suitable for all ages. #NarukoGorge #Miyagi #TohokuTrip #JapanAutumn #RealTripJapan

A classic ryokan in the historic hot spring town of Miyagi Prefecture 🏔️ 🌿✨ Relax amidst the mountains and soak in authentic hot springs surrounded by nature at "Naruko Onsen," Japan 🇯🇵 This place offers both indoor and outdoor onsen baths, where you can enjoy views of snow or autumn leaves—pure bliss 🍁❄️. The accommodations include traditional Japanese-style rooms (tatami mats + futons) and Western-style rooms, catering to all preferences. 🍱 Japanese buffet breakfast that many rave about as "delicious!" 🚗 Free parking available 🕓 24-hour front desk service 🎤 Karaoke for added fun Easily accessible, just about 10 minutes from JR Naruko-Onsen Station 🚆 📍 Narukoonsen Kurumayu 17, Osaki, Miyagi, Japan 💰 Approximately 7,000 THB per night (including the amazing onsen experience!) 🧳 If you have the chance to visit Tohoku, don't miss Naruko Onsen. It's warm, peaceful, and full of authentic Japanese charm ❤️

#hellohalloween Tucked away in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, Naruko Gorge (Naruko Kyōkoku) is a masterpiece of nature, renowned as one of Japan's most spectacular spots for autumn colors. But its beauty isn't limited to a single season. This dramatic V-shaped ravine, carved by the Ofukazawa River, offers towering cliffs, lush greenery, and soothing hot springs year-round. For a solo traveler, it's a perfect destination for a reflective hike and natural immersion. My Solo Itinerary: · Morning – The Ofukazawa Bridge & Viewpoints: I started at the rest house near the gorge's entrance and walked straight to the bright red Ofukazawa Bridge. The view from here down into the 100-meter-deep gorge is breathtaking. I then began the hike along the "Okukoe" walking path, clinging to the cliffside. I stopped at every viewpoint, like Kurotaki and Matsushima-iwa, to soak in the perspectives of the jagged rocks and the river below. · Afternoon – Immersion in Nature & The Rope Bridge: I continued my hike at a leisurely pace, listening to the sounds of the river and the wind in the trees. The path led me across a dramatic suspension bridge that swayed gently over the ravine, offering a thrilling and unique vantage point. I found a quiet rock by the water's edge to enjoy a packed lunch in total solitude. · Evening – Onsen Recovery & Kokeshi Dolls: After the hike, I rewarded my muscles at one of the many onsen (hot spring) inns in the nearby Naruko Onsen town. I then explored the town's streets, famous for their traditional Naruko kokeshi dolls, and found a cozy restaurant for a bowl of warming imoni (taro stew) or local river fish. Why Naruko Gorge is Perfect for Solo Travelers: · A Personal Nature Challenge: The well-maintained but dramatic hike is a perfect personal accomplishment, offering stunning rewards at every turn. · Ultimate Solitude & Peace: Even during peak season, the vastness of the gorge allows you to find moments of complete solitude for reflection and photography. · A Multi-Sensory Experience: The combination of visual grandeur, the sound of the river, and the post-hike relaxation in an onsen creates a deeply rejuvenating experience. · Easy to Access: The gorge is easily reached from Sendai, making it an ideal nature escape without the need for a car. Tips for Your Visit: · 🍁 Peak Season Planning: For autumn colors (mid to late October), arrive early to avoid the largest crowds. The foliage is spectacular. · 🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes: The paths are well-kept but can be steep and uneven in places. · 🚂 Check Transport: Trains and buses run from Sendai to Naruko Onsen station. The gorge is a short taxi or bus ride from there. · 🧴 Pack Water & Snacks: There are limited facilities along the trail itself. Naruko Gorge is a place that reminds you of the raw, powerful beauty of the natural world.

