Hot springs in Sakan

Hotel Sakan sits within the Akiu Onsen resort in Miyagi Prefecture, one of Japan's three ancient imperial hot springs. The inn has remained in continuous operation under the same family line for 34 generations, a span of more than 800 years. The spring water is classified as a sodium sulfate type, and tradition holds that Emperor Kinmei once bathed here to recuperate from illness. On the property stands a sacred flame that is said to have been burning without interruption for 400 years, brought originally from Mount Koya.