Mt. Izumigatake

A short trip from downtown Sendai by public transit, Mt. Izumigatake at 1,175 meters offers something useful year-round. Three hiking trails of varying difficulty start at Izumigatake Nature Center, with the easiest Suijin route following a forested valley to the summit in about two hours each way. Wildflowers bloom along the trails from April through October, starting with mizubasho lilies in early spring. Two ski resorts on opposite sides of the mountain operate from December through March with beginner and intermediate runs. During warmer months, ziplining and all-inclusive barbecue sessions are available at Spring Valley, on the mountain's northeastern side.