When you think of the beauty of autumn in Japan, you probably imagine autumn leaves in a quiet garden.

In addition, there is a deep V-shaped valley, created by the strength of the earth, which is colored with autumn leaves.

That place is Naruko Gorge, located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the breathtaking views of the autumn foliage at Naruko Gorge, the hot springs that will soothe your body and mind after a stroll, and the appeal of the local cuisine. Discover the profound depths of Japan's nature, culture, and cuisine on this trip.

The entire V- shaped valley becomes a canvas: the autumn foliage art of Naruko Gorge

Naruko Gorge is a huge V-shaped valley about 100 meters deep that was formed over hundreds of thousands of years by the erosion of the Otani River. It is this geographical feature that makes Naruko Gorge "the art of Japanese autumn leaves."

Peak Autumn Foliage: A Flood of Fiery Colors

The peak of autumn foliage at Naruko Gorge is usually from late October to early November.

At this time of year, the broadleaf trees that fill the valley, such as beech, maple, and oak, all turn red, yellow, orange, and brown. Due to the richness of these colors, the contrast between the three colors of "the red of the seven hearths, the yellow of the maple, and the green of the pine" is said to be beautiful in Japan.

These colors spread vertically from the bottom of the valley to the top of the cliff, filling the entire field of vision and creating an overwhelming impact, as if you had wandered into a giant oil painting.

A great spot to enjoy the view

There are several special spots to enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves at Naruko Gorge to the fullest.

1. Naruko Gorge Rest House Observation Deck: The observation deck adjacent to the parking lot offers a panoramic view of the valley. In particular, the vermilion Ofukasawa Bridge spanning the gorge stands out against the green and red of the autumn leaves, making it a very popular photo spot.

2. Ofukazawa Promenade (Part): There used to be a promenade that took you all the way to the bottom of the valley, but now many sections are closed for safety reasons. However, the approximately 2.2km promenade from the rest house to Ofukazawa Bridge is often open, allowing you to experience the autumn leaves up close while walking through the forest.

3. View from the train (Rikuu East Line): Another special experience is watching the scenery from the window on a train like the Resort Minori on the JR Rikuu East Line, which runs along the bottom of Naruko Gorge. As the train slowly rolls through the gorge, it's like watching a movie with the scenery playing across the entire screen.

Naruko Onsen: the epitome of Japanese healing

Naruko Onsenkyo, located close to the valley, is the perfect place to soothe your chilled body and tired mind after a stroll through Naruko Gorge. This area is known for its rich variety of hot spring water, which is rare even in Japan.

Naruko Onsen's "nine types of spring quality"

Naruko Onsenkyo is made up of five hot spring areas (Naruko, Higashinaruko, Kawado, Onikobe, and Nakayamadaira), and it is said that 9 of the 10 types of hot spring water found in Japan are found in this area.

• Variety of spring quality: The color, texture, and smell of the water vary greatly depending on the hot spring inn or public bath. For example, some hot springs have a strong sulfurous scent that leaves your skin feeling smooth, while others are colorless, transparent, and gentle on the skin.

• Touji Culture: Naruko Onsen has a long-standing culture of "touji," a long-term stay at a hot spring to cure illness or injury. This is not simply a leisure activity, but a traditional Japanese lifestyle aimed at enhancing the body's natural healing powers. By staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for an extended period and enjoying local cuisine while soaking in the hot springs, people aim to become healthy from the inside out. Another attraction of the Naruko Onsen area is the opportunity to "yu-meguri," a tour of various hot springs to soothe tiredness from travel.

The warmth of the traditional craft "Kokeshi"

Naruko Onsen is also famous as one of the birthplaces of Kokeshi, a traditional Japanese wooden doll.

• Characteristics of Naruko Kokeshi: Naruko Kokeshi dolls are characterized by the squeaking sound they make when you turn their heads. Their simple expressions and vibrant patterns such as chrysanthemums on their bodies give the viewer a sense of peace.

• Experiences and Culture: There are many kokeshi artisan workshops in hot spring towns, where you can actually carve and paint a piece of wood, and experience "kokeshi painting." A one-of-a-kind kokeshi doll that you've painted yourself will make a wonderful souvenir from your trip to Japan.

Savor the bounty of the mountains and sea: Miyagi's autumn cuisine

After soothing your body and mind with the spectacular autumn foliage and soaking in hot springs, enjoy the rich autumn flavors of Miyagi. Miyagi Prefecture is blessed with both inland mountain produce and seafood from Sanriku, one of the world's three largest fishing grounds.

1. Autumn's bounty from the mountains: mushrooms and new rice

The area where Naruko Gorge is located is surrounded by virgin beech forests, so a wide variety of mushrooms can be picked in the fall.

• Mushroom soup: Local inns and restaurants serve "mushroom soup" made with plenty of freshly picked wild mushrooms. Miso soup, infused with the umami flavor of various types of mushrooms, is a quintessential Japanese autumn flavor that warms you from the inside out.

• New rice: Autumn is the time when Miyagi Prefecture harvests new rice varieties such as Date Masamune and Hitomebore, which the prefecture is proud of. The plump, cooked new rice is a delicacy in itself.

2. Japan's best delicacies: oysters and saury

The coastal areas of Miyagi Prefecture are some of the world's leading fishing grounds, and autumn is the season when seafood is at its best.

• Oysters: While winter oysters are famous, autumn oysters are also firm and rich in flavor. Oysters harvested around Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture are particularly rich in minerals and are one of Japan's top brands.

• Sanma (Pacific saury): Sanma (Pacific saury), which literally means "sword fish of autumn," is a fish that symbolizes the taste of autumn in Japan. Sanma is particularly fatty at this time of year, and it is commonly eaten grilled with salt. Enjoy it simply with soy sauce and grated daikon radish, and you'll experience the depth of Japanese food culture.

3. The gentle sweetness of the local dish "Zunda Mochi"

Zunda mochi is a local confectionery that represents Miyagi Prefecture. It is made by mashing boiled edamame (green soybeans) and seasoning them with sugar and salt to create a paste, which is then coated with mochi. Characterized by its vibrant green color, the gentle sweetness of the beans, and its unique texture, it is extremely popular with foreign tourists. It also makes a great souvenir.

Please also check out " Miyagi Edition: Introducing local B-class gourmet food from Miyagi Prefecture, a treasure trove of food! " ▼▼ https://tenposstar.com/ja/articles/r/104

Location of Miyagi Prefecture

summary

A trip to Naruko Gorge is a special experience that allows you to experience the magnificent power of nature, the healing power of historic hot springs, and the bounty of its cuisine with all five senses. Marvel at the fiery colors of the V-shaped valley, feel your body transform in the diverse hot springs, and feast on the bounty of the mountains and sea. This fall, why not visit Naruko Gorge in Miyagi Prefecture and witness for yourself the "art" woven together by Japanese nature and culture? It will surely become a deep and beautiful memory of Japan that you will never forget.

Please also check out " What is Miyagi Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, 'Beef Tongue'? Introducing its characteristics and history! " ▼▼ https://tenposstar.com/ja/articles/r/1408