Geibikei Gorge

Geibikei Gorge is one of Japan's most scenic gorges, designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. Located along the Satetsu River in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, the gorge stretches approximately two kilometers between towering limestone cliffs that rise over 100 meters in places. The highlight is a 90-minute round-trip boat ride on a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat, guided by a boatman who propels the craft with a long pole while singing traditional folk songs. The scenery changes dramatically with each season, from fresh green foliage in spring to fiery autumn colors reflected in the still waters. At the turnaround point, visitors can try throwing lucky stones into a natural crevice in the cliff face to make a wish.