This article will tell you a little bit about the gorge, the area, and what you can expect during a visit there.
Where is Geibikei Gorge?
Geibikei Gorge is located just outside of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture. It is often mistaken for a similarly named gorge called Genbikei in the area. But this orge offers a unique experience that can be found nowhere else in Japan!
From the JR Ichinoseki Station, you can take the JR Ofunato Line bound for Kesennuma. Ride for about 35 minutes and get off at Geibikei Station. The gorge is less than a 5 minute walk from the station.
For those wanting to head north from Tokyo Station, you can take the Tohoku shinkansen north and transfer at Ichinoseki to the JR Ofunato Line. The shinkansen to Ichinoseki can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours depending on what time of day you depart. Our recommended train is the 10:45 Hayabusa 17. This will get you to Ichinoseki around 12:38. Then you can take the 12:45 train to Geibikei.
A Brief History
Geibikei Gorge is located in a small town within the Ichinoseki district of Iwate Prefecture. Known as one of Japan's Three Great Gorges, Geibikei pulls visitors from all over the world to come and see the magnificent towering cliffs, vibrant wisteria blossoms, colorful autumn leaves, and blankets of snow throughout the year. The main attraction is the flat-bottomed boat ride up and down the Satetsu River flowing through the gorge. The boat is steered by one person, using a 6-meter cedar pole to push the boat forward.
- The ride up and down the gorge takes roughly 70 minutes to completed, with a 20 minute break halfway through
- During the break, you can see the largest rocky cliff in the gorge and try your luck at tossing a lucky stone
- The boats are made by the Geibikei Tourist Center
- Each rocky cliff has a name
- You can feed the koi and ducks from the boat
Recommended Tour to this Area
Snow Monkey Resort’s 1-Day Tour from Ichinoseki: Geibikei Gorge & Yugen Cave offers you a chance to slow down during your Tohoku travels and visit a hidden gem tucked away in a small Iwate Prefecture town. Utilizing quaint local trains, your guide will walk you to the ancient Yugen Cave and then end your day with a scenic boat ride down the iconic Geibikei Gorge. See for yourself why this small town is still enticing visitors year round!
Lucky Stones
The most famous attraction outside of the natural scenery itself is the lucky stone toss. At the half-way point of the traditional boat trip down the gorge, you will be able to walk onto land and see the largest rock formation in the gorge. On this rock is a naturally made hole with etchings over the years that have made it look like a boar's head. The hole represents the eye of the boar. Legend has it, if you toss one of the themed stones across the river and make it into the hole, your desire will come true. The lucky stones are for sale for 100 yen for two stones. The stones are handmade by the employees of the Geibikei Gorge Tourist Center and are made with natural clay so it is not harmful to the river.
Seasonal Highlights:
- April - July: Enjoy the lush greenery as well as the famous wisteria blossoms that paint the gorge a vibrant purple.
- September - November: Gorgeous fall foliage that makes for a photogenic paradise.
- December - March: A winter paradise! See the gorge in a new light as blankets of snow cover the giant rock formations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it open all year round?
Yes. The gorge boat ride operates year round and offers a special boat in the winter with a rooftop and kotatsu to stave off the winter chill. It is recommended to stay up to date on weather information however, as the area can see significant amounts of snow that could delay or cancel trains. If inclement weather causes a disruption in boat operations, the gorge will update its website promptly.
How do I get to Geibikei Gorge?
From Tokyo:
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Ichinoseki Station. From Ichinoseki, take the local Ofunato Line train bound for Kesennuma and get off at Geibikei Station. The gorge is less than a 5 minute walk from the station and has ample signage. The trip takes about 3.5 hours at around 13,610 yen.
Purchasing a JR Pass or JR East Pass is great for those planning on traveling long distances or using the shinkansen many times throughout their trip.
From Sendai Station:
Take the Tohoku shinkansen bound for Morioka and get off at Ichinoseki Station. On the Hayabusa train, you can ride in cars 1 through 4 with an unreserved seat ticket (but must give up your seat should someone with a reserved ticket show up). Once arriving at Ichinoseki, follow the above directions to reach Geibikei. The total price is about 4,590 yen.
From Akita Station:
Take the Akita shinkansen bound for Tokyo and get off at Morioka Station. You can then take the local JR Tohoku Line train bound for Ichinoseki and transfer to the Ofunato line once arriving at Ichinoseki station. The trip is a bit of a journey, taking about 4 hours total and costing around 6,730 yen.
Is there food sold here or nearby?
There is a tourist resthouse as well as nearby restaurants that offer all sorts of delicious foods to try. However, due to the nature of the rural town, many places have various closures throughout the year. To be safe, it is recommended to bring a packed lunch or snacks.
What is a lucky stone?
Undama or lucky stone are a famous attraction at the half-way point within Geibikei Gorge. Each round stone is stamped with a kanji representing different themes. These themes include love, fiances, wishes, etc. The object is to throw the stones across the gorge into a small hole in the adjacent rocky cliff. Those who make it in are said to have their wishes granted.
Is the gorge wheelchair accessible?
The traditional boat ride down the gorge offers barrier free options for those who inquire ahead of time! See the official Geibikei Gorge website for more details.
Additional Tips
- Respect nature: Although it is a popular tourist destination, it is first and foremost a place of historic nature. Be mindful of your actions and do not take anything home with you.
- Prepare for Inclement weather: Due to its location, the weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. Be prepared for drops in temperature as well as strong wind gusts.
- Pack snacks or a small lunch: Due to the nature of the small town, the nearby restaurants and souvenirs shops have unannounced closures. Just in case, it's recommended to pack a small lunch during your journey to the gorge.
- Combine with a visit to Sendai: With its convenient straight-shot train ride from Sendai, the city of trees is a great companion for your trip to the less beaten paths of Tohoku.