While the famous hot spring retreats near Sendai are well-known, why not venture a bit further to Naruko? 【Access】Approximately 2 hours via train through Furukawa 【Autumn Foliage Season】Late October to early November Naruko Onsenkyo is a hot spring paradise With nine different types of hot spring waters, it is often referred to as the 'Eastern Yokozuna' alongside Beppu in the west. A day trip wouldn't do it justice—take your time to enjoy the variety of baths. From Naruko Onsen, it's just over an hour by bus to Naruko Gorge, where you can enjoy autumn foliage and hiking. There's nothing better than soaking in a hot spring after a hike! The autumn leaves in Naruko Gorge are a vibrant tapestry of colors.

I went to a soup curry restaurant that recently opened inside Rione Furukawa! It's located on the first floor of Rione, facing the parking lot. You can choose the spiciness level from 1 to 10. You can also choose between shrimp-based and tomato-based soup. The space is calm, and there was a steady stream of customers. I ordered the recommended chicken and vegetable curry. It was filled with tender chicken and plenty of summer vegetables, and I was very satisfied. It wasn't too spicy, just right, and went down well with rice. (I chose level 2 spiciness.) There's also a fruit sandwich shop on the premises. You can also get a one-hour free parking pass, so I had a relaxing and comfortable time.

・Watari Town meets Kuma Hanabata Only about 15 minutes drive from Sendai Airport, there is a whole field of sunflowers once summer comes, and it is not crowded, you can take a lot of beautiful photos, last year was mid-August is the best viewing period, this year on August 15 in Genricho will have a summer festival and fireworks festival! 📍Inside the land of Kamikawa-mae Kumadazawa, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 20 minutes walk from JR Eikuma Station ・Sunflower field in Yamamoto Town It takes about 30 minutes to drive here from Sendai Airport, and there will be a Sunflower Festival from July 18 to July 27 this year. You can rent a bicycle from "Dream Strawberry Country" near JR Sakamoto Station, or it's just as convenient to take the tram! 📍Inside Takase Kitachu Suga Land, Yamamoto-cho ・Sunflower Hill, Sanppongi, Osaki City This one attraction is a bit more distance from Sendai Airport, but is highly recommended, with about 420,000 sunflowers, forming a small hill where you can take beautiful photos! The Sunflower Festival will be held from July 26 to August 17. There will be many shops selling special products and so on. It's very lively! 📍Osaki City, Sanppongi Saida, Magishi 37, No. 27

Naruko Gorge, located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a renowned spot that attracts autumn foliage enthusiasts from all over Japan. The vibrant autumn colors spread across the deep V-shaped gorge create a picturesque scene that resembles a painting. Especially from mid-October to early November, the gorge is adorned with shades of red, yellow, and orange, creating a stunning contrast with the Otani River flowing through it. 🍁The gorge features well-maintained observation decks and walking trails, making it easy to enjoy a casual hike. The moment when trains pass over the iron bridge amidst the autumn leaves is a perfect photo opportunity for photography lovers! ⸻ 🌟Highlights & Experiences ・Marvel at the breathtaking autumn foliage from the Ohfukazawa Bridge ・Experience the gorge up close on a 2.2km walking trail ・The combination of trains and autumn leaves is popular among railway enthusiasts 🚉Access ・About 10 minutes by car from JR Rikuu East Line's Naruko Onsen Station ・During the peak foliage season, expect traffic and crowds; visiting on weekdays or early mornings is recommended 📅Best Season to Visit ・Mid-October to early November (peak autumn foliage season) 👟Travel Tips ・Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing ・Pair your visit with Naruko Onsen for the ultimate experience ・Don't miss Naruko Kokeshi dolls, foot baths, and local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot)

