I’ll admit it. When I was on my way to Iwate prefecture’s Geibikei gorge from Kakunodate in Akita, I had an incorrect impression. Not wanting to devote the time to taking a boat trip, I thought I’d simply photograph the gorge (and the boats going up and down it) from the shore, and then make my way to the next stop of on my list.
Reality, of course, has a funny way of interfering with plans. Spoiler alert: The only way to take even halfway-decent pictures of Geibikei is to ride a boat into the gorge itself.
Below, I’ll be sharing more wisdom in this vein, as well as practical tips about how to make your Geibikei excursion happen. I hope you’re ready to get started!
Why I Waited to Visit Geibikei
Before I explain why I find Geibikei worth visiting, I should tell you why it took me so long to get there. Initially, I thought I might go during my 2013 winter trip, on my way from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region down to Tokyo. Unfortunately, a combination of time (I didn’t have much) and the somewhat complicated logistics of reaching the Gorge during the month of February made me decide to put it off.
When it comes to your favorite table games, the thought process involved in how to choose a reliable site requires a lot of research and calculation, in order to maximize your chances of winning big. Likewise, I determined that in addition to being easier in terms of transportation (I could rent a car and not worry about winter tires or road closures due to snow and ice), an autumn trip (in this case, the autumn of 2025) would also suit me better aesthetically.
How to Make the Most of Geibikei
Go with a rental car
Although you can reach Geibikei by public transportation, having your own set of wheels will make your trip much easier. For starters, this will allow you to consult the Geibikei website in advance and precisely time your arrival with boat departure times, which isn’t always possible by train or bus.
And in conjunction with other destinations
Another advantage of renting a car? In addition to making much faster work of the Morioka to Geibikei journey, this will empower you to go to other destinations nearby. I’m speaking in particular about Hiraizumi, which is 30 minutes away by car, and has become one of my favorite places in Japan over time.
Visit in autumn if you can
Autumn is the most beautiful time of year to visit Geibikei, even if (like me) you get here a bit before the leaves reach their peak. It also sees generally sunny weather, and the roads to the site (whether or not you access them via your own private car) are in good condition without snow.
(Or in winter if you can’t)
On the other hand, I did initially intend to take my Geibikei day trip during winter, so I can’t recommend against that. Again, in this instance, you will simply want to make sure you budget adequate time and dress warmly—and that if you do drive, you rent a car with winter tires.
The boat ride is the gorge
If you aren’t planning to take a boat ride, you frankly shouldn’t go to Geibikei—and not just because boat is the only way to reach the iconic Sofu-gan and Shofu-gan “wedded rocks” at the end of the gorge. Rather, you can’t photograph any of the gorge’s notable scenery without boating into it; hiking isn’t possible due to the steepness of the walls.
Other Things to Do in Iwate Prefecture
Iwate-ken is one of my favorite places to visit in Japan—I never shut up about it, as you’ll know if you read this site with any regularity. Here are a few of the reasons why:
- The closest town to Geibikei is Hiraizumi, which I’ve written is like a northern version of Kyoto with more trees and fewer tourists.
- Morioka (the largest city in Iwate) is also nothing to shake a stick at, particularly if you give yourself some time to explore, instead of just using it as a base.
- I love driving the Sanriku Coast, where the 2011 Tsunami hit, but failed to destroy the kindness and resiliency of the local people.
As you can see, deciding how to get to Geibikei Gorge is only the beginning of your task at hand. You’ll need to narrow down all the places in Iwate you can go!
Other FAQ About Visiting Geibikei
Is Geibikei Gorge worth it?
Geibikei is definitely worth it, but there are a few things to keep in ride. Firstly, it takes some time to reach, whether you go by train and bus or rental car; you also need at least an hour or two to actually take the boat ride. Secondly, while it’s beautiful year-round, it’s most compelling as a destination in autumn or amid the deep snows of winter.
How much does a Geibikei Gorge boat ride cost?
As of 2026, the price for a Geibikei boat ride are ¥1,800 for an adult and ¥900 for a child. This is payable directly at the ticket window, though it is possible to purchase tickets online and in advance if you prefer a more methodical and organized approach to your visit.
How long is the boat ride at Geibikei Gorge?
Depending on currents, your “stop” at the end and how slow or fast your boatman is, you can expect to spend 60-90 minutes on the boat at Geibikei. Your total time may be longer, however, depending upon whether you arrive at the gorge right before a boat departs.
The Bottom Line
Allow me first to answer the obvious question: Geibikei Gorge is completely worth visiting. With this being said, it’s definitely not a quick trip. You’ll need to drive to and from there (over an hour from Morioka, slightly closer to Hiraizumi); the arrangement of the gorge means that you need to take a boat trip in order to see and photograph it—you can’t simply turn up and take pictures from the shore. However, once you make piece with this reality (and the time it will require), visiting Geibikei is a relatively straightforward affair, not to mention an amazing and breathtaking one. Need personalized help putting your Japan trip together? Consider hiring me to plan it!
