Naruko Onsen, located in Osaki City , Miyagi Prefecture , is one of the most famous hot springs in the Tohoku . Its diverse hot springs are a highlight, with nine of the eleven types of spring water found in Japan.

In this article, we will introduce you to a hotel that is perfect as a base for sightseeing in Naruko. It is perfect for family or group trips, as well as long-term stays for workcations. Please consider staying at our hotel.

• Table of Contents
• What is Hotel WAMARE Onikobe?
• Fully equipped facilities for long-term stays
• Supermarkets and convenience stores near the hotel
• Recommended nearby tourist spots
• Recommended restaurants nearby
• Access to the hotel

What is Hotel WAMARE Onikobe?

Located in Onikobe , Naruko Onsen , Miyagi Prefecture Prefecture, Hotel WAMARE Onikobe is a rental accommodation that can accommodate up to 14 guests. Equipped with living spaces on the first and second floors, it is ideal for large family trips or group stays.

Based on the concept of "a fusion of modern Japanese style and Tohoku culture," you can encounter the warmth of traditional crafts such as Naruko Kokeshi dolls inside the hotel. We offer a special private space where you can experience the history and traditions of Tohoku with all your senses.

Relax in the spacious living room

The first floor is a lively gathering area for all guests, centered around a large table and sofas. In this spacious space, you can enjoy a pleasant meal and conversation while everyone gathers around the table.

The second floor is a quiet and relaxing space with a calming Japanese-style room and a two-seater sofa. It is the perfect place to relax in peace and quiet, whether you're with a small group or reading a book.

[Equipment]

● Television

● Toilet with flushing function

● Air purifier

● Underfloor heating

With a full range of facilities, you can stay comfortably in any season. Enjoy a relaxing stay that feels like a villa, and soothe the fatigue of traveling with a large group.

Relaxing guest rooms

Hotel WAMARE Onikobe offers a total of five rooms: four Japanese-Western style rooms (two beds each) and one Japanese-style room (two tatami mats). Up to ten people can relax comfortably in the bedrooms.

The hotel is fully equipped with amenities and necessary facilities, so you can come light and not have to worry about luggage even if you are staying for a long period of time.

[Equipment]

● Amenity set (toothbrush set, lotion, beauty serum, shower cap, cotton set, body foam towel, razor, hair brush)

● Slippers

● Face towel

● Bath towels

● Welcome drink (one bottle of Tamanarigou per person, 500ml)

● Complete yukata set

Our facilities and services, carefully designed down to the smallest detail, will gently soothe your travel fatigue.

Fully equipped facilities for long-term stays

Hotel WAMARE Onikobe offers a full range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for large groups and extended Tomari.

kitchen

The kitchen space is fully equipped with a large refrigerator and dishwasher.It also has a microwave, electric kettle, and various tableware, so you can cook by simply bringing your own ingredients.

[Equipment]

● Refrigerator/freezer

● Microwave oven

● Hot water pot

● System kitchen

● IH stove

● Frying pan

● Cooking equipment

● Cutlery

● Plates

● Teapot

● Glass

● Wine glasses

● Coffee cup

● Teacups, etc.

The kitchen table and cupboards are made of lavish cedar from the Kurikoma region of the Onikobe area, allowing you to enjoy cooking with your family and friends while feeling the warmth of the local nature.

bath

We offer two types of baths so that you can choose the one that suits your mood and the number of people in your group that day.

In addition to a clean unit bath that prioritizes practicality, there is also a fragrant cypress bath.Enveloped in the warmth of cypress, you can spend a relaxing time relaxing both body and mind.

[Equipment]

● Hair dryer

● Organic body soap

● Shampoo

● Conditioner

In addition, the second floor is equipped with a washing machine and a bathroom ventilation/dryer, making it safe for long-term stays.

balcony

On the second floor balcony, you can enjoy a barbecue with your family or friends while looking out at the magnificent nature of Onikobe, surrounded by Kurikoma Quasi-National Park.

