Travel to Northeast Japan: A Century-Old Inn at Naruko Onsen, Oonuma, and Autumn Leaves at Naruko Gorge

When the camera shutter rang crisply in front of the Oonuma Inn, time was frozen on that sunny and warm morning. I sat on the bench in front of the inn with the fifth-generation owner and his 80-year-old mother, who personally made me matcha tea. It was like stepping into a scene from a Japanese drama, and it was the most unforgettable moment of my first trip to Northeast Japan. In Naruko Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture, known for its hot springs, there are numerous hot springs of various sizes and characteristics. The Oonuma Inn at Naruko Onsen, which has a history of 120 years, is a popular choice for many people, and many Chinese people often come here to bathe. Their most famous hot spring pool, Mother's Bath, is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history of 1200 years, and is one of the three famous springs in Oshu. Mother's Bath is located in the mountains behind the inn, and you can walk there or take the inn's car, which is only a two or three minute drive. In the tourist promotion posters of Miyagi Prefecture, there is a picture taken at Mother's Bath. When I arrived here, walking on the stone path covered with autumn leaves and listening to the sound of the stream, I was instantly moved by the vivid scene in front of me. A small house nestled in the mountains, red and yellow maple leaves dancing in the wind, and the misty air all have a magical power that makes people forget the world and feel peaceful. In addition to Mother's Bath in the mountains, there are also many hot spring pools in the inn that you can enjoy. The room I stayed in this time is called "Pine" and is located on the second floor. It was upgraded in February 2023 while maintaining its original Japanese style, and it is very comfortable to live in. Staying here, it is not to be missed to taste the authentic kaiseki cuisine, and the medicinal hot pot is the signature dish here. The hot spring tofu and hot spring eggs for breakfast are also unforgettable. When the leaves turn red, even the wind that blows carries a bit of poetic romance. The autumn colors of the Naruko Forest are the most beautiful gift this season gives us. There are trains that shuttle through the Naruko Gorge, and it is a pity that I did not capture its figure this time, but the quiet beauty of every rock and tree in the gorge is enough to comfort me. Standing under a tree that is said to have been transported from Kyoto, looking up at the red leaves swaying in the sun, I feel an indescribable comfort and joy. It seems that those red leaves are telling the wonders of nature, interpreting the beauty and changes of life. In fact, the surprises Miyagi Prefecture gave me started as soon as I got off the plane in Sendai. In the commercial complex Aquaignis, which is a ten-minute drive from the airport, there are award-winning coffee and desserts in the world. The white chocolate dessert from Confiture H is soulful. On the way to Naruko Onsen in Osaki City, you will also pass ALA DATENA Road Station, which is similar to a highway service area, but the products sold here are quite rich, just like a medium-sized supermarket. Especially the famous products from various counties in the northeast made me dazzled, and the chocolate from Hokkaido is also very popular here. Speaking of the name Miyagi, I only knew the anime character Ryo Miyagi from Slam Dunk. This time I came to Miyagi Prefecture in Japan and personally experienced its charm. If I have time again, I will definitely come back here for a secret hot spring trip.