Akiu Onsen cycling｜Giant Store Bike Rental

Let's go to Akiu Onsen which is famous spot around Sendai. We choose less traffic roads in country side.

When you arrive at the Natori River, turn left and head to Yuriage bridge near the estuary.

Turn left on this T-junction.

Go along this road about 10 km toward upstream.
There are some car stoppers on the road. Be careful not to get cauget them during cycling.

You can not go straight for accrossing the Route 4 on this intersection, please turn left and cross the other side at Sendai shi Nakada 2 chome intersection where traffic light is located and return to the original road.

Since we can not cross the road here too, let's take the left side on the Y-way road, go under the Prefectural road 258, and then go back to the original road.  

Here is the end of river bank road.

After passing the car stopper, turn left and turn right at the next intersection, and then head towards Route 286.

Turn left at the intersection.
(this photo was taken after turn left).

The road on the left side of this photo is Route 286.

We will keep going straight, but there is a convenient store here. After you cross the intersection and turn right go down a slope, you can find the store and take a rest.

Less traffic, less people on this road, the temperature here is a bit lower than city.
Breathe the fresh air and prepare for the next upcoming ups and downs. 

Although the slope is short, but next slope is a little longer, so let's go up slowly first!  

From here it will be hilly country.

Shift to lighter gear and keep the pedaling.
After climbing to the top, we are going to decent as well. Have a good control for the speed when descending, not go too fast.

There are about 10m long unpaved road, 
carefully go through the road.

Akiu Onsen has been called as "an annex of Sendai which Sendai domain (Date clan) often gave parties to entertain their customers".
Besides, there had been Date clan's hot spring resorts for a long time. 

Saichi is a local super market which is famous throughout the country.
It is popular for Ohagi (Japanese bean cake), This shop can sell 10,000 pieces during a weekend.
In addition to Ohagi, the other foods here are delicious too!

There are many places to eat around here, you also can find what you want to eat.

Saichi

Rairaikyo Gorge, the place which is known as "Lovers' Sanctuary" is highly recommended.

There is a heart-shaped dent on the rock made in the great nature.
There are also rumors that couples can be happy when they see this heart together.

On the way back, you avoid going heavy ups as much as possible.

Turn right at the intersection (on the right side of the photo), and then cross the Natori river by the bridge, afterward immediately turn left and head toward Yokara.

Though some people say bears and wild boars come out here, the views around here are very beautiful.

Cross over from the way to the opposite bank of Natori River,

proceed to the junction of Natori River and Hirose River.

Well Done!!

You can use the shower in the store if you use Giant bike rental.

After a day trip, how about having wrap up party with the local famous food- beef tongue? (The restaurant next to Giant store.)