1Akiu Waterfall

A majestic waterfall surrounded by colorful autumn leaves

Akiu Otaki is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan, along with Kegon Falls (Tochigi) and Nachi Falls (Wakayama). The spectacular sight of the waterfall splitting the tuff and cascading down from a height of 55m is captivating. The surrounding area is lush with maples, oaks, wild cherry trees, and other trees, and every year after mid-October, the colorful autumn leaves spread out like a panorama.
To get a full view of the falls, head to the viewing platform beyond Akiu Otaki Fudoson (Takimotoyama Saikoji Temple). If you go down to the basin from the riverside promenade, you will be overwhelmed by the thunderous roar and splashing water. It is also recommended to look up at the falls bordered in red and yellow while feeling the cool mist.
Akiu Otaki Fudoson also has a large ginkgo tree that is about 350 years old. Not only is it dazzling when the autumn leaves are at their peak, but the atmosphere of the temple grounds covered in a carpet of fallen leaves is also exceptional.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid-October to early November
[Types of trees] Maple, oak, ginkgo, etc.

Akiu Waterfall

• Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Taihaku Ward Akiu Town Baba Otaki MAP
• JR仙台駅から車で約50分
• Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by Miyagi Kotsu bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at Akiu Otaki (only operates on Saturdays and holidays)
  Approximately 40 minutes by Sendai City Bus from JR Aiko Station, get off at Akiu Otaki
• Free to wander around
• Free to wander around
• free
• 022-398-2323（秋保温泉郷観光案内所）
• Free (Akiu Otaki Botanical Gardens, public facility)

2Tenshukaku Nature Park

Enjoy the photogenic autumn garden illuminations

Located on a vast 240,000m² site near Akiu hot spring town, this strolling pond garden was created by skillfully incorporating the natural topography and scenery. Over 500 Japanese maples, mountain maples, and Sugar maples are planted around the pond where Nishikigoi carp swim leisurely, and the sight of them shining golden in the sunlight in late autumn is simply magnificent.
During the autumn foliage season, the much-anticipated light-up event "Akiu Night Museum" is held every year.
The Japanese garden bathed in light and the illuminated maple trees at night create a truly elegant and fantastical scene. There are also photo spots set up all around the garden where you can take some great photos, so why not try and capture your own original shot?

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to mid-November
[Types of trees] Japanese maple, Japanese maple, silver maple, etc.

▼Akiu Night Museum
Date and time: October 24th (Friday) – November 24th (Monday/holiday), 2025
Light-up: 16:30-21:00 (last entrance 20:30)
Location: Koyadate Ruins Garden (reception at Ichitaro no Yu)
Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults (1,500 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays), 500 yen for children (ages 4 to elementary school)
URL: https://akiu-sizen.co.jp/archives/lp/lightup

Tenshukaku Nature Park

• Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Taihaku Ward Akiu Town Yumoto Genbeihara 10 MAP
• JR仙台駅から車で約30分
• Take the bus from JR Sendai Station and get off at "Kinoie-mae"
• 10:00〜16:00
  Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays - 16:30
• The third Friday of December through March, December 31st, January 1st
• March to November: Adults 400 yen, Children (ages 4 to elementary school) 100 yen
  * During the Akiu Night Museum period, each ticket costs an additional 100 yen, and from December to February, each ticket is half price.
• 022-398-2111
• free

3Rairaikyo Gorge

The beauty of the valley created by dynamic giant rocks and autumn leaves

"Rai" means "rocks all over the place." As its name suggests, Rairaikyo is a gorge where strangely shaped rocks eroded by the Natori River pile up one on top of the other. Huge rocks and waterfalls named Hachikeniwa, Shiguretaki, Tenonoiwa, and more stretch out over a distance of about 1km, and you can get a close-up look at these dynamic landscapes by walking along the promenade.
In November, the gorge is adorned with a vibrant gradation of autumn leaves, from the crimson-colored Shiraki to the brocade-like Euonymus japonica. Every year during the autumn foliage season, the walking trail behind Akiu Sato Center, Akiu's tourist center, is lit up. The maple trees and rock walls along the Natori River are beautifully lit up, revealing a different side of Rairaikyo Gorge than it does during the day.
On the grounds of the Sato Center, there is a free foot bath called "Juemon no Yu" (usually open from 11:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April to November), which is also appealing as it can be used until 19:30 every day during the illumination period. Dress warmly and enjoy the long autumn nights.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to mid-November
[Types of trees] Shiraki, Sawtooth Oak, Zelkova, Oak, etc.

▼Rairaikyo Gorge Maple Path Light-up ~Sairenkato~
Date and time: November 1st (Sat) - November 24th (Monday), 2025
Light-up: 17:00-19:30 *Cancelled in case of bad weather
Location: Rairaikyo Gorge Maple Path, a walking path behind Akiu Sato Center
Price: Free

Rairaikyo Gorge

• Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Taihaku Ward Akiu Town Yumoto MAP
• JR仙台駅から車で約30分
• Take the bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Akiu Sato Center" and walk for about 2 minutes
• 022-304-9151（秋保・里センター）
• free

4Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

Visit the colorful Sadayoshi Shrine and try the local specialty fried tofu

Located in the mountains of Sendai, Jogi Nyorai Saihoji is a temple associated with the Heike clan, said to grant prayers for matchmaking, fertility, and safe childbirth. It is affectionately known locally as "Jogi-san."
Pass through the impressive tower-style gate and enter the spacious grounds. Visit the Enmei Jizo statue, the Gobyo Sadayoshido temple where you can also Experience copying sutras, and pay your respects at the main hall where the principal image is enshrined. There's also a wonderful place called "Omatcha Dokoro Yasuragi" where you can enjoy matcha tea made with the Chomei-sui water.
After mid-October, the maple and ginkgo trees in the temple grounds begin to take on vibrant colors. At their best, the combination of the majestic five-story pagoda and the autumn leaves is breathtaking.
Around Culture Day in November, the approach to the temple becomes a pedestrian precinct and is crowded with many worshippers. We recommend enjoying an autumn stroll while sampling Sadayoshi's specialty, "triangle fried tofu."

