Geibikei Gorge

▶Origin of the Name
Geibikei, or 猊鼻渓, was named in 1910 by local volunteers, including the tourism pioneer Sato Geigan. The name derives from the prominent rock formation "Shishi (猊) gahana," which juts out from a massive cliff across from Ranshō Hill, serving as the turnaround point for boat rides at Miyoshigaoka.

▶The Creator of Geibikei
Sato Geigan, born and raised in Higashiyama, Ichinoseki City, was instrumental in introducing this once-unknown valley to the world. Together with his father, Dōtan, he invested his personal wealth into developing it as a tourism destination, leading to its recognition as the eastern counterpart to the famous Yabakei in Oita Prefecture.

▶Geibikei Through Time
▸Was Geibikei Hidden for a Long Time?
Geibikei only gained recognition during the Meiji Era. It is said that many villagers were unaware of its existence before that time, largely to avoid the burden of entertaining officials from the domain. The valley's existence was concealed in records and maps required by the domain.

▸What is "Kinarashi"?
The area around Geibikei was once a treasure trove of fine lumber like red pine. Those who transported cut timber on rafts from the Sandeki River to the Kitakami River were known as kinarashi. The local specialty "Kinarashi Nabe," a stew enjoyed by the lumbermen during breaks, consists of chicken, radish, carrots, and burdock root simmered in miso, offering a unique taste exclusive to this region.

▸A Village of Refugees from Hiraizumi?
Halfway through the boat ride, there is an old scenic spot called Ko-Tōkei, reminiscent of a Chinese utopia. A stream flows through the canyon between the cliffs, resembling an ink painting, and it is said to have housed about thirty households of refugees from the Fujiwara clan of Hiraizumi, who lived by extracting iron sand.

▸Why is the Bow of the Boat Flat?
The skillfully maneuvered Geibi boat has a broad and flat bow rather than a pointed shape. This design is unique to Iwate, a horse-breeding region, and is inherited from the horse ferryboats used to transport horses across rivers.

▸Water That Makes You Rejuvenate for Three Years?
On the opposite bank of Miyoshigaoka, there is a spring. This cold water, known as Shōhisen, has never dried up, even in droughts. It is said among the boatmen that drinking a cup of it will rejuvenate you by three years.