Known as the prefecture in the Tohoku Region with the least amount of snowfall, Miyagi Prefecture often gets neglected as a winter onsen destination spot. This year, we'd like to give the prefecture a little more love by sharing with you the 5 must-visit onsen to enjoy the snowy landscapes of Miyagi Prefecture!
1) Yosenkaku Iwamatsu Ryokan in Sakunami Onsen
(作並温泉 鷹泉閣 岩松旅館)
Location: Sakunami, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
A Historic Onsen with Stunning Landscapes
Famous for its natural rock baths, which remain unchanged since the onsen opened in 1796, this hot spring is said to have been discovered by Gyoki 高僧・行基, a high priest of the Nara period (710-794). Legend has it that Minamoto no Yoritomo soaked himself in this spring to heal himself during his defeat of the Fujiwara clan in Oshu Hiraizumi in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).
Located along the mountain stream of the Hirose River, you’ll find four baths carved out of rocks (天然岩風呂) on the valley floor, each with a different spring quality and temperature. Here, you can thoroughly enjoy the seasonal scenery of the mountain stream from fresh greenery in spring to snowyscape during the winter. There are mixed baths for couples and women-only hours are also available.
100% free-flowing hot-spring water.
Details
Best season for snow: January to February
Access: Shuttle bus available at Sakunami Station (available for those just doing day trip!) matching up with arrival time of trains (except train at 12pm)
Day trip: 日帰り入浴11時～14時（日祝は～13時）
Admission Fee: 日帰り入浴料中学生以上1670円、小学生800円
［TEL］022-395-2211［住所］宮城県仙台市青葉区作並元木16
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2) Sakan
(伝承千年の宿 佐勘)
Location: Akiu, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
An Onsen with a rich history Dating Back 1000 years
This onsen preserved the original spring water that has been flowing here since ancient times. It flourished as a bathing place for Lord Date Masamune. Even today it is a coveted venue in the outskirts of Sendai known as the spring water of the Date family.
Details
Hours: 日帰り入浴10時～14時
Admission: ［料金］1名4174円 ※要事前予約※タオル有（フェイスタオル・バスタオルレンタル無料）
[TEL］022-398-2233［住所］宮城県仙台市太白区秋保町湯元［料金］1万9590円～
3) Yutomori Club 「蔵王の森」
Location: Zao, Miyagi Prefecture
A Peaceful Relaxing Onsen and Ryokan
3 different kinds of spring water for beautiful healthy skin
An incredible Forest Onsen Resort with open-air Rotenburo Baths (渓流露天風呂)
［TEL］0224-34-2311［住所］宮城県刈田郡蔵王町遠刈田温泉字上の原128
1泊2食2万2830円
4) Kamasaki Onsen
(鎌先温泉)
Location: Kamasaki Onsen, Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture
An Onsen Whose Kokeshi Dolls and Stomach-Warming Noodles Have Long Been Cherished by Guests
Known as the "Kamasaki for Wounds" (傷に鎌先), this onsen town is made up of five inns standing shoulder to shoulder at the bottom of a mountain valley. The Medicinal Water of Ou (“Ou no Yakuyu" 奥羽の薬湯) has long had a reputation for healing cuts, wounds, and scratches. This traditional onsen town is reminiscent of days gone by filled with soothing, theraputic old-school bathhouses. Some establishments even allow guests to bring and make their own meals.
Alongside its healing hotspring, traditional "Yajiro Kokeshi Dolls" (弥治郎こけし) and specialty "Shiroishi U-men" (白石温麺（うーめん）) are a delightful way to experience the local culture for visitors. Yajiro is the name of the settlement that used to exist by Kamasaki Onsen. During the late Edo period (1603-1867), the Yajiro Kokeshi craftsmen actually sold their kokeshi dolls in the rooms of the various inns around Kamasaki Onsen. Even today, the half-farmer, half-craftsman lifestyle still remains strong in Yajiro, with farming during the spring, and Kokeshi Doll making in the winter. The simple expressions and forms of the Yajiro Kokeshi are undoubtedly the result of such a lifestyle.
Enjoy Shiroishi’s traditional flavors through Shiroishi U-men, a dish dating back 400 years that, due to the lack of any oil, is known for being easy to digest. Alongside the hot spring water, this dish is also said to support the recovery of guests.
Details
https://www.yukoyuko.net/onsen/0040
湯主一條 known for nice winter scenery
5) Daikon no Hana Onsen
(温泉山荘 だいこんの花)
Location: Zao, Miyagi Prefecture
Boasting an impressive 400 year history, Daikon no Hana Onsen in Togatta Onsen is filled with beautiful lush greenery. Approximately 1.5 acres of the inns grounds are covered with thick natural forests. 18 detached rooms are scattered around the spatious luxurious grounds. The Japanese Cedar room, boasts an elegant open-air terrace with a spacious open-air bath filled with 100% natural free-flowing hot-spring water. Four more private open air baths overlooking the beautiful natural landscape can also be enjoyed in the area. Soaking in the baths while watching the sun shine on the snow that has fallen in the forest will make you feel as if you have blended into the great outdoors. Enjoy the local flavors of Satoyama Cuisine (里山料理) made with locally produced seasonal vegetables.
Bonus: Minami Sanriku Hotel Kanyo
(南三陸 ホテル観洋)
Location: Minami Sanriku, Miyagi Prefecture
Heal your body and mind with the refreshing sea breeze and the sound of the crashing waves
Now this is probably not the resort for snowy landscapes, so we've included it as a bonus for its unbelievable ocean landscape. This onsen resort relies on the hot spring located 2000 meters below ground and boasts a jaw dropping open-air bath with a spectacular view of the ocean. You can make it a day trip, but we also recommend staying overnight so you can wake up a little earlier and enjoy the gorgeous sunrise here.
Details
Hours: 11 am - 9 pm (open air bath 露天風呂 from 12pm)
Admission: 日帰り入浴中学生以上820円、3歳～小学生400円※タオル販売200円、バスタオル貸出300円
Written by Catrina Sugita
Writer & 2022 Editor-in-Chief