This summer, Kai Akiu—a hot spring inn situated in Akiu Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture—will offer a special shaved ice experience in collaboration with "Shufu no Mise Saichi" (commonly known as "Saichi"), a celebrated local establishment long cherished for its traditional ohagi.
Running from July 1 to August 31, 2026, the experience centers on the "Saichi Ohagi Ice," an original shaved ice dessert made with Saichi's signature red bean paste, served in the inn's open riverside lounge.
Feature 1: "Saichi Ohagi Ice" – Where Legendary Bean Paste Meets Shaved Ice
Saichi's ohagi is widely known for its subtly sweet, perfectly salted red bean paste. To bring out the full character of the flavor, the dessert pairs freshly shaved ice and condensed milk with a generous topping of Saichi's red bean paste. Green soybean kinako (roasted soybean flour) and black sesame—popular toppings in Saichi's original ohagi—are also served on the side, allowing guests to adjust the flavor to their liking.
The dessert is presented in a vessel made from Sendai Glass (仙台ガラス), a traditional craft produced from the sands of the Hirose River, adding a layer of regional craftsmanship to each serving.
Feature 2: Cool Down in the "Nanryo Seseraki Lounge"
The shaved ice is served in the "Nanryo Seseraki Lounge" (納涼せせらきラウンジ), an open terrace overlooking the Natori River. During the summer season, the lounge features wind chimes crafted from Sendai Glass, and the foot bath is transformed into a refreshing foot water pool for cooling down. Since this experience is exclusively available for early check-in guests from 1:30 PM, it offers a tranquil alternative to the busy queues at Saichi's shop, with the sounds of the mountain stream and a cool river breeze to accompany each bowl.
About Saichi
Despite being based in Akiu Onsen, a town of around 3,800 residents, "Shufu no Mise Saichi" sells an average of 5,000 ohagi per day—peaking at as many as 25,000 during busy periods. True to its motto "Our rival is the taste of home," the shop handcrafts its offerings without additives, drawing visitors from across Japan who seek out its flavors.
On the collaboration, Saichi commented: "We took on this collaboration because we wanted to join hands with a fellow Akiu business and work together to invigorate our community. Our red bean paste uses Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and contains no additives. We deliberately keep the sweetness restrained so that the rich, natural flavor of the beans shines through. We hope you enjoy the dedication that goes into every bite."
Experience Details
- Period: July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (early check-in)
- Venue: Nanryo Seseraki Lounge (inside the inn)
- Price: ¥2,000 (tax included)
- Includes: Early check-in and shaved ice
- Capacity: Up to 4 groups per day (maximum 10 guests)
- Reservations: Required via the official website, at least 10 days in advance
Kai Akiu
Kai Akiu is a hot spring inn nestled in Akiu Onsen, known as the inner retreat of Sendai. Guests can take in views of the mountain stream and surrounding nature, with hospitality drawing on the bold and refined culture of the Sendai domain's Date Masamune.
- Address: 1 Hirokurakuri, Yumoto, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 982-0241
- Phone: 050-3134-8092 (Kai Reservation Center)
- Rooms: 49
- Rate: From ¥35,000 per person per night (based on 2 guests sharing, including service charge, tax, and breakfast and dinner)
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station; approximately 45 minutes by car from Sendai Airport
- Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaiakiu/
