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A huge waterfall with a width of 6m and a total drop of 55m. It is one of Japan's Three Greatest Waterfalls, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, and a scenic spot designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Did you know that such a famous spot can be found in Sendai? If such a place exists, you'll want to visit it as a summer resort, to view the autumn leaves, or for the healing effects of negative ions. That place is Akiu Otaki, which we will introduce to you today.
Located in Akiu Town, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, is the upper reaches of the Natori River, which flows through Zao National Park and Futakuchi Gorge. Akiu Otaki Falls, which flows down from there, is simply magnificent, and has been selected as a scenic spot by many. This time, we will fully introduce Akiu Otaki, a spectacular scenic spot that can be seen in Sendai.
What is Akiu Otaki?
The Natori River originates from Mount Kamuro in the western part of Taihaku Ward, passes through the border between Sendai City and Natori City, and flows into Sendai Bay. Akiu Otaki Falls is located upstream of the river
The nearby Saikoji Temple has its origins in the statue of Acala enshrined by Jikaku Daishi in the early Heian period. In 1825, the priest Chisoku built the Fudo Hall and rebuilt the main hall, and the temple can still be seen today as a Shingon sect Chizan school temple that combines Shinto and Buddhism.
Approaching the waterfall from Saikoji Temple, you can see the powerful waterfall from the observation platform, but what is even more recommended is the view from the basin. It is actually possible to get very close to the basin of Akiu Otaki. The path from the observation platform to the basin has been developed as the "New Oku-no-Hosomichi: Akiu Otaki Panorama Path" (Akiu Otaki Promenade). You really have to go all the way to the basin to see this!
With that in mind, I immediately headed towards the waterfall basin from Saikoji Temple
Head to the basin of Akiu Otaki Falls!
The first image is the view that can be seen from the basin of the waterfall. It's quite beautiful, isn't it? There is a signpost to the basin near the viewing platform. If you want to go to the basin of the waterfall, just follow this signpost.
So, let's head to the basin! It's well maintained, so it should be easy!
My thinking was completely naive
The road to the basin of Akiu Otaki Falls
This is the "New Oku-no-Hosomichi: Akiu Otaki Panorama Trail." It's a completely animal trail. The only things that make it well-maintained are the barely visible red marks on the ground and the extremely steep stairs. If you follow these, you'll reach the waterfall basin.
Along the way, we had to go up and down steep stairs, and the mountain path suddenly ended and we were on a public road (we could have driven to the basin without walking on the footpath!), but we finally arrived at the basin. Here is the photo.
The basin of Akiu Otaki Falls
It was so impressive that this was the closest I could get. The waterfall was so powerful that even from this position, spray was flying all over the place. The camera lens was quickly soaked. If I had tried to "train" by being hit by the waterfall, I'd be flattened in two seconds. I couldn't immediately find the words to describe it, so I just kept repeating "amazing" and "amazing."
Enjoy the shop on the way home
Once you finally make it back to Saikoji Temple, enjoy the shops around Akiu Otaki Falls!
Near Saikoji Temple, you can purchase local products. You can try some rare things like Polygonum multiflorum and Silvervine tea (?), so if you take this opportunity to buy some, you'll be able to take home some good memories and good health!
In addition, at the cafe in the rest house in the parking lot, you can enjoy coffee, tea, pasta, pizza, and other light meals. The soft serve ice cream is also excellent, so be sure to try it to soothe your tired body after walking along the promenade!
Furthermore, if you go further into the parking lot, you will find Akiu Otaki Botanical Garden, which is about 800m in circumference. Unlike the mountain path, this is a fully maintained botanical garden, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the flowers of each season.
After seeing the impressive waterfall, it might be a good idea to relax your body and mind by taking a walk around the surrounding area!
Akiu Otaki Falls <Information>
Name: Akiu Otaki Falls
Address: Baba Otaki, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 982-0244
A thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter. A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair! I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!
