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If time constraints threaten to prevent you enjoying the best of Sendai, Naruko Gorge could be the solution.
In spring, sakura cherry blossoms paint the gorge gorgeous shades of pink whereas in autumn it’s one of the best locations to enjoy kaleidoscopic colours as trees shed their leaves.
Stretching in both directions along the gorge from Ofukazawa Bridge, the entire area is adorned with orange, red, green, yellow, and brown autumn foliage. A great way to experience it is to hike beside the fast-flowing river at the bottom of the gorge, and follow the trail to Naruko Onsen village and resthouse.
This quaint, culturally-enriched village beguiles visitors with kokeshi dolls, a form of Japanese wood carving craftsmanship passed down for over a century. The dolls are decorated in various styles including the traditional costumes of different regions around Japan. Travellers are welcomed to paint their own kokeshi doll in their own style.
How to get there: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa and change to a local train on the JR Rikuu-to Line to Naruko Onsen. The entire trip takes approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, take a local train on the JR Tohoku Line to Kogota and transfer to the JR Rikuu-to Line there (140 minutes).
When there is no other place to rid your shoulders of stressful burdens, allow yourself to be pampered in a natural hot springs in the most sought-after resort towns of the Japanese prefecture of Sendai, Akiu and Sakamaki.
Akiu Onsen offers more than just the therapeutic qualities inherent in the low salinity springscombined with minerals from Natori-Gawa rivers. The new-found paradise features a stunningmountainous landscape and lush greenery filled with birds chirping in the forest.
On the way to several spas providing onsens, exotic stone formations lead to much-visited scenic view point at Rairai-Kyo Gorge, particularly in spring and autumn. The stream flowingfrom the 55-metre Akiu Taki waterfall combines extraordinary sights and sounds of nature.
Storied with a thousand-year history, Akiu hot spring’s therapeutic properties were first recognised after it healed Emperor Kinmei’s skin disease. Meanwhile, Rakan Ryokan is notorious as the bathing place of Date Masamune, legendary lord of Sendai.
Alternatively, if you are looking for unspoiled nature coupled with traditional ways of life, Sakamaki Onsen offers a wide variety of historic Japanese style inns and “Bishojo-zukuri-noyu”. Terrific mineral agents are believed to make skin soft and beautiful.
How to get there:Take JR Sendai Station and take the Miyagi bus bound for Akiu Onsen. Getoff at Nozokibashi stop. It’s about 40 minutes by bus.
When there is no other place to rid your shoulders of stressful burdens, allow yourself to be pampered in a natural hot springs in the most sought-after resort towns of the Japanese prefecture of Sendai, Akiu and Sakamaki.
Akiu Onsen offers more than just the therapeutic qualities inherent in the low salinity springscombined with minerals from Natori-Gawa rivers. The new-found paradise features a stunningmountainous landscape and lush greenery filled with birds chirping in the forest.
On the way to several spas providing onsens, exotic stone formations lead to much-visited scenic view point at Rairai-Kyo Gorge, particularly in spring and autumn. The stream flowingfrom the 55-metre Akiu Taki waterfall combines extraordinary sights and sounds of nature.
Storied with a thousand-year history, Akiu hot spring’s therapeutic properties were first recognised after it healed Emperor Kinmei’s skin disease. Meanwhile, Rakan Ryokan is notorious as the bathing place of Date Masamune, legendary lord of Sendai.
Alternatively, if you are looking for unspoiled nature coupled with traditional ways of life, Sakamaki Onsen offers a wide variety of historic Japanese style inns and “Bishojo-zukuri-noyu”. Terrific mineral agents are believed to make skin soft and beautiful.
How to get there:Take JR Sendai Station and take the Miyagi bus bound for Akiu Onsen. Getoff at Nozokibashi stop. It’s about 40 minutes by bus.
Every October, Japan’s leaves fall and shed their light in a nationwide scarlet hue. During October 27-November 25 each year, Entsuin Temple in Matsushima hosts a dazzling festival to celebrate the changing of the season against a backdrop of a rich cultural heritage.
Beneath the illuminated maple trees, a stone-paved walkway winds through a century-old gate of timbers leading to a world-heritage listed rock garden as the entire Entsuin Temple estate blooms in a multitude of glowing shades. The picture-perfect reflection on the surface of Shinji pond encapsulates the tranquillity of darkness, as well as the rejuvenation of the senses which takes place.
How to get there: Take JR Tohoku-Honsen or Senseki line from Sendai Station.
Never feel faint-hearted when confronted with this gourmet Japanese dish. Unlike other recipes around the world, Sendai’s Gyutan, or beef tongue, isn’t served whole and cold but recreated in deliciously creative ways.
Over 16,500 metric tons of U.S. beef tongue were imported to Japan in 2018, indicating its popularity among locals and international travellers alike. The slightly salty seasoning and aromatic fragrance of charcoal create an appetizing prospect for diners. Succulent grilled beef tongue is served in different cuts depending on each restaurant’s recipes.