If you take the Shinkansen north from Sendai for about 15 minutes, you'll arrive at Furukawa Station. From there, a local train ride west for 45 minutes will bring you to Naruko Onsen, which boasts the largest variety of hot spring sources in Japan. A 30-minute walk from Naruko Onsen leads to Naruko Gorge, renowned as Japan's top autumn foliage spot. Between Naruko Onsen and Furukawa lies Iwadeyama, often referred to as "Little Kyoto." These three locations are all part of Osaki City and are conveniently close enough to visit during a trip to Sendai. However, since trains run only once an hour, careful planning is necessary. Eight years ago, I visited Naruko Onsen during the autumn season. This time, I decided to explore Iwadeyama with a "Little Kyoto" theme. On the way, I headed to Yubikan Station, which is the next stop after Iwadeyama. Yubikan is home to a preserved Japanese garden of an old samurai residence. Unfortunately, I arrived just as it was closing, so I couldn't go inside. Instead, I took a brief stroll through the bamboo grove behind it. Walking along a waterfall path with cool valley water rushing down, I entered the village. The continuation of the road gives off a modern vibe, reminiscent of places like Yuzawa in Akita Prefecture or Minobu in Shizuoka Prefecture. However, as you pass through the main street and venture further inside, you'll find a rural village that retains its old charm. Narrow alleys, rice fields, streams, and various bridges create a picturesque and nostalgic atmosphere. The sound of flowing water adds a refreshing touch to the experience. Interestingly, my Japanese teacher, who is originally from Sendai, mentioned that they had their first job in Iwadeyama and had visited this area, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Thank you!

🏞️【Miyagi A・Ra・Dateno Michi-no-Eki】A Gourmet Treasure Awaits After the Highway Exit Located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, at the gateway to Naruko Onsen, "A・Ra・Dateno Michi-no-Eki" is far more than just a rest stop. It's like a treasure chest packed with local culinary delights! ⸻ 🚗 From locally grown vegetables to sweets, prepared foods, and souvenirs, the variety here is simply overwhelming! One of the most popular attractions is the "Royce" chocolate shop. Yes, the famous Royce from Hokkaido has a direct store here 🍫✨. You might even find exclusive or outlet items, making it a paradise for souvenir hunters. ⸻ 🍙 The food court is not to be underestimated either! From rice balls made with local rice to freshly fried minced meat cutlets and ramen flavored with Sendai miso, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Miyagi as part of your travel lunch. ⸻ 🛍️ The souvenir section is incredibly well-stocked. From Zunda mochi and beef tongue to juices and alcohol from local wineries, you can find everything you need right here, which is super convenient. ⸻ 📍 Address: Shimo Miyamichi Shimo 4-1, Iwadeyama Iketsuki, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 🕘 Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by store) ⸻ This is not "just a rest stop." Once you visit, it becomes another destination on your journey. ⸻

This is a convenient ramen shop. I was looking for a ramen shop to go to around 8pm after finishing my schedule and found this one. There was a parking lot. A historic shop founded in 1954. Reasonably priced and child-friendly, it's a popular place for families. There's also a wide variety of children's menu items. Ordering is done through touch panels. Cold water refills are self-service. They have a variety of flavors on the menu, including salt, soy sauce, and miso, and I ordered the green onion ramen. The green onions were fresh and the slightly spicy soup was delicious. Store name: Korakuen Furukawa Bypass Store

I recently visited a bakery located in Osaki City. This charming bakery suddenly appears amidst a rural area of rice fields! It's a very stylish shop where you can purchase freshly baked bread. The large flag advertising their homemade bread is quite eye-catching. The wooden signboard and plates of the shop are also lovely. They offer a wide variety of bread, ranging from savory to sweet options! However, when I visited around 1 PM, most of the selection was already gone... It seems that the best time to visit for a wider variety is between 9:30 and 10 AM when the bread is freshly baked. I bought the Okonomiyaki Bread, Quiche, and Pain au Chocolat Rich. My family and I enjoyed all of them. Each item is made with great care and plenty of ingredients, offering the unique taste of a homemade specialty shop. These breads are perfect for family gatherings or as gifts. Next time, I plan to visit early in the morning to try again. Still, I was very satisfied to discover new flavors this time. Since this is a privately-run shop, I recommend checking their social media before visiting. They post daily updates about sell-out times and other information. Address: 34 Furukawa Nagaoka Hari Aza Wanochi, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closes when bread is sold out)

#springitinerary The trail is open from 9am to 4pm. It's free. It takes about 10 minutes going to the viewing platform and 20 minutes back to Narukokyonakayamadairagawa Parking Lot. This bridge was at the beginning of the Miyagi Olle Osaki Naruko Onsen Trail. It is beautiful and would be even more stunning a little later in the season with the changing leaves, I was about two weeks too early.

