Genbikei Gorge

厳美渓

Genbikei is a scenic gorge in Ichinoseki City, Iwate. Its rocks were formed long ago from volcanic material of Mt. Kurikoma and slowly carved by the water. The gorge runs about 2 km, with rock faces, potholes, small waterfalls and emerald-green water. Visitors walk along the river and can try the famous "flying dango", sweet rice dumplings sent across the gorge in a basket.

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Visitor information

Getting there: About 20 minutes by car or bus from JR Ichinoseki Station.
Time needed: There are walking trails of about 30 minutes and about 70 minutes.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The gorge is about 2 km long, with rock faces and emerald-green water.
Genbikei is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
A local snack is the "flying dango" (sweet rice dumplings). Check the ingredients at the shop if you have dietary needs.

Tips for Muslim visitors

There are two walking paths along the gorge: about 30 minutes along the calm river and about 70 minutes around the rapids upstream.
The local 'flying dango' are sweet rice dumplings sent across the gorge in a basket on a zip-wire from a shop on the other side.
Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Iwate and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.