Gorges · Iwate

Geibikei Gorge

猊鼻渓げいびけいGeibikei

Poled boats between limestone cliffs

Geibikei is a limestone gorge about two kilometres long on the Satetsu River in the city of Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture. Visitors travel through it in flat-bottomed wooden boats poled by boatmen who sing the local folk song 'Geibi Oiwake'.

Overview

Geibikei lies in the hills east of Ichinoseki in southern Iwate. The Satetsu River, a tributary of the Kitakami, winds here between limestone walls rising to around 100 metres, forming a calm, slow-flowing gorge ideal for boating.

The gorge takes its name from a rock formation resembling the nose of a lion (geibi, an old word for lion's nose). It was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1925. Boat trips upstream and back, with a short walk at the turning point, are the only way to see the full gorge.

Geibikei is often confused with Genbikei, a different gorge of rapids and potholes on the Iwai River west of Ichinoseki; the two are commonly visited together with nearby Hiraizumi.

Landscape and formation

The Satetsu River has cut its course through Palaeozoic limestone of the Kitakami Mountains. Because limestone dissolves as well as erodes, the walls are marked by vertical fluting, small caves and overhangs. The river flows slowly and deeply through the gorge, with little current.

Highlights

Daigeibi-iwa
大猊鼻岩Daigeibi-iwa
The 'lion's nose' cliff at the upper end of the gorge, with a hollow into which visitors toss luck stones.
Undama luck stones
運玉undama
Small clay balls marked with characters for luck, thrown at a hole in the cliff across the river.
Boat landing and riverside walk
At the upper landing, a short path leads along the river to the viewpoint below the great cliff.

Ecology

Limestone-loving plants grow on the walls, and the forests on the rim colour strongly in autumn. Fish and ducks in the calm river are fed from the boats.

Flora

Cliff vegetation
Maples, azaleas and wisteria growing from cracks in the limestone.

Fauna

Ducks and carp
Gather around the boats in the calm water of the gorge.

Culture

The boatmen of Geibikei are known for their songs, above all 'Geibi Oiwake', a slow folk song whose echo carries off the cliffs.

Geibi Oiwake
げいび追分Geibi Oiwake
Folk song sung by the boatmen on the return journey downstream.

History

Edo period
The gorge is known locally for its rock formations.
1925
Geibikei is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty.

Through the seasons

Spring

Fresh green and wisteria on the cliffs in May.

Summer

Lush green walls and cool air on the water.

Autumn

Maples colour the gorge from late October to early November.

Winter

Boats are fitted with kotatsu heated tables for snowy trips.

Routes and trails

Boat trip
Round trip of about 90 minutes, poled upstream to the turning point, with a short walk to Daigeibi-iwa.

Practical notes

Geibikei Station on the JR Ōfunato Line is close to the boat landing; Ichinoseki on the Tohoku Shinkansen is the nearest main station.
Boats run year-round but may be suspended in high water.
Hiraizumi and Genbikei are easily combined in a day from Ichinoseki.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Geibikei and Genbikei?

Both are gorges in Ichinoseki. Geibikei is a calm limestone gorge seen by boat; Genbikei, on the Iwai River, is a short gorge of rapids and potholes seen from footpaths.

How long is the Geibikei boat ride?

About 90 minutes for the round trip, including a short walk at the upper end.

Can you visit Geibikei in winter?

Yes, boats with kotatsu heated tables run through the snowy gorge.

How do you get to Geibikei?

By JR Ōfunato Line from Ichinoseki to Geibikei Station, then a short walk.