Naruko Gorge
鳴子峡
A V-shaped gorge about 100 meters deep and 2.5 km long, where autumn foliage, the red Ōfukasawa Bridge spanning the gorge and trains emerging from a tunnel form classic scenes.
Naruko Gorge lies near Naruko Onsen in Ōsaki City in northwestern Miyagi Prefecture. It is a V-shaped gorge carved by the Ōya River over many years, with cliffs about 100 meters high and a length of about 2.5 km; maples, beeches and other broadleaf trees grow on the rock walls. From late October to early November, the autumn leaves turn the whole gorge red, making it one of the Tōhoku region's most famous autumn foliage spots. The classic viewpoint is the observation deck beside the Naruko Gorge Rest House. The red Ōfukasawa Bridge spans the gorge, and JR Rikuu East Line trains emerge from a tunnel and cross the gorge, so many photographers wait according to the train timetable. The Ōya River Trail runs along the gorge down to the valley floor for hiking and takes about 1 hour in total (confirm whether it is closed due to rockfall). Weekends during the foliage season are very crowded, so take the train or arrive early. Access: about 20 minutes' walk from Nakayamadaira Onsen Station on the JR Rikuu East Line, or about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Naruko Onsen Station. From Sendai, take the Shinkansen to Furukawa Station and transfer to the Rikuu East Line, about 1.5 hours in total. It can be combined with a stay at Naruko Onsen.
Opening hours
Open all day (Rest House about 08:30–17:00; closed in winter)
Nearby sights
- Naruko Onsen
- Sakunami Onsen
- Nikka Miyagikyo Distillery
- Sendai Daikannon
- Akiu Great Falls
- Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
- Miyagi Museum of Art
- Jozenji-dori Avenue