Naruko Gorge

Naruko Gorge (�q��, Narukokyō) is one of the Tohoku Region's most scenic gorges. It is located in northwestern Miyagi Prefecture, about 70 kilometers from Sendai and just outside the small hot spring town of Naruko Onsen. Every year around late October to early November, the gorge transforms into one of the region's most popular autumn color spots.

The gorge stretches about two kilometers east-west. The best area for autumn leaf viewing is around the Narukokyo Resthouse towards the western end of the gorge. The famous views of the Ofukazawa Bridge can be enjoyed from the observation deck next to the resthouse.

Along the main road there are several free parking areas and a large paid one close to the Narukokyo Resthouse. A few steep paths lead from the road to the bottom of the gorge, where the breathtaking Naruko Gorge Walking Trail runs the length of the ravine. Unfortunately, an earthquake in 2008 led to the closure of most of the trail, and today only short sections of it are open to tourists at each end between 9:00 and 16:00 (closed in bad weather).

Looking over the Naruko Gorge from the Ofukazawa Bridge

The less dramatic Ofukazawa Walking Trail makes a loop west of the main road, starting around the Ofukazawa Bridge and ending at the Narukokyo Resthouse. This nature trail leads into a forested side valley and remains less crowded during the fall season. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the loop.

Towards the eastern end of the gorge stands the Japan Kokeshi Museum, which exhibits a large number of kokeshi dolls from the various prefectures of the Tohoku Region and highlights the regional differences in the dolls' shapes and designs. Museum visitors can also watch an artisan make the dolls or purchase them at the museum shop. For a small fee, they can also try painting their own dolls.

The closest train station to the Naruko Gorge is Nakayamadaira Onsen Station, from where the gorge can be reached in a 30 minute walk. Alternatively, the gorge can be reached in a 10 minute taxi ride from Naruko Onsen Station (around 1500 yen one way). Buses operate hourly between Nakayamadaira Onsen Station and Naruko Onsen Station only during the autumn leaf season from mid October to early November, stopping at the Narukokyo Resthouse and the Japan Kokeshi Museum along the way (about 10 minutes, around 190-350 yen).

From Sendai (how to get to Sendai)

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa and change to a local train on the JR Rikuu-to Line to Naruko Onsen. The entire trip takes approximately 90 minutes and costs 2400 yen one way with unreserved seats. Alternatively, take a local train on the JR Tohoku Line to Kogota and transfer to the JR Rikuu-to Line there (140 minutes, 1690 yen). Travelers from Tokyo can use the Tohoku Shinkansen directly to Furukawa without stopping at Sendai.

From Shinjo

The trip from Shinjo to Naruko Onsen takes about one hour and costs 860 yen to reach Nakayamadaira Onsen Station or 990 yen to reach Naruko Onsen Station. Trains on the JR Rikuu-to Line depart only once in 1-3 hours, so be sure to check train timings in advance.