Geibikei

岩手県

general.prefecture.

One of the "100 Landscapes of Japan" is a gorge.

Geibikei is a valley along the Sand River, and was the first scenic spot designated in Iwate Prefecture. It is surrounded by towering cliffs of rocks over 50 meters high. One of the pleasures of Geibikei is to take a boat down the valley. In winter, you can enjoy the scenery like a sumi-e painting while sitting around a hot pot on a kotatsu boat.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Nature

Highlights

Point 1

Enjoy a Boat Ride in a Beautiful Valley

One of the main tourist spots in the Hozu River Valley is a boat ride, which takes about 90 minutes round trip and is operated by a boatman using a single pole. The entire journey is calm and relaxed, with no rapid currents. You can enjoy the fantastic and beautiful valley with its impressive cliffs and the quiet flow of the river. In addition, there are events on board where local songs and dances are performed, adding to the atmosphere and charm of the experience.

Point 2

Beautiful Scenery to Visit During the Autumn Foliage Season

Nikko's Kegon Falls is a popular tourist spot not only in Japan but also from overseas, especially during the autumn foliage season when the colors are particularly beautiful. The best time to see the autumn foliage is from early October to early November. The valley that stretches for about 2 kilometers has been designated as a national historic site, scenic spot, and natural monument, and has also been selected as one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots. The autumn foliage of Kegon Falls is popular for its unique atmosphere, which is different from seeing it on land, as it is best viewed while cruising down the river.

Point 3

A Famous Tourist Spot in Iwate Prefecture

Geibikei is a famous tourist spot in Iwate Prefecture. There are other tourist spots in the area, such as Genbikei, Chusonji Temple, and Motsuji Temple. There are also many recommended spots for driving. In the vicinity of Geibikei, there are also plenty of dining options, such as Japanese sweets and dessert shops, and sake and craft beer breweries. It is a tourist destination that can meet various needs, such as enjoying the scenery, experiencing food and history.

Point 4

Playgrounds and Experience Facilities for Children to Enjoy

The area around Ginkaku-ji Temple is also full of playgrounds and experience facilities that children can enjoy. Kumano Children's Park and Ueno Bridge Children's Park are free to use, so please visit with your young children. In addition, at "Tatsuya Kutsu Bishamon-do," you can obtain the "strongest amulet" said to bring longevity and academic success. Visit with your family and pray for prosperity.

Point 5

Delicious Restaurants Using Local Ingredients

There are many delicious restaurants in the vicinity of the Nibei Gorge that use local ingredients. At "Seki no Ichi," you can taste Japanese sake and craft beer. At "Kuramoto Restaurant Seki no Ichi," you can enjoy dishes made with locally produced vegetables and meat. At "Nibei Gorge Tea House," you can enjoy Japanese sweets and matcha. Also, the "ayu-yaki" (grilled sweetfish) found during the "Nibei Gorge Boat Ride" is exquisite. Please try and savor the local gourmet food.

Access

6-Minute Walk from JR Geibikei Station

The nearest station to Geibikei is JR Geibikei Station on the JR Ofunato Line. It's about a 6-minute walk from the station to the attraction. From Morioka Station, it takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes with a transfer at Ichinoseki Station. From the popular tourist destination of Hiraizumi, it's a 37-minute ride on the Hiraizumi-Geibikei Line. With a well-established transportation network, it's easy to access even without a rental car.

Parking

Make Use of Free Parking

There are several free and paid parking lots around the Ginzan Gorge area. The most recommended is the "Kawashiki Parking Lot" with a capacity of 200 cars, located about a 5-minute walk from the starting point of the Ginzan Gorge river descent. Next is the "Second Parking Lot". Although it has a smaller capacity of 50 cars compared to the Kawashiki Parking Lot, it is relatively empty because it is an unpaved parking lot.