Geibikei Gorge, River gorge in Ichinoseki, Japan
Geibikei is a limestone gorge with steep cliff walls rising 100 meters above the Satetsu River, forming a natural corridor stretching about 2 kilometers through Iwate Prefecture's mountains. The passage is explored by boat tours that offer visitors chances to feed wild fish and throw fortune stones into the water.
The gorge received its name in 1926 when Emperor Hirohito visited and noted its resemblance to the Qutang Gorge in China. This naming established the site as a place of cultural importance.
The boatmen perform traditional songs as they navigate wooden boats through the narrow passage. This musical practice has been passed down through families and shapes the experience for all who visit.
Boat tours operate daily and last about 90 minutes, giving visitors ample time to observe the cliff faces and feed the fish. The site is best explored from the water, making a tour essential to experience the full length of the passage.
Visitors can throw stones at a specific rock formation, and landing a stone on the target is believed to bring good fortune according to local tradition. This simple ritual becomes a memorable moment for many during their boat journey.
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