Ichinoseki City is located in the southern part of Iwate Prefecture, serving as the gateway to the Tohoku region. Geibikei Gorge, formed by the erosion of limestone by the Sarugaishi River, is one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots, with stunning cliffs rising over 100 metres high, and a boat ride through the gorge feels like entering a fairyland. The scenery of Geibikei is equally magnificent. The Shin-Yu Onsen hot spring town offers soothing comfort. The Michinoku Ajisai Garden (June) boasts 40,000 hydrangea blooms in full glory. Local cuisine includes Ichinoseki soba noodles (chewy and smooth), Wanko soba noodles (all-you-can-eat refills), Iwate walnut rice, mountain vegetable dishes, and mushroom hotpot, all rich in flavour and imbued with the rustic charm of Tohoku.