MayAutumn Leaves · Tohoku
Geibikei Gorge
Hiraizumi & IchinosekiGorge🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Early Nov
Overview
Overview
A gorge about 2 km long carved out of limestone by the Satetsu River, counted among Japan’s 100 Landscapes and designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. On a boat ride rowed by a boatman, you look up at autumn leaves on the cliffs from the river.
- Address
- 467 Nagasaka-machi, Higashiyama-cho, Ichinoseki, Iwate 029-0302
- Time needed
- About 2 hours including the roughly 90-min boat ride
- Official website
- https://www.geibikei.co.jp/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookChusonji Konjikido & Geibikei Gorge Boat Ride Day Tour (from Sendai)Bus tour from Sendai Station East Exit to Geibikei Gorge with a boat ride, Chusonji Temple including the Konjikido, and Fujiwara no Sato. Lunch and admission includedView on Klook- PRKlookGeibikei Gorge Boat Ride TicketAbout 90-minute round-trip boat ride through the gorge, poled by boatmen. Show the QR code at the pier ticket window. Plans with a meal are also availableView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually mid-October to early November
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight is the autumn leaves on cliffs over 100 m high. Enjoy the colors on rock faces such as Kyomeigan, Ryounga, the area around Sofugan and Daigeibigan while listening to the boatman’s boat songs.
📷 Best views
Daigeibigan
The rock that gave the gorge its name, near the turnaround point of the boat ride
Kyomeigan and Ryounga to Sofugan
A stretch with autumn leaves continuing along the cliffs
Hours
Opening hours
Boat ride (4/1–11/5)8:30–16:00
Boat ride (11/6–11/10)8:30–15:30
Boat ride (11/11–11/20)8:30–15:00
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Boat rideAdults ¥2,000, elementary school students ¥900, small children ¥200
About 90 min round trip
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓In November the last boat gets earlier as the month goes on, so if you will arrive late, check the operating hours
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Geibikei Station (JR Ofunato Line)About 5 min walk
- From major stations & airports
- Ichinoseki Station: JR Ofunato Line to Geibikei Station (About 30 min)
- Ichinoseki IC (Tohoku Expressway): Car (About 25 min)
- By car & parking
- About 200 spaces, including at the Geibikei Rest House
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- There may be a wait to board on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Normals for Ichinoseki: October high 19.3°C, low 9.5°C; November high 12.7°C, low 3.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- The wind on the river is cold, so bring a warm jacket to wear on the boat
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Geibikei GorgePR
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki
MayAutumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Tohoku
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Temple🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peakTsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakYamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05