Search for a heart of happiness in the beautiful valley of Akiu Onsen, Rairikyo

Akiu Onsen, known as ''Sendai's inner parlor'' and boasting a 1,500-year history, is a popular hot spring area that can be accessed in about 30 minutes by car from the city center and about 15 minutes from Minami-Sendai IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

A hot spring town is spread out along the Natori River, and the scenic spot ''Rairaikyo'' that represents Akiu Onsen is a gorge with huge rocks and strange stones extending for about 2 km, centered on the Nozoki Bridge that spans the entrance to the hot spring town. You can enjoy the beauty of natural formations created by rapids over many years, such as ''Kimen Iwao'' which looks like a profile, ''Hachiken Iwao'' which is a gigantic rock measuring 8 meters wide (approximately 14 meters), ''Sigure Falls'' that appears during rainy days, and ''Misuji Falls'' which splits into three directions.

And what you should look at from Nozomi Bridge is a rock that has been designated as a sacred place for lovers as "Nozomi Bridge ♡ Heart." There is a heart-shaped depression created by natural erosion, and it is gaining popularity as a power spot for lovers. By the way, after it rains, water collects in the depressions, making it easier to find the hearts.

On the downstream side of Nozomi Bridge, there is a 650m long "Rairikyo Nature Trail". On the upstream side of Nozomi Bridge, behind the tourist facility "Akiu Sato Center," there is a 220m long walking path called "Rairikyo Momiji no Komichi," and you can also access Nozomi Bridge from Momiji no Komichi. The cool breeze blowing through the valley is soothing, and why not enjoy a walk while listening to the sound of the river.