[Equipment]

● 2 BBQ stoves (cassette gas type)

● 2 folding outdoor tables

● 2 folding chairs

● Folding outdoor benches x 4

Enjoy a special moment in a luxurious, private space filled with an open feeling.

parking

Guests arriving by car can use the free parking lot in front of the hotel.

Additionally, for large groups and other travellers, we can also arrange a pick-up service (for a fee) from major bases such as Naruko Onsen Station, Furukawa Station, Sendai Station and Sendai Airport.

We will provide you with the best plan to fit your schedule, so please feel free to let us know if you have any requests.

Supermarkets and convenience stores near the hotel

We will introduce supermarkets and convenience stores where you can purchase groceries and daily necessities. Please make use of them during your stay.

A supermarket with a Toyotomi selection of products | MaxValu Mogami store

This supermarket is popular with local residents for its Toyotomi selection and great prices.

Address: 286-5 Mogami Town , Mukaimachi, Mogami-machi, Mogami-gun, Mogami Yamagata Prefecture

Business hours: 8:00-22:00

Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car

It has a reputation for being a place where you can get fresh vegetables and fruits at low prices, so you can easily purchase ingredients you need to cook your own meals during your stay.

The closest convenience store to the hotel | Seven-Eleven Naruko Suezawa Branch

It is open 24 hours a day, making it very convenient for quick top-up purchases or for use at night.

Address: 12-1 Suezawanishi, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture

Opening hours: 24 hours

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car

They offer a wide range of products, including packed lunches and daily necessities, to support your everyday needs during your stay.

Recommended nearby tourist spots

The charm of the Naruko area is the variety of springs! Learn about this hot spring village that is rare nationwide

The surrounding area is full of hot springs and spots where you can enjoy the abundant nature. Please use this as a reference for your Naruko sightseeing.

Naruko Gorge: Enjoy nature in every season

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Onikobe Kanketsusen, a hot spring that you can enjoy looking at

Enjoy the traditional crafts of Naruko at the Japan Kokeshi Museum

Recommended restaurants nearby

We will introduce some recommended places around the inn, including local specialty dishes and restaurants you can enjoy in the midst of lush nature.

Dining: Bettei En

Approximately 22 minutes by car from Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

Google Maps

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Okuya Shoten, a direct sales store of mountain produce

Approximately 7 minutes by car from Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

Google Maps

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Access to the hotel

For details on how to access the park from Tokyo, please refer to this article.

It is about a 19-minute drive from Naruko Station.

Naruko Onsen: Enjoy a variety of spring qualities! Access, sightseeing spots, and hotel information

If you're traveling in the Tohoku region, we recommend stopping by areas where you can enjoy local cuisine and sweets beloved by locals. Naruko Onsen, located in the northwest of Miyagi Prefecture, is famous as a hot spring spot where you can enjoy traditional local cuisine.

This time, we will introduce Naruko's local cuisine, sweets made with local specialties, and notable local sake for those planning a gourmet trip in Tohoku. Please use this as a reference when touring the Naruko Onsen area.

• Table of Contents
• Local gourmet food to enjoy at Naruko Onsen
• Exquisite sweets inspired by Naruko Onsen's specialties
• If you're touring the Tohoku region, we recommend Hotel WAMARE Onikobe.

Local gourmet food to enjoy at Naruko Onsen

The charm of Naruko Onsen is that you can enjoy local gourmet food that has been loved by locals for a long time. In this article, we will introduce the following three particularly popular gourmet foods.

● Chestnut dumplings | A classic dish you should try at least once at Naruko Onsen

● Shiso rolls | Convenient as a side dish or teatime snack

● Oni Soba｜Famous soba noodles made with the Shimizu of Onikobe Onsen

All of these are local dishes that you should try at least once if you visit Naruko Onsen.

