Rairaikyo Gorge - Miyagi, Japan
I wanted to visit Rairaikyo Gorge after hearing how beautiful it is — lined with gorgeous trees, moss-covered rocks, and a crystal clear river running through the valley below. From Sendai Station, I took a bus that took about 35 minutes to reach the stop near the trailhead. The area is dotted with onsen hotels, and the short Rairaikyo Gorge trail is a popular stroll for people staying nearby.
The entrance to the gorge is right next to a fairly busy road, but as soon as I started descending to the first viewpoint, the traffic noise faded away and it suddenly felt quiet and peaceful. Even though I visited in winter and the trees were bare, the scenery was still beautiful — the green moss on the rocks and the flowing Natori River below made it feel calm.
The trail itself is only about 1 km long, so it didn’t take long to explore. After walking through the gorge, I wandered around the surrounding streets and onsen area for a bit before catching the bus back to Sendai Station. It was a short but refreshing little nature escape just outside the city.
History & Background
Rairaikyo Gorge (磊々峡) has long been admired for its striking natural beauty, with moss-covered rocks and crystal-clear waters of the Natori River carving through the valley. The gorge has been a local favorite for leisurely strolls since the Edo period, when travelers and pilgrims passed through the region. Today, it remains a popular nature escape, with nearby onsen accommodations offering visitors a blend of scenic hiking and relaxation.
Getting There
Rairaikyo Gorge is easy to reach by bus or car from Sendai. The bus ride from Sendai Station to the trailhead takes about 53 minutes. Several bus operators serve the area, but Miyagi Bus typically offers the most affordable fare. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, consider purchasing a Miyagi Bus one-day bus pass for ¥1,200, which can be conveniently bought online.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.11 km out & back (Akiu Sato Center Bus Stop)
Total elevation gain: 38 m
Duration: 20 min (with breaks 21 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Sendai Station → Akiu Sato Center Bus Stop — ¥940
Vending Machine: ¥140
