"Kai Akiho" Collaborates with Local Favorite "Saiichi" to Launch "Saiichi's Ohagi Kōri" for Summer Enjoyment

"Saiichi's Ohagi Kōri" Born from a Collaboration with Kai Akiho

Located in Akiho Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture, "Kai Akiho" will launch the Kai Akiho original "Saiichi's Ohagi Kōri," made with bean paste from the long-loved local specialty shop "Shufu no Mise Saiichi (hereinafter Saiichi)," from July 1 to August 31, 2026. The dessert luxuriously uses the additive-free, deeply flavorful bean paste carefully prepared daily at "Saiichi," located a short distance from the inn. It will be served at the "Seseragi Lounge," where the murmuring of the Natori River can be heard, with sensory enhancements like traditional craft Sendai glass wind chimes and foot baths. We propose a luxurious summer moment to savor the deliciousness nurtured by the climate of Akiho Onsen, in the serene space unique to a ryokan.

Background

Amidst record-breaking heatwaves, the key concerns for summer travel are "coolness" and "avoiding crowds." Akiho Onsen is home to "Saiichi's Ohagi," known nationwide as a regional treasure. However, due to its popularity, it's difficult to savor it leisurely during peak seasons. What if one could enjoy this legendary taste from a prime spot by a clear stream, away from the queues? To fulfill such traveler's wishes, Kai Akiho has produced a special experience. This initiative combines the precious handiwork of local people and allows guests to enjoy the unique climate of Akiho Onsen.

Feature 1: "Saiichi's Ohagi Kōri" where legendary bean paste melts in your mouth

The hallmark of Akiho's iconic "Saiichi's Ohagi" is its subtly sweet and perfectly salted bean paste. To maximize its deliciousness, we have created a shaved ice dessert generously topped with this bean paste, drizzled with condensed milk over shaved ice. We also provide popular toppings from Saiichi's ohagi: kinako (roasted soybean flour) made from green soybeans and black sesame seeds. Guests can add them to their preference for a personalized flavor accent. The vessel used is "Sendai Glass," born from the sand of the Hirose River. Within a vessel that reflects the greenery of the "City of Trees," you can enjoy the region's traditional taste as a modern, cooling treat.

"Saiichi's Ohagi Kōri" served in a Sendai Glass vessel

Feature 2: "Noryo Seseragi Lounge" to enjoy coolness without the queues

The stage for enjoying this shaved ice is an open terrace facing the Natori River. During the summer, the "Noryo Seseragi Lounge," where Sendai glass wind chimes echo, features "foot water" instead of foot baths, creating a refreshing atmosphere. Available exclusively for early check-in guests from 13:30, guests can indulge in blissful cool-down relaxation, forgetting the heat while enjoying the cool river breeze in solitude, away from the crowds.

Cool down with shaved ice at the Noryo Seseragi Lounge

What is "Saiichi"?

Located in Akiho Onsen, a town with a population of approximately 3,800, "Shufu no Mise Saiichi" is a legendary local shop. Its signature product, "Ohagi," sells an average of 5,000 pieces per day, with a record high of 25,000 pieces. Its motto is "Rivals are home-style cooking." The 惣菜 (prepared dishes) and bean paste, meticulously handmade without additives, are not only popular with local customers but also draw visitors from across the country seeking its taste. It can truly be called the culture of Akiho Onsen itself.

Comment from "Saiichi" on the collaboration

"We accepted this collaboration because we strongly wished to work hand-in-hand as fellow businesses in Akiho and boost this region together. The bean paste from Shufu no Mise Saiichi uses Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and we are committed to finishing it without additives. By deliberately keeping the sweetness moderate, we bring out the rich, original flavor of the azuki beans. Please enjoy the taste filled with the artisan's dedication."

"Saiichi's Ohagi Kōri" Experience Overview

Period: July 1, 2026 - August 31, 2026 Time: 13:30 - 14:30 (Early check-in) Location: "Noryo Seseragi Lounge" within the facility Price: 2,000 yen (tax included) Includes: Early check-in, shaved ice service Capacity: 4 groups per day (max 10 people) Reservation: Required 10 days in advance via the official website Cooperation: Shufu no Mise Saiichi (5 minutes by car, 10 minutes by bus from Kai Akiho)

Kai Akiho (Miyagi Prefecture, Akiho Onsen) Local Room "Konpeki no Ma"

A hot spring inn located in Akiho Onsen, the inner sanctuary of Sendai. Enjoy hospitality inspired by the bold and stylish culture brought by Lord Date Masamune of the Sendai domain, while gazing at the flowing stream and natural scenery before your eyes.

Address: 1 Hirakura, Yumoto, Akiho-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 982-0241 Phone: 050-3134-8092 (Kai Reservation Center) Number of Rooms: 49 rooms Price: From 35,000 yen per night (per person when staying in a 2-person room, service charge and tax included, includes dinner and breakfast) Access: JR Sendai