The tourist attraction “Geibikei Gorge” in Iwate Prefecture. It is a valley where a cliff that exceeds 100 meters in height continues for about 2 kilometers. In the past it was called a mysterious land, and few people knew their existence. In 1925, it was designated as the “Historical Scenic Natural Monument” of the country and the first prize of “Places of Scenic Beauty in the prefecture”, and now many people are visiting as tourist attractions.
“Geibikei Gorge” is located in the place called Ichinoseki city, Iwate prefecture. It is a short connection from Ichinoseki Station on Shinkansen, get off at Geibikei station and walk less than 5 minutes.
“Geibikei Gorge” is a secret environment, before that little existence was known. Even people living nearby have been told that they did not know the place. It seems that the existence of this valley was also hidden in Fudoki (description of regional climate, culture, etc.) and maps which must be notified to the government office.
Landscape with intricate limestone layers eroded by long years. Unusual shapes of rocks are paired like a puzzle and it seems like they are going to fall, which makes you uneasy a bit.
You can experience the wonder of “Geibikei Gorge” by boat. Voyage while being surrounded by nature is very pleasant and relaxing. The boat departs every hour. The journey time is about an hour and a half. Boatman operates the boat with a single rod and will guide the highlight of “Geibikei Gorge”. Except when a typhoon is occurring, even if it rains or snow, it is operated with a roof attached. Pets can also be on board with you if you pay extra fee.
During boarding, the boatman will sing the famous “the Song of Geibi”. It sings freely with a very beautiful voice, so it resonates in your mind.
Geibikei Gorge, which is counted by one of the 100 Japanese views, is a ravine made by the Satetsugawa river eroded the limestone covering about two kilometers. The precipitous cliff of more than 100 meters height rises in the river bank, and it is visionary deep mountains and dark valleys specified also as the scenic spot of japan. The boating down river, which a boatman handles a ship with one pole skillfully is known as a famous feature of Geibikei Gorge. You can enjoy seasonal color and taste as for the spring fresh green, bright colored leaves, small birdsong, and the river fish jumping on the surface of the water, while hearing song which sounds the towering rock surface.
The spring first highlight is wisteria which makes purple flowers bloom at this cliff. On the rock surface which rises high over along the clear stream, bright purple fringes hang down several times over.
At the time of autumnal leaves, the unparalleled view of the maple which colors in red or yellow looks beautiful in the water surface. The best time to see of autumnal leaves begin the end of October.
Moreover, “Kotatsu (foot-warmer) Ship” which can taste warm Kinagashi-nabe (pot dish) operates around the period of winter. Scenery such as the world of the black-and-white drawing is totally graved on one’s heart deeply.
The time required of The boating down river is about 90 minutes by round trip. These days, the female captain is also playing an active part.
Please forget busy every day and taste calm time.
Information
| Name: | Geibikei Gorge |
| Address: | Higashiyamachonagasaka 467 Ichinoseki, Iwate 029-0302 Japan |
| Access: | JR Ofunato-sen Line “Geibikei-eki” station (5 minutes walk) |
| Tel: | (+81) 191-47-2341 |
| Price: | Boat Trip 1,600 yen (Adult) 860 yen (Elementary School Kids) 200 yen (3 years old or Older) Please refer the official web page. |
| Official site: | http://www.geibikei.co.jp/ |
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