Rairaikyo Gorge

Scenic beauty as far as the eye can see at this gorge carved by the Natori River flowing between Mt. Kamuro in the Ou Mountains to Sendai Bay. The name "Rairaikyo" was given by Tomotaka Komiya, a disciple of Natsume Soseki and an honorary professor at Tohoku University, in 1931, with "Rai" referring to the abundance of rocks. This coveted destination sits near the heart of Akiu Onsen, one of Tohoku's most famous hot spring resorts, making it a popular escape for forest walks and autumn foliage.

Here you’ll find a stretch of some 2 kilometers, complete with a 650-meter-long promenade that’s dotted with picture-perfect moments for a stopover. Hot spots include the heart-shaped hollowed “Peering Bridge Heart”, the "Tenono-iwa Rock," split so cleanly as if by an axe, and the "Kimen-iwa Rock" said to resemble a human face.

Feast your eyes no matter what the season, with verdant vibes in spring, the cool murmuring of the Natori River in summer, the grandeur of the rocks in winter, and the especially stunning autumn foliage. The autumn leaves transform the gorge into a breathtaking tapestry of color, replete with a full brocade of colors to astound you. You can even catch evening illuminations during peak season for an enchanting look and feel after dark.