[Miyagi] Beautiful spots to see autumn leaves starting to change color
Visited on 2022.10.20
Naruko Gorge in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
A 100-meter-deep canyon carved by the Otani River✨
The green is beautiful from spring to summer, and from mid-October to mid-November every year, the leaves turn red and yellow🍁
They were just starting to turn, but it was very beautiful😊
If you want to take a photo with the train, it's best to check the time before visiting✨
*Naruko Gorge
#Autumn trip#Autumn leaf spot#Autumn leaf viewing
825travel
Naruko Gorge Walking Trail.
Famous for its autumn foliage, Naruko Gorge and its geysers that make you feel the breath of the earth are just some of the many spots where you can experience the grandeur of nature. The area is also rich in leisure facilities such as ski resorts and golf courses, allowing you to fully enjoy the highland resort.
From mid-October to early November, the 100-meter-deep gorge carved by the Otani River is covered in autumn leaves. The view from the observation deck at Naruko Gorge Rest House is truly spectacular. Nearby is the 2.2km-long Osawa Walking Trail.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
For walks, please use the Osawa Walking Trail and Nakayamadaira Walking Trail.
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Naruko Gorge Walking Trail
Naruko Gorge, a grand canyon formed by the erosion of the Otani River in northern Miyagi Prefecture. The cliffs reach heights of 80 to 100 meters, stretching approximately 4 kilometers in length. The narrowest point is about 10 meters wide, forming a V-shaped valley, while the widest point is about 100 meters, forming a U-shaped valley.
Enjoy the fresh greenery in spring and the vibrant autumn leaves at Naruko Gorge!
The Naruko Gorge Rest House is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Naruko Gorge is 4 km from Naruko Onsen Station on the JR Rikuu East Line and 2 km from Nakayamadaira Onsen Station.
Currently, there are no bus services, so please come by car!
"Naruko Gorge Walking Trail Nakayamadaira Entrance"
It's about a 350-meter one-way walk from the Naruko Gorge Rest House (round trip).
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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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.
bilious_brianna
Located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Naruko Gorge is a 100-meter-long V-shaped canyon formed by river erosion, with 2.5 km of cliffs and clear streams. The sounding gorge has many white tuffs that expose the surface, as well as strange rock formations such as the worm rock, the couple rock, the Zhaoqing rock and the screen rock. There are many kinds of trees such as maples and pine trees in the mountains. The red leaves of the mountains are dazzling, and green and golden yellow are dotted among them. Streams, waterfalls, canyons, promenades, and beautiful scenery make you linger. This is indeed a good place to shoot maple leaves. Various red, yellow, green, and blue, the whole is a large palette.