Genbikei Gorge

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Genbikei Gorge (Photo: Genbikei Gorge – Mamusi Taka / CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Genbikei Gorge is a 2 km stretch of the Iwai River, known for its rugged landscape and dynamic whitewater stretches. The rocks and cliffs are a national monument and are lit by cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in summer and glowing in autumn Red, orange and yellow tones of the leaves framed.

Overview

Address

021-0101 Iwate, Ichinoseki, Genbicho, Takinoue, 地内 (Directions)

Phone Number

0191-23-2350

General Amenities

  • Free guides/pamphlets

Related Articles

4 articles
Visit to Genbikei Gorge

Visit to Genbikei Gorge

Sarah Mathews

Most people go to Hiraizumi for the temples listed as World Heritage Sites. However, you can’t go to this area and miss seeing this stunning gorge.

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The Jagged Beauty of Genbikei Gorge

The Jagged Beauty of Genbikei Gorge

Chris Barnes

Genbikei Gorge is located just outside of Ichinoseki City in Iwate Prefecture. The gorge is shaped by the rapid flowing water of the river, resulting in smooth and interwoven

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Near Genbikei Gorge

Motsuji Temple

Motsuji Temple

The Motsuji Temple was once a large and important temple of the Tendai sect and consisted of numerous buildings. Today Motsuji is best known for his garden, which tried to recreate the Buddhist concept of the pure land or "Buddhist paradise". The history of the temple tells that in 850 the priest Ennin, the third abbot of the Tendai sect, was traveling in northern Japan when he got lost in a thick fog in this area. When Ennin looked at his feet, he noticed the hair of a white stag. Ennin approached the stag, but it disappeared in the fog. A silver-haired old man appeared in his place and told the abbot that this was a sacred place and that he should build a temple there. Ennin sensed that this old man was an incarnation of Buddha Yakushi and followed his advice. Motsuji has some buildings that are extremely interesting for visitors. This includes the main hall of the temple and a treasure house where Motsuji's historical and cultural artifacts are exhibited.

Iwate 7km away
Chusonji Temple

Chusonji Temple

Chusonji is a Buddhist temple in the city of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture. It is the main temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region in northern Honshu. The temple is said to have been founded in 850 by Ennin, a monk associated with Enryakuji Monastery and the third abbot of the Tendai sect. Ennin is also known for the autobiographical record of his travels and studies of Buddhism, considered by some to be one of the greatest travelogues in the world. In the dedication commitment for the Chusonji Temple it is written that all travelers, regardless of their status, will be lovingly welcomed by the Buddhas and would receive their blessings without exception. In 1337 a fire destroyed many of the temple's halls, pagodas, and treasures. Nevertheless, more than 3,000 national treasures and important cultural assets survived, including above all the Konjikido, the small, golden Amida hall, which was the first building to be declared a Japanese national treasure.

Iwate 8km away
Tsuriyama Park

Tsuriyama Park

Chris Barnes

Tsuriyama Park is a nice hillside park located in Ichinoseki City. The park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the city and features long pathways

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