Ride through Tohoku’s timeless heritage

Departing from the Rental819 Sendai branch, you head toward Yamagata. When passing through Tendo, Suisha-soba is well worth a stop — a soba restaurant that has been serving since the Meiji era. Their thick-cut itasoba is a classic, and the locally loved torichuka—a chicken-based noodle dish born from staff meals—offers a rich, comforting broth that riders especially enjoy.
After lunch, continue into the mountains toward Ginzan Onsen. This nostalgic hot spring town is lined with wooden inns from the Taisho era, and the gas lamps along the river create a warm, timeless atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to slow down and feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Your final destination for the day is Sukawa Onsen, a hot spring blessed by the mountains.
Surrounded by vast natural scenery, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and soothe your body after a full day of riding.

Rental819 Sendai branch

 

Suisha-soba

 

Ginzan Onsen

 

After departing from Sukawa Onsen, enjoy a relaxing ride along Mizuho no Sato Road, a scenic 50‑kilometer agricultural route that winds along the foothills of the Ou Mountains from Yokote to Semboku. This road offers the quintessential landscapes of Tohoku: wide-open rice fields and gentle rolling hills. With light traffic, long straights and flowing curves, it is an ideal stretch for simply enjoying the ride. With light traffic, long open straights, and smooth, flowing curves, it’s an ideal route for savoring the pure joy of riding. The countryside scenery changes with each season, adding a soft, colorful backdrop to your journey.
Once you exit the road, head toward Lake Tazawa, a serene lake surrounded by deep forest. As the deepest lake in Japan, its surface shifts from deep blue to cobalt and emerald depending on the angle of the light, creating a mystical beauty. Standing by the lakeshore, you’ll be wrapped in silence and clarity—an atmosphere so peaceful you may forget the passage of time. It’s the perfect place to step off the bike and take a quiet breath while feeling the breeze across the water.
Your final destination for the day is Hanamaki Onsen. With a mix of rewarding mountain roads, gentle rural scenery, and the vivid blue of Lake Tazawa, this route captures the essence of Tohoku in a single day. Settle into the hot spring, let the warm water ease your muscles, and take a moment to reflect on the day’s unforgettable ride.

Mizuho no Sato Road

 

Tazawa Lake

 

Hanamaki Onsen

 

After departing from Hanamaki Onsen, head south toward Chūson‑ji Temple, one of Tohoku’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walking along the temple’s forested approach, you’ll feel the quiet weight of history settle gently around you. The highlight is the Konjikidō (Golden Hall), which continues to shine brilliantly even after centuries, standing as a powerful testament to the glory of the Northern Fujiwara clan. The solemn atmosphere that fills the entire temple grounds offers a rare moment to center your mind during the journey.
Next, continue your ride to Genbikei Gorge, where steep rock walls and emerald‑colored waters create a landscape so striking it feels like stepping into a painting. The natural formations carved by the river bring a calming contrast to the exhilaration of riding, offering a peaceful pause in the middle of your travels.
Take breaks at the viewpoints along the way and enjoy the landscapes and history of southern Iwate and northern Miyagi as you make your way back to Sendai.

Chusonji Temple

 

Genbikei Gorge

 

Koganeyama Shrine (Wakuya)