Saichi

Shufu no Saichi is a supermarket in the Akiu Onsen area, known as Sendai’s inner retreat. It looks like an ordinary local supermarket, but it’s famous for its “Akiu Ohagi,” drawing long lines. The ohagi are handmade, generously sized, and sold in four varieties: anko (sweet red bean), kinako, goma (sesame), and a seasonal natto flavor (sold from October to the following May). With no preservatives, the ohagi’s best-by is the same day only, and it can’t be ordered online—making it a true “only here” treat you have to go to Akiu to eat. In addition to ohagi, their handmade prepared foods are also popular. Even though it can be crowded (especially on holidays) due to frequent TV features, turnover is fast and entry can be smoother than expected. The store is about 200 meters east of the long-established inn “Akiu Onsen Densho Sennen no Yado Sakan.” Akiu Onsen is about 50 minutes by bus from JR “Sendai Station,” or about 15 minutes by car from Tohoku Expressway Sendai IC. Parking is available in front of the store and in several nearby spots. It’s also fun to shop for personal souvenirs while strolling the onsen town.