West of the city of Sendai in Japan is a small region called Akiu. This area comprises small villages and beautiful nature. One of the main features is the Akiu Great Falls, a series of small waterfalls, one large one, and a large forested area.

To get there, you need to take the bus. JR and the Kotsu Bus Company run buses there, although it depends on the time. Google Maps is a good tool for both companies, so look at the directions from Sendai Station to see which works best for you. It is the last stop on the bus line. You can use an IC or pay with cash on the bus and costs ¥1,150 (at the time of writing).

The waterfall is the last stop on the bus line. The bus stops in front of Saikoji Temple, behind which is a viewing platform from which you can see water rushing over the ledge. It boasts a 55-metre (180 ft) drop and is an excellent place to see the leaves turning colour in the autumn.

After looking at the waterfall from this point, you can hike about a kilometre to the bottom. This path goes through sloped forest, a road, and then steep stone steps down, so, ensure you have the correct gear for this hike.

The area around the waterfall is also lovely. Walking back towards the Sato Akiu Center (where most buses in this area go to and from), you will also uncover beautiful temples, majestic stone bridges, and distinctive rocky cliffs. In the autumn, the leaves also turn amazing colours in this part of Japan, so it is definitely worth a trip during October, especially when the leaves are really in full swing.

This can also be combined with nearby Rairaikyo Gorge (coming soon).

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