Around the Geibikei．．．Hiraizumi

Nearby the beautiful sightseeing area of Geibikei is the recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi. The Fujiwara clan during their rule of the area in the 12th and 13th centuries built many buildings and temples. Those that remain today are 'The Golden Hall of the Chusonji' and 'The Garden of  Pure Land in the Motsuji'.

  Front of the Golden Hall



  The garden of the Motsuji

Genbikei is not Geibikei...

There are some visitors who mistakenly come to Geibikei gorge instead of Genbikei gorge. However, unlike the erosion that forms the Lion's Snout at Geibikei gorge: Genbikei gorge is forged from the water flowing from Kurikoma mountain into the Iwai River.

Two kilometres of dynamic scenery lashes over water beaten rock, intruding potholes, and shallow waterfalls. The natural erosion and savagery of the rainlaced river twists the rocks and the sides of the gorge into many interesting shapes. The gorge attracts many visitors who enjoy the walk that overlooks this stunning waterscape.

Cuckoo Dango

The flying “Cuckoo Dango” (rice cake dumpling) is a famous product of the Genbikei gorge. It has been enjoyed at the teahouse since 1878. Traditionally customers put money into the bamboo basket for the dumpling and knock on the board with a wooden hammer: it is then conveyed by a rope from the teahouse on the opposite bank. This is commonly known as the "flying dumpling”. 





The dumplings are sold in three traditional flavours: goma (black sesame paste); anko (red bean paste); and mitarashi (sweet soy sauce). 

A Song of Geibi

 As the boatman returns from the trip along the river, he or she sings this song that has been translated into English below:

　(前歌)　 　清き流れの砂鉄の川に　ヤンサノエ

Through the clear flowing water of the

Satetsu River  

舟を浮かべて棹させば

I float along and row with pole

曇りがちなる心の空も

Clouded mind disperses

晴らしてくれます猊が鼻

Dispelled by the Lion's Snout

（本歌） 　　探ね来て見よ､岩手の里に

A visit to Iwate sees

      　　

　　　　　　世にもまれなるこの景色

　　　 　A pedestal of rare scenery

(後歌)  　　大船渡線に乗り換えしやんせネ

　Travel on the Ofunato line

一関より遠からず

　　　　From nearby Ichinoseki

　

Do you know Geibikei?

Gei-bi-kei (猊鼻渓) is the gorge that is depicted as one of the One-Hundred Views of Japan. It’s also one of Japan's three biggest gorges (Geibikei, Sagakei and Yabakei). It is located in the southern part of Iwate prefecture in the north of Japan.

The name of Geibikei -Lion Nose Gorge- was so called from the eroded stalactite which looks like a lion's nose.

✳ 猊＝lion 鼻＝nose 渓＝gorge

The 2km gorge runs alongside the Satetsu River, a tributary that  feeds on the waters supplied by the Kitakimi River. The strange limestoned precipice looms upwards for approximately 100 metres. Our gondoliers can row you through this stretch of fascinating river and its limestoned gorge. The boat trip takes about 90 minutes returning to our start point.

The flora and fauna changes with each passing season adding its own distinctive touch to memories that will not be forgotten.

And from December through to February we will also be offering our famous 'cook all in one pot' Japanese recipe called 'kinagashi nabe' on our kotatsu boats. All you need to do to enjoy this speciality is to book it the morning before the day you travel with us.

How to get here from Ichinoseki:

By car, take road 19. It will take approximately 30 minutes. 

By bus , it will take about 40 minutes. 

By train, it will take 30 minutes via the JR Ofunato line.

To get in touch with us and reserve the boat ride, please call:
                  +81(0)191-47-2341 or +81(0)191-47-3288 Fax

Or you can also visit our website:
                     http://www.machinet.jp/geibikanko/