Chestnut dumplings | A classic dish you'll want to try at least once at Naruko Onsen

Chestnut dumplings are a staple delicacy at Naruko Onsen. They are made from rice cakes wrapped around whole chestnuts and topped with a sweet and spicy mitarashi bean paste, resulting in a refined and simple taste.

Chestnut dumplings were invented by Yoshimaru Fukase, the first owner of Mochidokoro Fukase, towards the end of the Meiji period. Today, they are a staple dish that can be purchased at Mochidokoro Fukase and other souvenir shops around town.

◆Basic information about Mochidokoro Fukase◆

Address: 24-2 Yumoto, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City

Business hours: 9:00-17:00

Closed: New Year's Day and irregular holidays

Shiso rolls | Convenient as a side dish or teatime snack

Shiso rolls have also long been a popular local delicacy in Naruko Onsen. One theory is that they originated when Date Masamune had them made to entertain people visiting the hot springs.

The basic shiso roll is a side dish made by wrapping Sendai miso in shiso leaves and deep frying it. Shiso rolls have changed over time, and can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors, such as being sweetened as a snack or mixed with chili peppers to serve as a side dish with alcohol.

Oni Soba | Famous soba noodles made with the Shimizu of Onikobe Onsen

Oni soba is a local specialty made from buckwheat grown in the Onikobe area. One of the restaurants where you can eat oni soba in Onikobe is Okusa Shoten.

At Okuya Shoten, you can enjoy Oni Soba made with mountain produce, such as Boar Oni Soba, Bear Oni Soba, and Mushroom Oni Soba. In addition to Oni Soba, you can also enjoy local mountain vegetables and river fish, making it a popular restaurant where you can enjoy the flavors of the four seasons.

At the mountain produce direct sales store attached to the store, you can purchase rare mushrooms, wild vegetables, bottled goods, and other products.

◆Basic information about Okusa Shoten◆

Address: 18-1 Todoroki, Onikobe, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City

Closed: Open daily (irregular holidays)

Exquisite sweets inspired by Naruko Onsen's specialties

In this chapter, we will introduce a carefully selected selection of sweets inspired by local specialties.

● Blueberries | A local fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways

● Kokeshi Monaka | A modern sweet inspired by tradition

Both are sweets unique to Naruko. If you're looking for an after-meal dessert or a memorable memory of your trip, be sure to check this out.

Blueberries | A local fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways

Osaki City , Miyagi Prefecture , where Naruko Onsen is located, is a region where blueberry cultivation is thriving. The blueberries at Naruko Onsen are certified by the prefecture as being grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Some blueberry farms offer picking experiences and all-you-can-eat plans, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal flavors while sightseeing. Local farms and souvenir shops also stock a wide selection of blueberry-based products, such as jam, juice, and liqueur, which make great keepsakes for your trip.

Kokeshi Monaka | A modern sweet inspired by tradition

Kokeshi Monaka is an experiential sweet offered by Cafe Gutto, a popular and stylish local cafe.

You can enjoy painting a kokeshi-shaped mochi in the eat-in space inside the store. You can also fill the mochi with fillings such as bean paste, chestnuts, or ice cream.

Kokeshi Monaka is a recommended sweet for those who want to have a unique experience while traveling. Reservations are not required for the painting experience.

◆Cafe gutto basic information◆

Address: 27-2-2 Yumoto, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City

Business hours: 11:30-18:00 *Last orders 17:30

Closed: Fridays

Doburoku, a locally brewed sparkling sake born from the natural beauty of Naruko Onsen

Naruko Onsen is also a thriving area for local sake production, using locally grown rice and high-quality hot spring water and melted snow. Naruko no Kaze, a low-malt sake made with the famous water from Onikobe, comes in three flavors:

● Takaharu Lager...A taste that stands out with its bitter and rich malt flavor

● Wild Grape (Ale)...Mellow and gentle taste thanks to the use of wild grapes

● Yukimusubi (Ale)...Made with local Yukimusubi rice, it has a sparkling taste similar to champagne.

