Genbikei Gorge

Genbikei Gorge is a 2km stretch of the Iwai River, located just outside the city limits of Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. The Gorge is a scenic natural attraction known for its unique rock formations, autumn foliage, and the vibrant blue colour of the river.

You can follow a walking path around the Genbikei Gorge, which crosses the river on a suspension bridge and provides numerous scenic opportunities. The walk is relatively easy, but like most places in Japan, expect to come across a few steps on the way to some scenic lookouts.

Genbikei Gorge is especially beautiful in autumn when the foliage along the riverbanks turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This time of the year attracts many visitors eager to witness the stunning fall colours. For the best photos, we recommend visiting after low rain, as rain can sometimes darken the water.

One unique attraction of Genbikei Gorge is the ability to order flying Dango (a Japanese sweet treat made from rice). Run by the local confectionary shop, there is a basket suspended across the river that goes directly to the shop. All you need to do is put 500JPY in the basket in the attached bin and hit the board with the mallet, and the basket will swiftly be whisked away, returning in a matter of moments with your Dango. 500JPY gets you 3 Dango sticks, which can be easily shared among 2-3 people. This is a unique way to get a light snack, and you can enjoy your snack with a view of the stunning Genbikei Gorge.