Shiny plastic toys and games are fun, but why not sometimes share with your children "the feel of wood" and "the warmth of handcraft"?
Akiu Onsen — the renowned hot spring resort known as the "inner parlor of Sendai." Just nearby is "Akiu Crafts Village," which is not merely a tourist facility. Incredibly, nine families of traditional craft artisans actually live and work there daily, creating genuine handmade goods — a truly authentic "craftsman's village."
Visiting these sacred workshops directly, feeling the presence of craftspeople at work while painting koma (spinning tops) and traditional kokeshi dolls, is an experience brimming with "authenticity" that cannot be found anywhere else.
Wrapping a hand-painted wooden toy in both hands, and spinning it with your own fingers —
that analog, gentle time becomes the finest emotional education, stimulating all five of a child's senses.
In this article, we'll comprehensively guide you through a day trip that makes the most of the Akiu Onsen area — from the wonderful effects wooden toys have on children, to superb beef tongue dining and the super-famous "Saichi no Ohagi"!
Tips for Enjoying the Craftsman Experience as a Family (30 sec read)
- Greet with "Ojama shimasu!" (Excuse the intrusion): This is not a theme park — it's a "craftsperson's workplace." Don't forget to greet and show respect!
- Watch the shaping process: If you're lucky, you may be able to observe up close an actual craftsperson turning and carving wood on a lathe
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty: As paint is used, wear clothes where you won't mind if the sleeves get stained
- Advance reservation is reliable: Since craftspeople assist while continuing their work, calling ahead to reserve before you go ensures a smooth experience
- A great location for hot springs & gourmet food: After the experience, a perfect holiday awaits — washing off the sweat at Akiu Onsen and enjoying the famous beef tongue
1. [Before You Go] Follow Workshop Rules and Burn the Craftsmanship into Your Memory
Akiu Crafts Village has a different atmosphere from a typical tourist "experience facility." Teach children important manners before heading there.
These Are Absolute Must-Dos Before Visiting
- ① Say "Ojama shimasu!" (Excuse the intrusion) clearly
The workshop is a sacred workplace for craftspeople, and also their home. Teach children not to barge in uninvited, but to greet properly at the entrance before entering. - ② Do not touch tools without permission / Be careful with flash photography
The workshop contains many blades and precious materials. Using flash photography while craftspeople are concentrating on their work is very dangerous, so always follow the rules and instructions.
2. [Fun Facts] Why Are "Wooden Toys" So Good? The Secret to Nurturing the Five Senses
Before the experience, let's learn about the wonderful wisdom behind "why Japanese toys have been made of wood since ancient times."
The Appropriate Weight and "Sound" Stimulate the Brain
Plastic toys are light and make a high-pitched "clatter" when dropped.
On the other hand, wooden toys (kijigagu) such as koma (spinning tops) and kokeshi have a natural, appropriate weight and warmth like human skin when held. And the low, gentle "thud, clunk" sound when wood hits wood or falls to the floor resonates pleasantly in children's ears and is said to stabilize their emotions.
Sharing in words with your child — "Wood is a little heavier than plastic and has a nice smell, doesn't it?" — and expressing the differences in texture and scent together becomes the finest emotional education.
3. Spin to Play or Display to Admire? How to Choose Your Experience
Akiu Crafts Village has multiple workshops. Choose an experience to match your child's personality.
| Experience Menu | Features & Best Suited For |
|---|---|
| Lathe & Painting (Koma, etc.) |
[For the Active Child Who Wants to "Play"] A painted koma (spinning top) can be spun and played with that very day. It's also ideal for developing finger dexterity, and the moment when the colors you painted blend together as it spins is truly moving! |
| Kokeshi Painting |
[For the Child Who Wants to Carefully "Draw"] Paint expressions on the face and patterns on the kimono with a brush, taking your time. Since the child's characteristic "way of drawing lines" at this age is preserved exactly, it becomes a lifetime growth record to display forever. |
4. [Miyagi/Akiu] Where Authenticity Awaits! 2 Experience Workshops at Akiu Crafts Village
※ The pin on the map shows Akiu Crafts Village. Please contact each workshop directly by phone for the latest information on reservations and opening days.
