Geibikei, Place of Scenic Beauty in Ichinoseki, Japan
Geibikei is a gorge carved through limestone cliffs that run for about 2 kilometers along a river valley. Wooden boats navigate through the narrow waterway as visitors view the steep rock walls on both sides.
The gorge became known during the Meiji period when local merchants started boat tours for visitors. These tours established the way people have explored the natural formation ever since.
Boatmen sing traditional folk songs as they guide wooden boats through the narrow passages. These songs are part of the daily experience when visitors travel through the gorge.
The gorge is easy to reach, just a short walk from a nearby train station. Boat tours run regularly during daylight hours and allow visitors to see the cliffs from close up.
During the boat journey, visitors throw small stones into a specific hole in the cliff face to make different wishes. This simple ritual becomes a memorable part of the experience for many people.
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