Genbikei Gorge

Genbikei Gorge is a scenic gorge along the middle reaches of the Iwai River in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, and it was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 1927. Over a vast span of time, the river created dramatic rock formations—bizarre and striking boulders—along with potholes called ouketsu, natural basins and holes that look as if they were drilled into the stone. The emerald-green flow, waterfalls, and approximately two kilometers of beautiful scenery make it easy to see why it earned national designation. Genbikei is also famous for its local specialty "Flying Dango," a tradition dating back to 1907: place your payment in a basket on the rocks and watch as the basket comes flying across the river along a rope, delighting visitors of all ages. The gorge is also known as a favorite of Date Masamune, lord of the Sendai Domain, who reportedly visited many times and boasted that "Matsushima and Genbi are the two great scenic places of my domain." It is said he built a teahouse in the park and even planted cherry trees; one such tree is still known today as "Teizan-zakura." The former teahouse site, Rinsen-tei, also remains, attracting many tourists. Access is about a 20-minute drive from JR Ichinoseki Station.