Genbikei

"Genbikei" is a famous spot in Ichinoseki city that is famous for its emerald green river surface and flying dumplings [Iwate Prefecture]

Genbikei Gorge is a 2km long valley located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, formed by the erosion of the Iwai River.

The river is lined with strangely shaped and bizarre rocks, creating a dynamic and breathtaking landscape. The color of the water changes depending on the sediments at the bottom of the river and the hot springs that flow from Mount Kurikoma, so if you're lucky you can see the river's surface turn a beautiful emerald green

Genbikei
The surface of the river at Genbikei Gorge is dyed emerald green

Genbikei Gorge, which was named by Date Masamune as one of the most scenic spots within his domain

Date Masamune , who ruled over this area, was also enchanted by this beauty and enjoyed visiting it many times.

Cherry blossoms at Genbikei Gorge
Cherry blossoms at Genbikei Gorge

Currently, there are about 50 cherry trees remaining on both banks of the Genbikei Gorge, which are said to have been planted by Masamune, and these trees are called " Teizan Sakura"

The miraculous formations of the potholes and flying dumplings

many potholes that have been carved out over many years , making them look like natural works of art.

The potholes of Genbikei Gorge
Potholes shaped like mortars, created by the erosion of water and pebbles, can be seen all over the rock face

A pothole is a circular or bowl-shaped natural hole created by the rapids of a river, when small stones are forced into hollows in the rocks and, as they rotate, carve them over a long period of time.It is a type of river topography called a "pothole" or "giant's kettle" in English

If you take a leisurely stroll along the footpaths on both banks, cross the suspension bridge, and look downstream, you will be struck by the contrast between the rough currents that engulf the surrounding area upstream and the mellow river downstream, and you will be reminded of the wonder and beauty of nature once again

and a popular dumpling shop called "Kakko Dango" that delivers flying dumplings by basket pulley from the opposite side of the valley

Incidentally, there is another valley called Geibikei in the same Iwate prefecture; the pronunciation is similar, kanji aside, and both are valleys located relatively close to each other, so be careful not to confuse them

Geographically, Genbikei Gorge is located to the west of Ichinoseki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, and Geibikei Gorge is located to the east. The two are about 20km apart in a straight line

There is no railroad service to the valley, and the nearest station is JR Ichinoseki Station

Head to Ichinoseki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line and take a bus or taxi from there. It is about 10km from Ichinoseki Station. If you are driving, get off at Ichinoseki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway and head west on National Route 342

The Hiraizumi area, which includes the Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple, both designated as World Heritage Sites, is located about 10km northeast of Genbikei Gorge, so it is possible to visit both sites at the same time

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