While there are several options around, Aji Tasuke claims to have been the first restaurant in Japan to offer Gyutan beef tongue. Today, a standard set meal of grilled beef tongue includes a soup of simmered oxtail and boiled rice with barley. Before you go home, enjoy the delicacy at any of Sendai’s many grilled beef tongue eateries, ranging from station shops to modern ambience restaurants.
Never feel faint-hearted when confronted with this gourmet Japanese dish. Unlike other recipes around the world, Sendai’s Gyutan, or beef tongue, isn’t served whole and cold but recreated in deliciously creative ways.
Over 16,500 metric tons of U.S. beef tongue were imported to Japan in 2018, indicating its popularity among locals and international travellers alike. The slightly salty seasoning and aromatic fragrance of charcoal create an appetizing prospect for diners. Succulent grilled beef tongue is served in different cuts depending on each restaurant’s recipes.
While there are several options around, Aji Tasuke claims to have been the first restaurant in Japan to offer Gyutan beef tongue. Today, a standard set meal of grilled beef tongue includes a soup of simmered oxtail and boiled rice with barley. Before you go home, enjoy the delicacy at any of Sendai’s many grilled beef tongue eateries, ranging from station shops to modern ambience restaurants.
Known as the early oriental ruler who first contacted the Pope in Rome and as an innovative Samurai who influenced Sendai’s modern way of life, Date Masamune was the greatest warlord of the Edo period. Zuihoden Mausoleum was created to honour his courageous spirit and advanced thinking soul.
Hidden behind cedar trees, the renovated façade of the Zuihoden is bedecked with blossoms etched in shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, and green depicting each season. The vibrant colours of the foliage create an elegant play with the black building exterior. Delicate woodwork on the pediment gives the building an unorthodox tone.
The Mausoleum of Date Masamune is thus a great place to experience the ancient heritage expressed in delicate ornamentation and traditional motifs creating a unique aura of peacefulness.
How to get there: Take the Loople Sendai bus at Sendai Station (15 minutes). Get off at bus stop #4 and take a 5-minute walk to the temple.
Mix and match or simply makeover a new look before returning home with Pleats Please Issey Miyake or other world class luxury brands. Plus enjoy 25%- 65% discounts off the original tags, 365 days a year!
Over 160 brand names, including Coach, Jill Stuart, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Regal, Adidas as well as furniture and household items, toys, sports and outdoor, cosmetics and more await at Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets. Located amid Izumi Park Town, the outlet not only immerses shopaholics in suburban tranquillity but entails exquisite hotel stays.
Encounter the local brands at “Taipo”, next door shopping mall to find the best Japanese bakery. Let your loved ones know you care with Sendai souvenirs such as Kiyokawaya’s Strawberry Jam made with fruits harvested in the prefecture and local rum. Don’t miss the 300 Yen Shop offering ingenious Japanese design products for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and etc.
How to get there: From the West exit of JR Sendai station ride to “Izumi Park Town” or “Miyagi Daigaku” (Miyagi University) by bus № 2. Get off at “Teraoka 1-Chome-KitaIzumi Outlets” and walk about 1 minute.
From Izumi-Chuo subway station ride via “Teraoka Shizan” to “Izumi Outlets” by bus № 3. Then get off at “Teraoka 1-Chome-Kita-Izumi Outlets” and walk about 3 minutes.
Mix and match or simply makeover a new look before returning home with Pleats Please Issey Miyake or other world class luxury brands. Plus enjoy 25%- 65% discounts off the original tags, 365 days a year!
Over 160 brand names, including Coach, Jill Stuart, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Regal, Adidas as well as furniture and household items, toys, sports and outdoor, cosmetics and more await at Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets. Located amid Izumi Park Town, the outlet not only immerses shopaholics in suburban tranquillity but entails exquisite hotel stays.
Encounter the local brands at “Taipo”, next door shopping mall to find the best Japanese bakery. Let your loved ones know you care with Sendai souvenirs such as Kiyokawaya’s Strawberry Jam made with fruits harvested in the prefecture and local rum. Don’t miss the 300 Yen Shop offering ingenious Japanese design products for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and etc.
How to get there: From the West exit of JR Sendai station ride to “Izumi Park Town” or “Miyagi Daigaku” (Miyagi University) by bus № 2. Get off at “Teraoka 1-Chome-KitaIzumi Outlets” and walk about 1 minute.
From Izumi-Chuo subway station ride via “Teraoka Shizan” to “Izumi Outlets” by bus № 3. Then get off at “Teraoka 1-Chome-Kita-Izumi Outlets” and walk about 3 minutes.
| BKK - SDJ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Flight | TG 626 | |
| Day | Tue/Thu/Sat | |
| Departure Time | 23:59 | |
| Arrival Time | 07:40(+1) | |
| SDJ - BKK | ||
|---|---|---|
| Flight | TG 627 | |
| Day | Wed/Fri/Sun | |
| Departure Time | 11:15 | |
| Arrival Time | 16:50 | |
