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Sakunami Onsen is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Sakunami Onsen, surrounded by majestic mountains, is perfect for a short trip, as it not only has hot springs but also beautiful natural scenery and attractions such as Japan's leading whiskey distillery, the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery
We will explore the charms of Sakunami Onsen, which is popular among Sendai residents because it is easy to get to!
The still new Sakunami Onsen Station is a tourist hub!
Sakunami Station the tourist base for Sakunami Onsen , is a station on the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) Senzan Line located in Sakunami Ainosawa, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It can be reached in about 40 minutes from Sendai Station by local train on the Senzan Line bound for Yamagata.
It opened in 1931 (Showa 6), and at the time the Senzan Line did not yet extend to Yamagata, so it was the terminal station of the Senzan East Line (the line's name at the time). The entire Senzan Line opened in 1937 (Showa 12)
JR Senzan Line: Sakunami Station
It was renovated in 2008 and is now bustling with customers. The crispy fried buns sold at Tsutsumi-ya Sakunami Branch, located near Sakunami Station, are a popular item. They're perfect for snacking on the go.
Sakunami Station <Information>
Name: JR Senzan Line Sakunami Station
Address: Sakunami Ainosawa, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Google Map
Let's visit the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery!
The most famous tourist spot in Sakunami Onsen the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery .
Founded by Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky, Nikka Whisky Distillery is the second whisky malt factory to be built after Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido. Among whisky enthusiasts, Yoichi whisky is often considered "masculine" and Miyagikyo whisky is often considered "feminine."
Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery
Miyagikyo Distillery produces single malt whiskey, including "Miyagikyo,"
Every year, 170,000 to 180,000 people visit the factory to tour it, making it one of the tourist hubs in western Sendai. At the large red brick distillery, you can see the whiskey production process and enjoy tasting services
Miyagikyo Visitor Center Entrance
Some distillery tours are free, but advance reservations are required. Reservations are not required for tours and tastings at the visitor center. There is also a shop where you can purchase Nikka Whisky products, including those from the Miyagikyo Distillery, making it a great place to look for souvenirs
Come enjoy the clear waters and nature of Shinkawa, a place that was also recognized by Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky!
Masataka Taketsuruthe founder of , visited this area as a possible site for a distillery, he the Nikkawa River, , and decided to build a distillery there. The names Nikkawa and Nikka were also a coincidence, which makes it seem like fate.
The clear stream of Shinkawa
In addition to the beauty of the river, the area is also known as a scenic spot with a beautiful valley, attracting many visitors during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. If you walk along the promenade along the valley, you will be able to see impressive waterfalls and clear streams surrounded by nature
Homei 48 Waterfalls
This area is also famous for the "Houmei Shijuhachitaki" waterfalls . There are waterfalls of various sizes, and they are said to have been named after the sound they make, which sounds like the cry of the legendary phoenix bird. The negative ions released from the waterfalls are sure to soothe both body and mind.
Of course, hot springs are a must!
If you work up a sweat from sightseeing or walking around, relax and soothe your fatigue at a day spa. Sakunami Onsen has many hot spring inns that are open for day trips
Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo
Among them, Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo has multiple baths, so you can enjoy bathing in different baths even on a day trip. After enjoying the hot springs, why not relax on the terrace with a cup of tea and enjoy the mountain scenery?
Also, just across the bridge over the Hirose River, opposite Ichinobo, you will Hiraga Kokeshi Shop you can purchase Sakunami Kokeshi dolls, a traditional craft of Sakunami Onsen , so be sure to stop by when you visit.
Yugami Shrine, located in a corner of the hot spring inn area, is a shrine that has been worshipped by the Iwamatsu family, who run Iwamatsu Ryokan, one of Sakunami Onsen's oldest inns, for generations as the god of hot springs and the guardian deity of the land
Yugami Shrine
This shrine is a place where people pray for matchmaking, good relationships, good health, and prosperity in business. The shrine enshrines a white snake and is known as a secret power spot. Sakunami Onsen has also been certified as a "sacred place for lovers," and local events such as the "Love Hot Springs Stamp Rally" are held here
Yugami Shrine: Lover's Sanctuary Sign and Jizo Statue
It might be a good idea to stop by to cool down after a bath while you're out for a stroll. By the way, you can also get a stamp from Yugami Shrine by paying an offering of 300 yen at the front desk of Iwamatsu Ryokan
Yugami Shrine <Information>
Name: Yugami Shrine
Address: Sakunami Motoki, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone number: -
Official URL: -
Google Map
summary
There are many hot springs in Miyagi Prefecture, but Sakunami Onsen, located close to Sendai city, is popular because it is easy to get to. There are also plenty of hot spring inns, so you won't have any trouble finding a place to stay, whether you're visiting for a day trip or an overnight stay
Be sure to visit Sakunami Onsen, which can be enjoyed in any season!
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