Geibikei Gorge, a hidden gem in Ichinoseki City that even some local residents were unaware of [Iwate Prefecture]

Geibikei Gorgeis a gorge approximately 2 km long located in the middle reaches of the Satetsu River in Higashiyama-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. Before the Meiji era, it was a secluded area that was sometimes unknown even to those living nearby.

In 1925, it was designated as a national "Historic Site, Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument," and in 1927 it was selected as one of the "100 Views of Japan."

The name Geibikei was given by local volunteers, including Sato Geigan, who invested his personal fortune in the development of this area. The name originates from"Shishigahana," a large cliff jutting out from the opposite bank of Ranshokyu, the turning point for the boat trip.

A boat ride around the many strangely shaped rocks that are said to be a rare sight in the world

Geibi Gorge's famous boat ride is a 90-minute trip where the boatman steers the boat with a single pole, introducing you to the valley's scenery and local legends. You can enjoy the beauty of each season, from wisteria flowers in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy winter scenery. Along the way, the boatman performs a folk song called "Geibi Oiwake," his voice echoing through the valley

Strange rock formations and famous places

The valley is dotted with rocks with distinctive names and shapes, such as "Ogeihana Rock," "Kyomei Rock," "Shishigahana," and "Nishikibeki Rock." In particular, "Shishigahana" is shaped like a lion's nose, and is the origin of the name Geibi Gorge

Six limestone caves and seasonal scenery

There are six limestone caves on the right bank, among which Bishamon Cave is the largest, measuring 5 meters wide and 30 meters deep. Bishamonten is enshrined within the cave, creating a mystical atmosphere

The scenery is picturesque in every season, from the autumn leaves that change color to the snowy season that gives it the feel of a landscape painting, and the season of fresh greenery, but the best time to visit is in spring, when purple wisteria flowers bloom on the cliffs. Layers of colorful wisteria hang down from Fuji Rock along the clear stream, and a wisteria trellis can be found on the way to Geibi Rock

In addition to the seasonal scenery, tea ceremony boats appear in the spring and autumn seasons, allowing you to enjoy elegant tea ceremonies on board. In winter, the boats are transformed into kotatsu boats, allowing you to enjoy the snowy scenery while savoring hotpot and kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot) from the warmth of the boat

At the turnaround point of the boat trip, a popular activity is throwing unglazedearthenware balls called "un-dama"in the rocks. Seven types of un-dama are sold, each inscribed with one of the following characters: Fuku (fortune), Midori (green), Kotobuki (longevity), Ai (love), Negai (wish), Un (luck), and Chu (loyalty). It is said that if you choose an un-dama with your favorite character and successfully throw it into the hollow in the rock, your wish will come true.

Within the same city of Ichinoseki in Iwate PrefectureGenbi Gorge, and many tourists combine a visit to both locations.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

Genbikei Gorge, a famous spot in Ichinoseki City, famous for its emerald green river surface and flying dumplings (Iwate Prefecture)

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/198

Genbikei Gorge, located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, is a roughly 2-kilometer-long gorge formed by the erosion of the Iwai River. The sheer, rugged rock faces, including oddly shaped and bizarre rock formations, create a truly breathtaking scene. The water's color can be affected by sediments at the bottom of the river and the hot springs flowing from Mount Kurikoma, and if you're lucky, you might even be able to see the river's surface take on a beautiful emerald green hue. The emerald-green surface of Genbikei Gorge was named by Date Masamune as one of the scenic spots within his domain. The Sengoku period warlord Date Masamune, who ruled over this area, was also captivated by its beauty, visiting it many times...

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Geibikei <Information>

• Name: Geibikei
• Address: 467 Nagasakacho, Higashiyamacho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, 029-0302
• Phone number: 0191-47-2341
• Official URL:http://www.geibikei.co.jp/

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