At Naruko Onsen, you can also enjoy "doburoku," a flavor unique to mountain villages. "Oni no Doburoku Yukimusubi," made with Onikobe-produced yukimusubi and local meltwater, is characterized by its smooth, easy-to-drink taste.

It can be enjoyed as a moon-viewing sake or snow-viewing sake, and would also make a great souvenir for those who enjoy local sake.

If you're touring the Tohoku region, we recommend Hotel WAMARE Onikobe.

For a gourmet trip in the Tohoku region, it's convenient to base yourself at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe, which also offers long-term stays. As it is an inn where you can rent the entire building, you can spend your time relaxing and enjoying your time.

One of the accommodation plans at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe is a plan that includes dinner at Bettei En. This attractive plan allows you to enjoy a colorful Japanese meal called the "Hakozen Course" made with local ingredients.

If you are traveling to Tohoku , be sure to stop by Hotel WAMARE Onikobe.

◆Basic information about Hotel WAMARE Onikobe◆

Address: 9-38 Mukaibara Onikobe, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City

Check-in: 15:00-18:00

Check-out until 10:00

Make a reservation here

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◆Basic information about Bettei En◆

Address: 62 Nakano , Naruko Onsen , Osaki City

Business hours: 11:30-15:00 *Last orders at 14:00

*Dinner session available by reservation only

Closed: Irregular holidays

Naruko Onsen is located in the northwestern part of Miyagi Prefecture and is known as a scenic spot where the leaves turn ablaze in autumn. The scenery created by the trees dyed in vibrant Aka and yellow is truly a special sight that can only be seen at this time of year.

In this article, we will introduce famous autumn foliage spots around Naruko Onsen. If you're thinking, "I want to enjoy a luxurious hot spring trip while also viewing the autumn leaves!", why not use this information to plan your trip?

• Table of Contents
• When is the best time to see the autumn leaves around Naruko Onsen?
• 5 Must-See Spots for Viewing Autumn Leaves Around Naruko Onsen
• If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves around Naruko Onsen, head to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

When is the best time to see the autumn leaves around Naruko Onsen?

The best time to see the autumn leaves around Naruko Onsen is usually from late October to early November. At this time, the mountains and valleys around Naruko Gorge and Katanuma are dyed in vibrant gradations of Aka , yellow, and orange.

The cool mornings and evenings make the autumn leaves look even more beautiful. It is said that the longer the cold weather lasts, the more vivid the colors of maple, beech, and oak trees become.

With a little thought and consideration for when you visit, you will be able to encounter some truly memorable and moving scenery.

5 Must-See Spots for Viewing Autumn Leaves Around Naruko Onsen

Here we will introduce five carefully selected spots around Naruko Onsen that are particularly recommended for viewing autumn leaves.

Naruko Gorge | A magnificent view of the grand canyon woven with autumn leaves

Naruko Gorge is a valley that represents Naruko Onsen, located in Osaki City , Miyagi Prefecture . There are several hot spring resorts in the surrounding area, including Nakayama Onsen, Naruko Onsen, and Higashi Naruko Onsen, making it a popular area where you can enjoy both autumn leaves and hot springs.

In autumn, Naruko Gorge is captivating with its spectacular scenery, as the valley is filled with fiery red leaves. The 100m-deep gorge is dyed Aka and yellow, creating a magnificent sight of sheer cliffs and streams.

From the observation deck at Naruko Gorge Rest House, you can get a panoramic view of the entire gorge, which will leave you overwhelmed with its power. In particular, the contrast between the Ofukazawa Bridge spanning the gorge and the autumn leaves captivates visitors as a landscape that symbolizes Naruko Gorge.