#springitinerary You can see about 5,000 kokeshi dolls of various types from all over the Tohoku region, as well as the collection of Prince Takamatsunomiya Nobuhito, and you can also experience painting them and watch production demonstrations. You can color the kokeshi. It seems that there are various types of kokeshi dolls depending on the region. It's a small facility, but both children and adults had a lot of fun, and we stayed for about an hour and a half.

I went to Misoden Furukawa, a ramen specialty restaurant. This is a restaurant that has been loved by locals for many years. I went at lunchtime on a holiday, so there were only a few groups of people waiting. There are chairs and menus outside and inside the restaurant, so the operation is quite smooth. I was able to order before I sat down, so my order came just a few minutes after I sat down. I ordered Kokumiso ramen and gyoza. The rich yet light miso flavor was delicious. The gyoza also had a strong meaty flavor and a calming taste. They are small in size and easy to eat. The menu does not only include ramen, but also tsukemen, stone-grilled fried rice, salt ramen, Chinese noodles, and a children's menu. There are many families, and they also have chairs and tatami seating for children, so it is a child-friendly restaurant. There are also counter seats, so it is easy to enter alone, so I would like to go back and order something different from the menu.

We went to A-ra-Date Station, which was ranked number one in the national roadside station rankings in 2024! This roadside station is all about the food. The restaurant has rare and standard menu items, such as the specialty game meat, dandan noodles made with wild boar meat, and natto soba made with soybeans. In the souvenir corner, you can purchase a wide variety of local specialties, such as Iwadeyama shiso rolls, game meat, Iwadeyama ham, natto, tomatoes, and other products produced in the area. Not only from this area, but also from Tohoku's specialty beef tongue flavored sweets, Sendai's specialty Hagino Tsuki and Kikufuku, etc. There is also a wide selection of food from sister cities. The number one is Royce, which can be said to be the face of this roadside station. Tobetsu Town in Hokkaido, where the Royce factory is located, and Iwadeyama District are sister cities, so they have a lot of products, from raw chocolate to chocolate potato chips, in the area of ​​​​about one store. It's also great that you can try Royce's soft serve ice cream. It's the best roadside station in Japan, with plenty to see, including a street piano and an observation deck. There are so many things to see that it's hard to choose what you want to eat, but you're sure to enjoy it, so be sure to check it out!

I went to a roadside station in Osaki City! It's a little way off National Route 45, but it's very convenient as it's right next to Osaki City Hall. I went there during the May holidays and parked in the temporary parking lot. The store is filled with local specialties such as alcohol, rice, flowers, and souvenir sweets. It's also nice that there is play equipment that children will enjoy. The restaurant is reasonably priced and has tatami seating. There are also sweets, coffee machines, ice cream vending machines, and gachapon machines, so you won't get bored. I had a Jersey tapioca drink at the restaurant. The milk was fresh and delicious. You can also rent bicycles, so it might be a good idea to use this as a starting point to tour the tourist spots in Furukawa. (They don't rent bicycles when the weather is bad, so be sure to check.)

I went to Yamanami, a roadside station in Sanbongi, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, located along National Route 45. It's packed with locally produced vegetables and local sake, and there's also a spacious restaurant. Another nice feature is that it has tatami seating. There's also a snack corner, and the sunflower soft serve is a limited menu item only available here. It's made by kneading roasted and crushed sunflower seeds into a caramel-flavored soft serve. Sanbongi is famous for its sunflower hill, and there were also some intriguing menu items such as sunflower donuts and sunflower waffles. The parking lot is spacious, and there are many chairs and tables that can be used freely both inside and outside the premises. This is a roadside station that's recommended for people who want to enjoy a leisurely meal and for those who are just a little hungry.

