Geibikei Gorge, Iwate

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The beauty of the landscape created by nature continues in the gentle flow of the valley

“Geibikei Gorge” is a valley that was first designated as a national scenic spot in Iwate Prefecture in 1923. A cliff with a height of 100 meters rises over 2 kilometers in length and shows a fantastic appearance. Strange rocks and waterfalls are scattered here and there, and limestone cave can be seen. Although it may be mistaken for the nearby Geibikei Gorge, it is a tourist spot that is visited by many people throughout the season as one of the “the 100 best sceneries in Japan”.
The name Geibikei was named after a stone located near the exit of the valley. There is an eroded stalactite resembling the lion’s nose, and it was called Geibi (Lion’s Nose) Gorge after “Gei” meaning lion. The name-raising parents were those who were pioneers at the time and local volunteers, who were named in 1910. On the boat, you can see the rock art from which the name came.
Geibikei Gorge’s “boating down” begins with going up the river. In Japan, where there are many rivers, there are many sightseeing spots where you can go down the river. However, Geibikei Gorge’s boat trips that go up the river by rowboat are rare. It ’s rarely experienced elsewhere.

You can land on the Geibikei Gorge when you arrive at the Miyoshigaoka dock at the upstream. Here are the highlights such as the large Geibi rock, which is the origin of Geibikei Gorge. Then, go down the river and return to the departure point. In general, boat trips and river trips are one-way sightseeing, but Geibikei Gorge boat trips are convenient because they return.
As soon as Geibikei Gorge’s “boat down” begins, the highlights will appear. It is “Kyomeiseki” (Mirror Stone) where the light on the surface of the water reflects off a rock like a large mirror. After a while, you can see the Bishamon cave that is enshrined in a cave between rocks. The beauty of the landscape created by nature continues in the gentle flow of the valley, such as the rocks of Amayoke, Koto Valley and Shobu Rock.
After about 30 minutes from the start of Geibikei Gorge, you can see the dock. Take a break here for about 20 minutes. A must-see here is the large Geibikei rock. This is a rock art work that came from the name of Geibikei Gorge. You can also enjoy natural objects such as Shishigahana, Sentai Rock, Shohisen, Kinpeki Rock, and Daihisen on the opposite bank.
At Geibikei Gorge’s return from the boat, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the excitement of “Geibi Oiwake” sung by the boatman. There are many highlights, but the boat song is also fun.
Introducing access to Geibikei Gorge. From Tokyo, take the Japan Railway Tohoku Shinkansen and get off at Ichinoseki Station. At “Ichinoseki” station, transfer to Japan Railway Ofunato Line and get to Geibikei Station. It takes about 5 minutes on foot from Geibikei Station to the destination.
The boat descends through the towering cliff and is shaken by the steering of the boatman. You can refresh your mind and body while fully bathing in the negative ions produced by nature. You should be able to get a lot of energy from the beautiful scenery that you can’t usually see.

Charms and Highlights of Geibikei Gorge

Voyage while being surrounded by nature is very pleasant and relaxing

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.

Counted by one of the 100 Japanese views

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.

Wisteria making purple flowers bloom at this cliff

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.

The unparalleled view of the maple

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.

The world of the black-and-white drawing

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.

Forget busy every day and taste calm time

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(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)

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:	1,800 yen (Adult) 900 yen (Elementary School Kids) 200 yen (3 years old or Older) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.geibikei.co.jp/