[Iwate] Genbikei, a famous place named by Date Masamune as a scenic spot within the domain

Genbikei, which Date Masamune named as a scenic spot within his domain.

Genbikei is a valley located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. The Iwai River, which flows from Mt. Kurikoma, stretches for 2 kilometers on both sides of the river, and there are rugged rock formations, including oddly shaped and mysterious rocks, and the dynamic appearance of the rocks is breathtaking. The color of the water changes to emerald green from the sediments on the bottom of the river and the hot spring ingredients that flow from Mt. Kurikoma, giving the river a very beautiful color. On the upstream side, the flow of the waterfall collides with the pebbles and water flow, and there are potholes carved out over many years all over the place, making it look like a work of natural art. Then, while leisurely walking along the promenades on both banks, I crossed the suspension bridge and looked downstream, and as I witnessed the gradual change of the river downstream, in contrast to the rough current that engulfed the surrounding area upstream, I was refreshed. You can't help but feel the wonder and beauty of nature.

Photo by senngokujidai4434 – CIMG0746(2015) / Size-adapted.

It is said that Date Masamune, a military commander from the Sengoku period, was fascinated by its beauty and enjoyed visiting it many times. Currently, there are about 50 cherry trees remaining on both banks of Genbikei, and it is said that they were planted by Lord Masamune himself, and these cherry blossoms are called ``Teizanzakura'', named after the pseudonym of Lord Masamune. I am. There is also a famous tea shop, and a popular dumpling shop called Guo Gong Dango, which delivers flying dumplings from the other side of the valley using a basket pulley.

By the way, there is another valley called Geibikei in Iwate Prefecture, and apart from the kanji, the pronunciation is similar, and both are valleys located relatively close to each other, so be careful not to confuse them. Geographically, Genbikei is located to the west of Ichinoseki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, and Geibikei is to the east. The two are about 20km apart in a straight line, and the rivers that flow through them are also different.

In terms of access, there is no train service to the valley, and the nearest station is JR Ichinoseki Station. Head to Ichinoseki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and take a bus or taxi from there. The distance from Ichinoseki Station is about 10km. If you are coming by car, get off at the Ichinoseki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway and head west on National Route 342. The Hiraizumi area, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site, including Chusonji Konjikido and Motsuji Temple, is about 10km northeast of Genbikei, so it is possible to sightsee along with Genbikei.

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