Sanbongi, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is famous for its Sunflower Hill. In summer, it's famous for its fields of sunflowers, but did you know that in spring, the same place becomes a rapeseed field? The rapeseed fields are at their best around Golden Week. A cooperation fee is charged for each vehicle you enter, but you get sunflower seeds and a coffee voucher to drink at the roadside station, so it's a great deal! Apparently, 2 million rapeseed flowers are blooming on a vast 6-hectare plot of land. The people running the park kindly explained the details to us. You can buy rapeseed ice cream, local dumplings, and drinks at the shop inside the park. There are also plenty of benches so you can spend your time leisurely.

#cherryblossom25 If you’re looking for a quiet, hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo, look no further than Shibu River! 🌷✨ 📍 Location: Near Hosei University Second Middle & High School Simply search for 渋川沿いの桜 (Shibu River Sakura) on your map, or if it doesn’t come up, use the landmark of Hosei University’s Second Middle & High School. The cherry blossoms line the road here for several kilometers, and the best part? It's not crowded at all, so you can enjoy the beauty of the sakura without the hustle and bustle of more popular spots like Meguro River. 🏞️ 🌸 This route offers a peaceful, almost private cherry blossom experience, where the flowers create a tunnel along the riverbanks. The calm and serene environment is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sakura in a less commercialized, more tranquil setting. 🌸💖 🚉 Nearby stations: Musashi-Kosugi Station Motosumiyoshi Station If you’re tired of the packed cherry blossom spots and want a hidden gem that still offers stunning views, Shibu River is the place to go! 🌷 #travel

📍Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture In Sendai, I went to Tanabatakan to see the big Tanabata decorations. It was bigger than I expected, which was overwhelming🎊🌟 Japan's largest Tanabata festival, which has been held since the time of Date Masamune, was powerful and gorgeous. I went there for two days and one night, so I'll introduce it along with my experience. 📸 ①Tanabata Museum Even if you can't go on the day of the festival, you can see the real thing. The Tanabata decorations were gorgeous and so big that you had to look up. You can also see the decorations from past generations and learn about the history. ②Date Masamune Statue The Masamune statue was cool🏇 It's a spot where you can get a panoramic view of the cityscape of Sendai. ※The road is winding and difficult, so I recommend taking the bus. ③Aobatei If you search, you'll find many stores, but I went to Aobatei, which only has a store in Sendai. It's located inside the station, so it's easy to access. The tongue is thick, but it's soft. It was delicious~ ④ Zunda Shake I came to Sendai with Zunda🫘 I bought it at the station and the airport and drank it~ ⑤ Figure Skating Monument Goshikinuma, the birthplace of figure skating in Japan There are glass monuments of Shizuka Arakawa and Yuzuru Hanyu, both of whom are from Sendai city. There are also prints of their handprints on display, so be sure to take a commemorative photo🖐️ #MiyagiPrefecture #MiyagiTourism #Sendai #SendaiTourism #DomesticTravel #FreeHotelAccommodation Use this as a reference for your trip🔖