① Kijigagu Wagatsuma Kokeshi | Wooden Toys Made on a Lathe
"Wagatsuma Kokeshi" at Akiu Crafts Village is a workshop that has passed down traditions across three generations of the same family.
The greatest attraction here is that you can actually use the "rokkuro (lathe — a machine that rotates wood)" used by the craftspeople! Choose your favorite from koma, pen holders, egg stands, and more, then under the craftsperson's one-on-one instruction, shave, polish, and touch a brush to the spinning wood to add color. The thrill of the moment when a beautiful line appears with a smooth stroke will have both children and adults absolutely thrilled.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Fun Checklist
- Shaping experience included: Not just painting — you can experience from the stage of shaping the wood itself, making this an extremely authentic and highly satisfying workshop.
Basic Info (Approximate)
- Experience: Lathe-based painting (koma, pen holders, etc.), kokeshi painting
- Duration: Approx. 1 hour
- Reservation: Walk-ins are possible, but calling ahead to reserve is strongly recommended.
② Ganguan Kokeshi-ya | Traditional "Kokeshi" with Gentle Faces
Also at Akiu Crafts Village, this workshop creates traditional "Sendai Kokeshi."
In a quiet space lined with many kokeshi dolls, you can experience painting while feeling the atmosphere of the craftsperson's handiwork. The task of gently brushing in eyes and a mouth on the pure-white lathe-turned wood is a time so focused that even parents hold their breath. The slightly unbalanced and innocent face that a child draws becomes a lifetime treasure as a record of their growth.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Memory Checklist
- Lacquer finish: After painting, the craftsperson applies a beautiful glossy lacquer finish, so you can bring it home in perfect condition the same day.
Basic Info (Approximate)
- Experience: Kokeshi painting
- Duration: Approx. 40 min–1 hour
- Reservation: Advance reservation recommended (by phone)
🪵 Display in Your Room! Adorable Tohoku "Kokeshi" Delivered to Your Home
For those who think "Miyagi is too far to visit..." — traditional "Tohoku Kokeshi" handcrafted one by one by artisans, and cute "creative kokeshi" with a modern twist, are available for mail order! The texture of wood and their simple, charming faces blend surprisingly well with Scandinavian interiors and modern living rooms. Why not display one in a small space by your entrance as a daily source of comfort?
5. [Model Itinerary] Beef Tongue, Hot Springs & Handcraft! Akiu Day-Trip Schedule
The Akiu area is about 30 minutes by car from Sendai Station — highly accessible. This is the classic plan that fills both heart and stomach with magnificent natural scenery and Miyagi's ultimate gourmet — beef tongue!
- 10:30 | Arrive at the nationally designated scenic spot "Akiu Otaki Falls". Bathe in negative ions
- 11:30 | Move to "Akiu Village Agrie no Mori" and have lunch with the local specialty "Beef Tongue Set Meal" at the food court!
- 13:00 | Head just minutes by car to "Akiu Crafts Village". Experience painting wooden toys like koma at Wagatsuma Kokeshi!
(Touch the warmth of wood while completing your very own lifelong toy) - 15:00 | Stop by the locally super-famous supermarket "Shufu no Mise Saichi" and grab their legendary "ohagi" (sweet rice balls)!
- 15:30 | Check into a ryokan at Akiu Onsen. Refresh in the wide hot spring bath after a full day (day-use bathing also recommended)
6. Where to Play After the Experience! 3 Powerful Nearby Sightseeing & Dining Spots
① Akiu Otaki Falls | One of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls!
A magnificent waterfall ranked among "Japan's Three Great Waterfalls," located a short drive from the Akiu Onsen town.
Water thunders down a 55-meter cliff that is 6 meters wide — pure nature entertainment! You can walk along the promenade right to the base of the falls, refreshing yourself in the mist and negative ions.
② Akiu Village Agrie no Mori | Beef Tongue & Shopping All in One Place!
An agricultural tourism facility at the entrance to Akiu Onsen, brimming with souvenirs and dining options.
At the food court, you can casually enjoy Miyagi's famous thick "beef tongue set meal," soba that kids love, sweets, and more. The direct sales area lined with locally grown fresh vegetables and Miyagi's famous confections is guaranteed to excite mom! Outside there is also a foot bath (seasonal) and some play equipment, making it a perfect family rest stop.
