Akiu, Sendai — Nature, Onsen, and Tranquility
Welcome to Tenshukaku Natural Park!
Nestled in the peaceful onsen town of Akiu, just 40 minutes from central Sendai, Tenshukaku Natural Park invites you to explore traditional Japanese gardens, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the four seasons.
Explore the Garden
Koyatate-ato Garden（小屋館跡庭園）
Stroll through a beautifully crafted Japanese garden where koi-filled ponds, stone lanterns, seasonal blooms, and tree-lined paths create a serene and harmonious atmosphere. Nestled at the foot of a 15th-century samurai mountain fort, this garden offers a tranquil retreat where history and nature intertwine.
At its center lies a pond surrounded by intricate stone arrangements made from locally sourced Akiu stone¹. Traditional features such as a suikinkutsu² (water harp cave) and karesansui³ (dry landscape garden) artfully reflect the elegance and symbolism of Japanese garden culture. A natural hot spring footbath invites visitors to relax and unwind while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
¹ Akiu stone is a warm-colored volcanic stone unique to the Akiu region. Prized for its natural beauty and ease of carving, it has long been used in traditional gardens and architecture throughout northern Japan.
² Suikinkutsu is a traditional Japanese garden feature where water drips into an underground ceramic pot, producing a delicate harp-like sound that enhances the garden’s tranquil ambiance.
³ Karesansui, or dry landscape garden, is a minimalist style using stones, gravel, and sand to symbolize natural elements such as mountains and rivers. Often found in Zen temples, it encourages quiet contemplation.
Opening Hours / Admission Fees
| Season | Opening Hours | Adults (Jr. high and up) | Children (Ages 4-12) | Infants (Under 4) |
| Regular Season (Mar – Late Oct) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | ¥400 | ¥100 | Free |
| Autumn Foliage Season (Late Oct – Late Nov) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | ¥500 | ¥200 | Free |
| 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | ¥1,000 (weekdays) ¥1,500 (weekends and holidays) | ¥500 | Free | |
| Winter Off-Season (Dec – Feb) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | ¥200 | ¥50 | Free |
Notes
- 🎟️ Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
- ♨️ If you use Ichitaro no Yu (hot spring bath facility), admission to the garden is free.
- 👣 Yakata no Yu（Footbath） available from mid-March to late November.
- 🌃 An additional fee is required for entry to the Akiu Night Museum during the foliage season.
♨ Enjoy Hot Springs at Tenshukaku Natural Park
Tenshukaku Natural Park offers several ways to enjoy hot springs, including the public bathhouse Ichitaro no Yu, the private open-air bath Shikaotsu no Yu, and the footbath Yakata no Yu.
Ichitaro no Yu (Public Bathhouse) （市太郎の湯）
Ichitaro no Yu features 100% natural hot spring water flowing directly from its private source. The facility includes an indoor bath scented with hinoki (Japanese cypress) and an open-air bath with views of the surrounding nature. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, it is the perfect place to relax and refresh after a day of exploring.
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Last entry: 1 hour before closing
Admission Fees:
- Adults (High school & up): ¥900
- Junior high students: ¥770
- Children (Ages 4–12): ¥400
- Toddlers (Ages 1–3): ¥200
- Infants (Under 1): Free
Shikaotsu no Yu (Private Open-Air Bath) （鹿乙の湯）
This private open-air bath allows you to enjoy a quiet and intimate hot spring experience, ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Opening Hours:
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays (April to November):
11:00 AM – 4:50 PM (until 3:00 PM on Sundays)
Usage Fee (per hour):
Small bath: ¥1,700
Plus admission to Koyatate-ato Garden
Large bath: ¥2,200
Yakata no Yu (Footbath in the Garden)（やかたの湯）
Located within the garden, Yakata no Yu is a natural hot spring footbath where visitors can relax and enjoy the seasonal scenery while soaking their feet.
Operating Season:
- Mid-March to Late November
- 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Admission:
Free of charge with garden entry
⛺ Stay in Nature
Auto Campsite
A quiet campground surrounded by forest, offering a peaceful stay in nature. All sites are equipped with AC power outlets. Guests can also enjoy outdoor BBQs and pizza-making experiences using a stone oven.
Operating Season:
Mid-April to mid-October
Rates & Hours
- Overnight Stay
- ¥3,500 and up per site / night
- Admission Fee: ¥1,000 per person (elementary school age and older)
- Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Day Use
- ¥1,700 and up per site
- Admission Fee: ¥500 (adults), ¥200 (children aged 4–12)
Important Information:
Advance reservation is required
Free admission to the Koyatate-ato Garden for campsite users
Rental camping equipment is not available.
🍜 Soba Restaurant Ichitaro
Located near the entrance of Tensｙukaku Natural Park, Soba Restaurant Ichitaro serves delicious soba noodles made with carefully selected ingredients. The restaurant features a warm and traditional Japanese atmosphere, where guests can enjoy both classic soba dishes and seasonal specialties at a relaxed pace.
Soft-serve ice cream and milk are also available—perfect for a refreshing treat after a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Take in the scenic views of the garden and surrounding nature as you unwind after exploring the park or enjoying a hot bath.
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
(Last order 30 minutes before closing)
Closed:
- 3rd Friday of the month (December–February)
- December 31 and January 1
Please note: The restaurant may close early if ingredients run out or during severe weather.
🌙 Akiu Night MuseumAn Enchanting Fusion of Light, Nature, and Art in the Garden
The Akiu Night Museum is a seasonal evening event held during the autumn foliage season in the Koyatate-ato Garden, located within Tenshukaku Natural Park. As night falls, the serene Japanese garden is transformed into a magical space with artistic lighting and color displays. This unique event blends nature with art, offering a peaceful and immersive slow-life experience.
Along the garden’s ponds, stone lanterns, and winding paths, light installations by both local and international artists are displayed. The interplay of light and shadow, reflections on the water, and ambient soundscapes invite visitors into a dreamlike world. It’s a special moment where the traditional beauty of a Japanese garden meets the creativity of contemporary art.
Stroll through the illuminated garden under the stars and discover a new side of Akiu. This event is where tradition and innovation come together, turning nature itself into a living canvas.
Event Dates:
Late October – Late November (dates vary each year)
In 2025, the event will be held from Friday, October 24 to Monday, November 24 (national holiday)
Opening Hours:
4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM)
Addmission Fees:
- Adults (Junior high and up): ¥1,000 on weekdays / ¥1,500 on weekends and holidays
- Children (Ages 4–12): ¥500
Same-day discounts available for guests who use the garden or hot springs during the day
Event held in light rain; may be canceled in case of severe weather
Visitor Information
Access
From JR Sendai Station:
Take the Miyagi Kotsu Bus (Platform 8) to “Akiu Onsen Yumoto” (about 50 minutes), then walk about 15 minutes (approximately 1.1 km).
Alternatively, take the Takeya Kotsu “Sendai Seibu Liner” from Bus Stop No. 63 at JR Sendai Station West Exit (about 30 minutes), and get off at “Ki no Ie-mae” — the stop is right by the garden.
By Car:
About 30 minutes from downtown Sendai
Parking: Free of charge