📍 Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Naruko Onsen Masuya 💰Cost: 3500 TWD for two people, including one night stay and two meals 🚃Transportation: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Minami-Shinjo Station, then transfer to the Rikuu East Line to Naruko Onsen Station. Using the South Hokkaido JR PASS makes it quite cost-effective! Japan's winter always has a unique charm, making people yearn for the perfect combination of snowy scenery and hot springs. Taking advantage of this trip, I boarded a countryside train and headed to Naruko Onsen in the Tohoku region, staying at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Naruko Onsen Masuya, experiencing a hot spring trip full of Yukiguni (snow country) charm. 🚆 Transportation: Enjoying the journey itself by taking a countryside train Starting from Tokyo, first take the Yamagata Shinkansen north to Minami-Shinjo Station, then transfer to the Rikuu East Line to Naruko Onsen Station. The highlight of this trip is the journey on the Rikuu East Line. The scenery along the way gradually changes from the bustling city to the tranquil countryside, with the train passing through silver-white snowfields, making one feel relaxed. Using the South Hokkaido JR PASS this time significantly saved on transportation costs, making this trip even more cost-effective. For those who enjoy deep local travel and taking countryside trains, this way of traveling is definitely a great pleasure. 🏨 Accommodation Experience: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Naruko Onsen Masuya This time, I chose to stay at "Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Naruko Onsen Masuya," a hot spring inn that offers affordable yet high-quality experiences. The price for two people, including one night stay and two meals, is about 3500 TWD, which is quite reasonable in Japan, especially considering the hot spring and gourmet experience here, making it very cost-effective. Upon entering the inn, the most anticipated part is, of course, the hot spring. Naruko Onsen is one of Japan's famous hot spring towns, with various types of hot springs, and Masuya's hot spring is a sulfur spring. The spring water has a faint sulfur scent, and soaking in it makes the skin feel smooth and the body warm. ❄ Soaking in the hot spring amidst heavy snow is simply the most luxurious enjoyment of winter! This time, I happened to encounter heavy snow. Stepping out of the hot spring inn, the whole world was covered in white snow. Just sitting in the open-air bath, feeling the hot spring water enveloping the body, watching the snowflakes fall, the strong contrast between cold and heat makes one feel like entering a scene from a Japanese drama. This experience is truly unforgettable. 🍽 Dinner: A luxurious feast with all-you-can-eat Matsuba crab How can a stay at a hot spring inn be complete without a sumptuous meal? Masuya's dinner is served in a buffet style, with the biggest highlight being the all-you-can-eat Matsuba crab! Plates and plates of Matsuba crab are laid out on the dining table, and with a gentle peel, you can enjoy the sweet crab meat. Paired with other carefully prepared Japanese dishes by the hot spring inn, such as tempura, sushi, sashimi, etc., each dish makes one's mouth water. On a cold winter night, enjoying delicious crab meat while sipping a cup of hot sake, this combination truly brings immense satisfaction. 💭 Conclusion: Beautiful memories of Naruko Onsen This Naruko Onsen trip, from the countryside train journey to the open-air hot spring in the heavy snow, to the luxurious all-you-can-eat Matsuba crab dinner, whether it's visual, taste, or physical and mental enjoyment, is an ultimate experience. Coming to Japan in winter, I highly recommend visiting Naruko Onsen to feel this tranquil and healing atmosphere. Next time, perhaps I can explore other hot spring towns in Tohoku, continuing to search for more hidden Yukiguni secrets!

📍 Location: Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 🚗 Access: About 10 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot from JR Naruko Onsen Station 📝 Travel Tips • Best time to see: From spring to autumn, especially during the autumn foliage season. You can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. • Hiking: There is a hiking trail around the swamp, which even beginners can enjoy. • Caution: As it is a wetland, be careful of your footing when walking. It is slippery after rain, so it is recommended to wear appropriate shoes. 🌟 Recommended points • Spectacular lake surface: The lake is highly transparent, and the surrounding nature is reflected on the lake surface, creating a beautiful landscape. • Bird watching: Many wild birds visit from spring to autumn, making it ideal for bird watching. • Nearby hot springs: By taking a bath in the hot springs of Naruko Onsen Village, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while soothing your travel fatigue. #0yentravelJanuary2025

📍 Location: 3-chome, Furukawa Minami-cho, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 🚗 Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Furukawa Station 📝 Travel Tips • Reservations: As this is a popular bar, it is best to make a reservation by phone in advance for a smoother experience. • Time: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere from the evening to the night. • Drinks: A wide variety of carefully selected cocktails and wines. We recommend the bartender's original cocktails! 🌟 Recommended Points • Homely atmosphere: Warm hospitality and a cozy space. • Specialty cocktails: Cocktails made with fresh fruit and seasonal menu items are attractive. • Local alcohol: You can also enjoy Miyagi's local sake and craft beer.  #0 Yen Travel January 2025