Address: Miyagi Prefecture, Naruko Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Naruko Onsen Station

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Ofukazawa Promenade | A hidden gem of a walking trail in a quiet valley

The Ofukazawa Promenade is a place where you can walk among the autumn leaves and enjoy the autumn nature with all your senses.

The promenade is approximately 2.2 km long and takes about 50 minutes to complete. The relatively flat path makes it easy to walk and allows you to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Listening to the murmuring of the river and admiring the beautiful colors of the beech, oak, maple and other trees up close is an exceptional experience.

Especially in the morning, when the light filters through the trees and illuminates the autumn leaves, creating a fantastical sight. Why not spend some luxurious time strolling along the Ofukazawa Promenade, taking in the crisp autumn air?

Address: Ofukazawa, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture Prefecture

Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Naruko Onsen Station

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Naruko Gorge Promenade | Two routes to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the mountain stream

If you want to experience the nature of Naruko Gorge up close, we recommend the Naruko Gorge Promenade. As you walk along the mountain stream, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the clear water flowing and the dynamic rock faces. One of the joys of the walk is searching for rocks with unique names such as "Saru no Tekake Rock" (Monkey's Tegake Rock) and "Byobu Rock" (Screen Screen Rock).

Currently, the Narukokyo Promenade can be walked on two routes: Nakayama and Narukoguchi. Nakayama is a winding promenade about 350m long, set on a cliff with a drop of 100m. On the other hand, Narukoguchi is a promenade about 230m long one way.

Address: Miyagi Prefecture, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture

Access: Starting point of Nakayama: Narukokyo Rest House, First Parking Lot

Starting point of Narukoguchi: Otanigawa Bridge

Business hours: 9:00-16:00 (both Nakayama and Naruko entrances)

Katanuma | A spectacular view of the sparkling emerald green lake and autumn leaves

Katanuma is a volcanic caldera lake with a mysterious emerald green water surface.

During the autumn foliage season, the vibrant colors of the trees surrounding the lake are reflected on its surface, creating a breathtaking sight. The color of the lake, which changes subtly depending on the season, weather, and time of day, also captivates visitors.

There is a promenade along the lakeside, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk around it. The well-trodden path is easy to walk on, and you can spend a relaxing time enjoying the contrast between the emerald green lake and the autumn leaves up close.

Address: Yumoto, Naruko Onsen , Osaki City , Miyagi Prefecture Prefecture

Access: Approximately 7 minutes by car from JR Naruko Onsen Station

Opening hours: Open 24 hours (closed for winter from late November to late April)

Around Naruko Dam | Enjoy the reflections of autumn leaves without the crowds

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Naruko Gorge and Katanuma and enjoy the autumn leaves in a quiet setting, we recommend Naruko Dam. The autumn leaves are reflected on the calm surface of the majestic dam lake, creating an exceptionally beautiful sight.

Naruko Dam is known as the first arch concrete dam in Japan to be built entirely by Japanese engineers. You can spend your time there however you like, such as walking along the dam's embankment or enjoying the view from the observation deck.

The artificial dam and the natural beauty of the fiery autumn leaves blend beautifully together, creating a spectacular view that will make you want to take a picture. This is the perfect hidden spot for those who want to enjoy a romantic atmosphere and take a photo that will look great on social media.

Address: Miyagi Prefecture , Osaki City Prefecture

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Naruko Onsen Station

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (please refer to the Naruko Dam website for closing dates)

If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves around Naruko Onsen, head to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

In autumn, the Naruko Onsen area offers a variety of autumn foliage attractions, from the beauty of the valleys and the reflections on the lake surface to strolling along quiet promenades. The contrast between the Aka and yellow mountains and the pure water captivates visitors.

If you're planning a trip to enjoy the autumn leaves of Naruko Onsen to your heart's content, we recommend Hotel WAMARE Onikobe. Located in the Onikobe Onsen area, you can rent an entire building with a modern Japanese atmosphere and relax while savoring the afterglow of your autumn foliage viewing.

Make a reservation here

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