Iwate Geibikei Gorge Boat Ride Experience

Highlights of the Trip

Geibikei Gorge – a magnificent valley located in Iwate Prefecture, listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Scenic Spots

Take a boat ride guided by a boatman using a pole, and enjoy a 90‑minute exciting river journey at Geibikei Gorge, one of Japan’s three great gorges

As the boat moves along with the slow and steady current, the boatman will share stories about the oddly shaped limestone cliffs, or sing traditional folk songs that echo off the cliffs.

From the blooming cherry blossoms and wisteria in spring, the lush greenery of summer, to the crimson leaves in autumn and the snowy scenery in winter, Geibikei Gorge showcases its charming beauty all year round, allowing you to fully enjoy the changing seasons.

Geibikei Gorge is a nationally designated natural monument in Japan, and is also listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Scenic Spots. Here, you can experience Japan’s unique pole‑pushed boat ride, where the boatman uses a wooden pole to propel the boat forward. The 90‑minute trip takes you about one kilometre into the gorge before returning. At the turnaround point, passengers disembark and walk for 15‑20 minutes, venturing several hundred metres deeper into the gorge. There, you can admire a giant rock shaped like a lion’s nose – which is how Geibikei got its name.

Spring scenery with cherry blossoms in full bloom

In summer, the cliff faces are covered with fresh green leaves, embracing the tranquillity of Geibikei Gorge.

Autumn leaves at Geibikei Gorge

The snow‑covered winter Geibikei is often praised as a classic landscape painting in the real world.

If you visit Geibikei in winter, the boat will be fitted with a transparent cover and equipped with a "kotatsu" (a low table with a quilted cover) to keep passengers warm.