③ Shufu no Mise Saichi | A Legendary "Ohagi" Selling Tens of Thousands a Day!?
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary local supermarket right in the middle of the hot spring town. But this is a legendary destination drawing visitors from all over Japan for its famous "ohagi" (sweet rice balls)!
The "Akiu Ohagi" stacked high in the deli section is filled with plenty of sweet red bean paste with a restrained sweetness. Made by hand with no additives, they sell like wildfire. On weekends they can sell out, so the golden rule is: if you find them — grab them immediately, for a hotel snack or the next morning's breakfast!
7. After the Experience, Soak in Famous Hot Springs! Recommended Akiu Onsen Hotels for Families
The area with Akiu Crafts Village, "Saichi," and Akiu Otaki Falls is right in the heart of the renowned "Akiu Onsen"! Excellent access — just 30 minutes by car from Sendai Station.
After playing and connecting with the warmth of wood, check in to a luxurious hot spring ryokan and cap off the family memories with a delicious buffet and a wide bath.
♨️ Akiu Onsen Area (Splashing Around with a Luxurious Buffet and Heated Pool!)
Akiu Onsen Hotel Zuiho
The name synonymous with Akiu Onsen! This ultra-popular luxury hotel commands overwhelming support from families.
The famous dinner buffet features all-you-can-eat sushi hand-rolled by chefs right in front of you, freshly grilled beef tongue, snow crab, and more — a thrill even for adults! Plus, an all-weather heated pool (with a water slide!) means that combining the koma painting experience with the pool makes for a paradise-like day for children.
🏞 Akiu Onsen Area (Spectacular Gorge Views and a Wide-Ranging Buffet)
Akiu Grand Hotel
Built right above Akiu's scenic spot "Rairaikyo Gorge," this spectacular hotel lets you look down on beautiful gorge scenery from your room and outdoor bath.
Like Hotel Zuiho (they are actually sister hotels), the buffet quality is very high — all-you-can-eat crab, beef tongue, sashimi, and more! With spacious facilities including a game corner and table tennis providing the classic hot spring inn experience, it's also perfect for three-generation family trips.
8. [After Returning Home] Keep Away from Moisture! How to Care for Wooden Toys
When you get back from the trip, go ahead and spin your koma right away and display your kokeshi beautifully. Here are some care tips for keeping wooden toys in great condition.
How to Live with Wooden Toys (Kijigagu)
- Never wash with water (Wooden toys absorb moisture and may swell or cause the paint to bleed. If soiled, gently wipe with a dry cloth or a firmly wrung damp cloth)
- Display away from direct sunlight (Leaving kokeshi and similar items in direct sunlight near windows causes the wood to fade. A shelf bathed in the gentle light of the room is ideal)
- Touch often to develop a "shine" (The natural oils from your hands penetrate the wood, developing a beautiful patina the more it is used. Don't put the koma away — let children touch it and play with it lots)
🪵 Learn Through Play! "Wooden Toys" That Nurture the Five Senses
Once you've discovered the gentle texture and sound of a wooden koma, why not gradually bring some "wooden handcraft" into your home play collection? Kendama and daruma otoshi that develop finger dexterity, natural-finish building blocks safe enough to put in your mouth... Toys that can be used for a long time and ultimately return to nature are Earth-friendly, and make wonderful lifelong gifts for baby showers or birthdays.
Summary: The Spinning Top You Spin with Your Own Hands Teaches the Warmth of Things
"Look! When you spin my koma, it looks like a rainbow!"
The koma and kokeshi you painted in the scent-filled workshop of an Akiu craftsperson.
Unlike a toy that moves with the press of a switch, the time spent flicking with your own fingertips, failing repeatedly, and gradually learning "the knack for spinning" draws out a child's concentration and curiosity to the fullest.
And the gentle "thud" when it falls to the floor also soothes the hearts of busy moms and dads.
This coming weekend, why not set out on a trip to Akiu Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture — where you can enjoy delicious beef tongue and hot springs, and encounter craftspeople's handiwork and the warmth of wood?