Sep 26, 2013 - 1 min read

The Jagged Beauty of Genbikei Gorge

The gorge of harsh beauty

By Chris Barnes

Community writer

Upstream, the river churns as the wild rapids make their way through the narrow gorge

The walkway allows visitors to walk over the jagged rocks of the gorge

There is a beautiful walkway on one side of the river, where you can enjoy the seasonal colors of the dense foliage

The Goramba Bridge is the best place to enjoy the view of the rapids, and calm waters as the gorge widens

The water is usually a beautiful emerald-green, unfortunately a Typhoon decided to change that

The smooth rocks are a result of many years of water erosion

Visitors are allowed to view the gorge up close from the jagged rock walkway

The gorge is famous for Soratobu Dango or "Flying Dumplings". Customers place their money in a box, which is pulled across the gorge, upon its return, you recieve freshly made dumplings

Genbikei Gorge has been designated a national site of scenic beauty and a natural monument

Genbikei Gorge is located just outside of Ichinoseki City in Iwate Prefecture.

The gorge is shaped by the rapid flowing water of the river, resulting in smooth and interwoven rock faces that are complimented by the seasonal colors of the riverbank foliage.

The gorge features a walkway, allowing visitors to stroll under the thick foliage on one side, and across to the jagged rocks on the other side. At the east end of the gorge, the Goramba swing bridge allows visitors to enjoy views of calmer waters as the river widens and the rapids become smooth running water.

The Genbikei Gorge has been designated a national site of scenic beauty and a natural monument, famous for its beautiful cherry blossom-lined walkways and emerald-green flowing water.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy the beautiful emerald-green water, as I visited soon after a typhoon passed through the region, rendering the water dark brown.

Genbikei Gorge is located approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Ichinoseki Station. If you would like to catch a bus to Genbikei you can do so from JR Ichinoseki Station. English bus timetables are available from the information office inside the station.