Sakunami Onsen

A hot spring area, surrounded by lush natural beauty, considered the “inner parlor” of Sendai. Since it opened in 1796, the area has been a favorite of countless people. This area is also known for its connection to such cultural figures as Masaoka Shiki; Bansui Doi; Ippei Okamoto, manga artist and father of Taro Okamoto; and Jiro Shirasu, close associate of Shigeru Yoshida. Because of the area’s abundant flow of waters that are gentle on skin, it has also gained a reputation as a “hot spring which produces beautiful women.” The waters of the area’s simple hot springs, chloride springs, and sulfate springs are said to beautify the skin and treat such ailments as nerve pain, rheumatism, joint pain, women’s diseases, and sensitivity to cold. The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory, where visitors can see the whisky making process; and the picturesque beauty of the sprawling Okunikkawa Ravine and Homei Shijuhachi-taki Falls can also be found nearby.