About
If you find yourself walking the path along Rairaikyo Gorge (as well you should, it’s breathtaking) during a trip to the quiet hot-springs resort town of Akiu near Sendai, you might spot an unusually romantic depression in the stone.
This is the Nozokibashi Heart, a local landmark deemed to be a lovers’ sanctuary, as attested by the signs surrounding the area. People stopping on the bridge to gaze down on the unique rock formation is a common sight, and the Heart is even highlighted in travel guides put out by Sendai City.
On the one hand, it’s just a hollow in the rock, not nearly as impressive as the spectacular ravine all around it. On the other, it’s hard not to feel romantic if you visit it with your sweetheart.
Know Before You Go
The heart can be easily seen from the public sidewalk on Nozokibashi Bridge, and all the walking maps in the area clearly mark its location as a point of interest. Getting there is a short (and scenic) walk from the tourist information centre where buses to the area stop and depart.
Community Contributors
Added By
Published
October 6, 2025