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Late October to mid-November
[Types of trees] Maple, ginkgo, Japanese maple, etc.
Okura Dam / Maples, azaleas, Japanese sumac trees, etc.

▼Jogi Nyorai Pedestrian Street in front of the temple
Date and time: November 1st (Sat) - 3rd (Monday/Holiday), 2025
Pedestrian precinct: 10:00-16:00
Location: Approximately 300m from Jogi Nyorai Gate
URL: https://www.sentabi.jp/event/2025100018/

Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

• Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Okura Aza KamigeMAP
• JR仙台駅から車で約60分
• Take the bus from JR Sendai Station and get off at "Jogi"
• 7:45-16:15
  Matcha Restaurant Yasuragi 10:00-15:30
• 022-393-2011
• free
• https://www.sentabi.jp/guidebook/attractions/70/

5Okura Dam

The trees along the dam lake change color, painting the lake water in a colorful glow.

Okura Dam, located on the way from Sendai city and Akiu Onsen to Joginiyorai Saihoji hot spring, is also a must-see spot for viewing autumn leaves. The double-arch concrete dam and the gradation of yellow maples and azaleas that decorate the cliffs in the area are truly spectacular. The sight of the autumn leaves reflected in the water of the dam lake is also soothing.
There are two parks nearby. Okura Damshita Park is compact, but the amber-colored trees of the autumn scenery are captivating. Okura Dam Lakeside Park has a roller slide on a small hill, making it perfect for families. Looking upstream from near the Okura Bridge, you can also see the five-story pagoda of Jogi Nyorai, surrounded by the autumn leaves of the mountains.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Late October to mid-November
[Types of trees] Maple, azalea, Japanese sumac, etc.

Okura Dam

• Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Aoba Ward Okura Takahata MAP
• JR仙台駅から車で約45分
• Take the bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Okura Dam" and walk for 2 minutes
• 022-393-2211
• free

6Matsushima

Enjoy a panoramic view of the autumn leaves and Matsushima Bay from the hilltop. The garden is also lit up at night for a mystical look.

Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan, is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. In Ougidani, so named because the inlet of Matsushima Bay resembles a fan, the maple trees all turn a deep crimson red. Don't miss Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, a view spot that overlooks Matsushima Bay. The view of the lustrous autumn leaves and the islands floating in Matsushima Bay is like a painting.
Illuminations are also held at Entsu-in Temple, which has a magnificent garden, Zuigan-ji Temple, which is associated with Date Masamune, and Matsushima Rikyu, Miyagi Prefecture, where you can bring your pets. Entsu-in Temple's illuminations in particular offer many highlights, including the dry landscape garden where maples stand out in the silent darkness, and Shinji Pond, where the autumn leaves are reflected upside down like a mirror. Various artists will also perform every day during the period, allowing you to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds and mysterious colors.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid-October to late November
[Types of trees] Japanese maple, Japanese maple, Japanese maple, etc.

Autumn leaves illumination at Entsuin Temple
Date and time: October 25, 2025 (Sat) - November 24, 2025 (Mon)
Light-up: 17:30-21:00 (last admission 20:45)
Location: Entsuin Temple
Admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,300 yen, elementary school students and below free
URL: https://www.entuuin.or.jp/lightup/2025/
Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Phone: 022-354-3206 (Entsuin)
Parking: None (paid Parking available nearby)

Matsushima

• Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima MAP
• A short walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station
• 022-354-2618（松島観光協会）
• Available (paid/free)

7Akiu Winery

Winery picnic overlooking autumn-colored vineyards

This winery was established in Miyagi Prefecture in 2015, the first time since the earthquake. Based on the concept of "terroage," which combines "terroir," which describes the climate, topography and human activities, with "mariage," which means the pairing or marriage of food and alcohol, the winery aims to revitalize the local area through wine.
In November, the vines of Merlot, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and other grape varieties begin to change color, bathing the vineyards in soft autumn hues.
At Restaurant Terroage Akiu, which opened in August 2024, you can enjoy a luxurious time savoring Italian food and wine made with local ingredients while gazing at the autumn leaves of the vineyards from the large windows. On clear autumn days, there are over 70 outdoor seats, making it a special place to sit. You can take out a lunch box and enjoy a refreshing winery picnic at a table in the field.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early November
[Type of tree] Grapevine

Akiu Winery

• Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Taihaku Ward Akiu Town Yumoto Biwahara Nishi 6 MAP
• JR仙台駅から車で約28分
• Approximately 50 minutes by Miyagi Kotsu bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Akiu Bunka no Sato Center" and walk for approximately 6 minutes
  Take the Takeya Kotsu bus from JR Sendai Station for approximately 40 minutes, get off at Akiu Sato Center, and walk for approximately 6 minutes
• Shop & Cafe 9:30-17:00
  Restaurant 11:00-17:00 (Lunch until 15:30, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 21:00)
  *For the time being, dinner (18:00-21:00) is by reservation only and is served as a course meal only.
• Tuesday
• Free (free to tour the brewing facilities)
• 022-226-7475
• free