Hoshino Resorts offers travellers heading to Japan this autumn a tour off the beaten track into Miyagi Prefecture.

Located in Northeastern Japan, the prefecture’s long and vibrant history makes it the ideal base from which to explore Tohoku, the region between Tokyo and Hokkaido.

Those eager to see Japan’s autumn foliage but don’t mind venturing into regional areas away from the crowds on the country’s Golden Route will certainly appreciate traditional ryokan stays in Miyagi, as these are a perfect way to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

In the heart of Sendai

Located between Akiu Otaki Falls and the historical Sendai Castle ruins is a hot spring ryokan by Hoshino Resorts called KAI Akiu. The newly renovated premises are by a beautiful river valley where the seasonal colours are framed by the windows in every room.

Sendai, the capital of Miyagi, is a beautiful tree-lined city known for its local delicacy gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and impressive monuments dedicated to its founder and legendary daimyo (feudal lord) Date Masamune who was nicknamed the One-Eyed Dragon.

At KAI Akiu, there is a semi-outdoor lounge where you can admire the autumn leaves with the gentle breeze and burbling sound of the river while enjoying hospitality fit for a daimyo . Here, local delicacies are served on elegant lacquer standing trays, as was once done for Date Masamune’s meals.

This ryokan also offers a cultural activity to enjoy sake the way the local daimyo once did in an elegant banquet room with a wall decorated in the style of the daimyo’s war flag: a golden circle on a navy background. Guests can learn how to instill camaraderie in one another through the acts of serving and consuming locally brewed sake.

Relax at the Akiu Onsen

Spanning a 1,400-year history, Akiu Onsen is known as one of the Three Great Hot Springs of Japan. Two hot springs located on the premises feed the baths at KAI Akiu. 

Guests can immerse themselves in the open-air rock baths surrounded by nature, or in the two indoor public baths, one of which is a pleasantly warm bath at body temperature, offering a peaceful and revitalising experience.

Almost all rooms include a sitting area beside a wide window overlooking the area’s gorgeous river valley. The sitting area is decorated in deep blue tones that evoke the river. The carefully considered interior along with the services at KAI Akiu is designed to make guests feel like the daimyos that once ruled this land.