Akiu Onsen is known as the backyard of Sendai, a hot spring resort where emperors and feudal lords come for healing the body and mind.

At Akiu Onsen, you can hear the murmuring of the Natori River, which supported the industry and cultural development of the time, such as the transportation of materials for the construction of the castle town and commercial trade.

Kai Akiu is located in a secluded and quiet area of Akiu Onsen, surrounded by rich natural environment next to the Natori River. All guest rooms offer views of the beautiful natural scenery formed by the erosion of rocks by the Natori River, famous for its poems in the Mutsu region (now Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori) since the Heian period. The design incorporates the exquisite local folk art (such as Sendai glass), echoing the colors and light that harmonize with the beautiful mountains and landscapes.

The entrance is designed with a Japanese-style Noren curtain. The design elements are inspired by the Sendai Tanabata Festival, using green to symbolize bamboo as the base color, and adding a gradient of bright pink to symbolize colorful wish strips. This design conveys a heartfelt wish for guests to have a pleasant stay here.

The hotel logo features Akiu stone, which is quarried from the Rairaikyo Gorge, formed by the erosion of the Natori River.

Passing through the entrance, a place filled with wind chimes that symbolize exorcism in ancient times. The wonderful and soothing sounds of the wind chimes, along with the refreshing and healing colors, welcome every guest, embodying the warm welcome extended to each guest.

The “Matsukasa Wind Chime” originated 400 years ago under the order of the Date Domain, and has been passed down through generations as a secret technique. Traditionally, it has long been displayed as a protective charm under the eaves, and we have decided to incorporate it into the entrance, serving as a transition between indoors and outdoors.

The lobby is designed with green as the main color, blending with the natural scenery of Natori River next to the hotel. Above the spacious floor-to-ceiling windows, Japanese paper shoji screens are designed to help people focus more on the natural beauty of the Natori River and the valley.

The front desk is constructed using local Shiraishi Japanese paper to create a play of light and shadow, presenting a warm atmosphere that is gently enveloping and reflective of the local environment.

The guest rooms offer views of the natural scenery of the Natori River, blending with the landscape in a deep green hue. The color scheme of the space is inspired by the ancient legend of the Rairaikyo Gorge, known as “The Azure Abyss.” Using this legend as the main theme, we hope guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and folklore of Akiu.

In the corridors of the guest rooms, we have installed bold sliding doors featuring motifs of the full moon, deeply connected to the Date clan. These motifs are inspired by the moon and sun symbols (Kachiiro kin-Hinomaru) associated with the Date Domain, creating a striking design element.

The Sendai glass artworks from the Date castle town are made from locally sourced sand. The patterns replicate the flowing water and ripples of the local area.

The bedboards are designed to create a calm atmosphere, and we have subtly incorporated the kokeshi pattern, a local craft of Sendai, into them.

The four-panel sliding doors are designed to maximize the use of horizontal space, and they are inspired by the gentle flow of the Natori River that flows alongside the facility.

The terrace, equipped with a foot bath, allows you to feel the murmuring of the stream and the wind through your senses, enabling you to enjoy the beauty of nature that changes with the seasons.

The corridor, designed in a staggered layout, showcases the flowing water of Akiu, enhancing the anticipation of the hot spring experience for guests.

The post-bath resting area showcases the Natori River and sunken wood of Akiu, celebrated in countless ancient poems. It allows guests to immerse themselves in this beautiful scenery and relax both body and mind.

The walls of the hot spring room are made of exposed aggregate concrete with local Sendai characteristics, incorporating kokeshi pottery.

During the Edo period, Date Masamune elevated the reputation of Sendai’s food culture, making Sendai rice and Sendai miso famous. The restaurant is designed with rice as the theme, allowing guests to not only enjoy a pleasant dining experience but also to experience Sendai’s food culture.

The Local Music Room features tatami mats that adhere to the etiquette of the Date Domain. Guests can sit around a table with a backdrop of walls designed with the Date clan flag, “Kachiirokin no Maru.” Here, they can enjoy Japanese sake and experience the spirit of Date Masamune’s cherished drinking gatherings.