[Miyagi Prefecture] Whiskey naturally in hot springs! The unknown charm of Sendai's back parlor "Sakunami Onsen"!

Sakunami Onsen can be reached by driving approximately 40 minutes from downtown Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Sakunami Onsen is perfect for short trips as it has not only hot springs, but also beautiful nature and Japan's leading whiskey distillery, Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery.

Let's take a closer look at the charm of Sakunami Onsen, which is popular among Sendai residents because it is easily accessible!

The new Sakunami Onsen Station is a tourist hub!

Sakunami Station (Sakunami Station), which is a tourist base for Sakunami Onsen, is a station on the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) Senzan Line, located in Ainosawa, Sakunami, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, from Sendai Station to Senzan Line Yamagata. It takes about 40 minutes to arrive by local train.

It opened in 1931 (Showa 6) and was the terminal station on the Senzan Higashi Line (the line's name at the time), as the Senzan Line at that time had not yet reached Yamagata. By the way, the entire Senzan Line opened in 1937 (Showa 12).

It was reborn in 2008 (Heisei 20) and is currently crowded with many customers.
The crispy fried manju sold at Tsutsumi-ya Sakunami Store, located near Sakunami Station, is a popular item. It's perfect for eating while walking.

Sakunami Station＜Information＞

• Name: JR Senzan Line Sakunami Station
• Address: Sakunami Ainosawa, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

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Let's go to Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery!

One of the tourist spots that represents Sakunami Onsen is the Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery.

This Nikka whiskey distillery was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, who is said to be the father of Japanese whisky, and is the second distillery to produce unblended whiskey after the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido. Among whiskey lovers, Yoichi whiskey is often described as ``masculine'' and Miyagikyo whiskey as ``feminine.''

Miyagikyo Distillery produces single malt whiskies, including Miyagikyo, as well as grain whiskey (main ingredient: corn).

170,000 to 180,000 people visit the factory every year, making it one of the tourist hubs in the western part of Sendai City. At the large red-brick distillery, you can see the whiskey making process and receive tasting services.

Some distillery tours are free, but advance reservations are required. Reservations are not required for tours and tastings inside the visitor center. There is also a shop where you can purchase Nikka whiskey products, including those from Miyagikyo Distillery, so it's perfect for looking for souvenirs.

Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery <Information>

• Name: Nikka Whiskey Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery
• Address: 1 Nitsuka, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 022-395-2865
• Official URL: https://www.nikka.com/distilleries/miyagikyo/visit/

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Admire the clear streams and nature of Shinkawa, which was recognized by Nikka Whiskey founder Masataka Taketsuru!

It is said that when Nikka Whiskey founder Masataka Taketsuru visited this area as a potential distillery site, he decided to build a distillery after taking a sip of water from the Nikkawa River, a tributary of the Hirose River. . Apparently the names "Nikkawa" and "Nikka" were also a coincidence, and it feels like something like fate.

In addition to the beauty of the river, it is also known as a scenic spot with a beautiful valley, and many people visit during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. If you walk along the promenade along the valley, you'll be able to see powerful waterfalls and clear streams surrounded by nature.

This area is also famous for the natural beauty of the 48 waterfalls.
There are waterfalls of various sizes, and the name comes from the fact that it sounded like the cry of the legendary bird, the phoenix. The negative ions released from the waterfall will soothe your body and mind.

After all, hot springs are a must!

After working up a sweat while sightseeing or walking, take a day trip to the hot springs to soothe your fatigue. There are many hot spring inns in Sakunami Onsen that are open for day trips.

Among them, ``Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo'' has multiple baths, so you can enjoy visiting the baths even on a day trip. After enjoying the hot springs, why not relax and enjoy the view of the mountains while drinking tea on the terrace?

Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo＜Information＞

• Name: Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo
• Address: 3 Sakunami Nagahara, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 022-395-2131
• Official URL: https://www.ichinobo.com/sakunami/

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Yugami Shrine, a power spot

Yugami Shrine, located in a corner of the hot spring inn area, is a shrine that has been worshiped by the Iwamatsu family, who run Sakunami Onsen's long-established inn, Iwamatsu Ryokan, as the god of hot springs and guardian of the land.

It is a shrine that prays for marriage, good health, good health, and prosperous business. This shrine is dedicated to a white snake and is known as a secret power spot. As Sakunami Onsen has been certified as a ``lover's sacred place,'' local events such as the ``Koi no Yu Meguri Stamp Rally'' are also held there.

It might be a good idea to stop by while taking a walk to cool off the hot water. By the way, you can also get a stamp of Yugami Shrine by paying a first-year fee 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: -

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summary

There are many hot springs in Miyagi Prefecture, but Sakunami Onsen, which is close to Sendai City, is popular because it is easily accessible. There are plenty of hot spring inns, so you won't have any problems whether you're on a day trip or staying overnight.

Be sure to visit Sakunami Onsen, which can be enjoyed in all seasons!