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Dissolved town in Shida district, Miyagi prefecture, Japan
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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鳴子峡
This is a steep 2.5-km-long ravine famous for its fall colors in October and November.
滝の湯
A small traditional old wooden bathhouse with waters blended from two springs, one milky white, the other clear. Several pipes create artificial waterfalls, which are comfortable to sit under.
Several ski resorts operate in the winter, especially around the hot spring resort of Onikōbe.
そば処小花
A basic noodle joint, locally known for its free-range chicken namban (southern barbarian) style.
旅館大沼
This ryokan stands out from the crowd by offering eight separate baths to sample — one outdoors and many privately reservable.
小芥子
Naruko is one among many places to claim to have originated this cylindrical wooden doll, emblematic of Tohoku. The Japan Kokeshi Museum is in Naruko, and some 80 craftsmen work there full-time.
By bus
Direct shuttle buses to Sendai and its airport run several times a day for a cost of around ¥1500.
By car
Two national highways, Route 47 and Route 108, pass through the area.
Naruko is small enough to cover on foot, though there are intermittent bus and train services. Geta, traditional Japanese wooden sandals, are popular among visitors and can even be rented from the train station.
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Higashine · Regional · GAJ
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