Genbikei Gorge | Review by 黃國棟

黃國棟’s Profile Page

Genbikei Gorge

The beauty of the valley is overwhelming, with its oddly shaped rocks and clear streams.

30 Sep 2026 See More

As soon as you enter the gorge, you see unusual rock formations carved over the years by water and stone. Clear water rushes between the massive rocks, taking on a beautiful emerald-green color. In the fall, the trees along both banks turn red, yellow, and orange, instantly filling the valley with color and depth.

We happened to have great weather that day. Sunlight fell across the gorge and maple leaves, making the scenery especially beautiful. Strolling slowly along the trail, feeling the mountain breeze and listening to the flowing water, was really relaxing.

You can enjoy this natural scenery without paying an admission fee, and when you get tired from walking, you can also try the very famous Kakko Dango. Eating sweets while enjoying the view is another little pleasure of visiting Genbikei Gorge.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the fall foliage season is extremely popular, so there are lots of visitors! But even with the crowds, seeing the gorge surrounded by fall colors still makes the trip feel worthwhile.

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

It is said to have been built in Enpo 8 (1680) by Shigenobu Nanbu, the third lord of the Mutsu Morioka Domain. It is the prefecture's largest shrine, with 12 deities residing within its precincts.　Each shrine enshrines a deity closely related to daily life, such as agriculture, commerce, academics, food, clothing, and shelter.
- Iwate
- Shrines & Temples
30 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Morioka, you can’t miss the historic Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. It is said to have been established in 1062, and its main deity is Hondawake no Mikoto, also known as Emperor Ojin. It is a very important shrine in the Morioka area. Besides worshipping here, it is also considered a place closely connected to daily life, where you can feel a sense of peace and energy.

Visiting in the fall was perfect. The maple leaves had turned red, orange, and gold, and together with the old shrine buildings, they looked especially picturesque in the sunlight. What I liked most was that the weather was beautiful that day, the sky was deep blue, and there weren’t many visitors. The whole shrine felt less crowded and much more peaceful. Slowly walking along the approach, admiring the red maples and ginkgo trees, and feeling the autumn sunlight fall across the shrine grounds was truly relaxing.
Chuson-ji Temple

Chuson-ji Temple, founded in 850 AD, owns over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties and is also registered as a World Heritage site. This temple was built to transmit the powerful wish to comfort the spirits of those killed in the Tohoku War, no matter which side they were on.
- Iwate
- Shrines & Temples
30 Sep 2026 See More

Chuson-ji Temple, home to the magnificent National Treasure Konjikido, or Golden Hall, is an ancient temple with a history spanning a thousand years. It was also one of the most memorable places on this trip through Tohoku.

Starting from the entrance, I slowly walked uphill, surrounded by tall trees on both sides. Even when visiting in summer, it doesn’t feel too hot. As I strolled along, taking in the ancient temples and forest scenery, my pace naturally slowed down, and I felt much calmer as well. It really felt cleansing and allowed me to clear my mind.

Besides Chuson-ji’s main hall, there are many other distinctive temples and cultural sites throughout the grounds that you can explore at a leisurely pace. Of course, you can’t miss Konjikido. Its magnificent architectural details really convey the rich history of this thousand-year-old temple.

The amulets sold here are also very distinctive, with designs that are a little different from those usually seen at other temples. If you enjoy collecting amulets, it’s well worth choosing one to take home as a souvenir.

And in the fall, Chuson-ji is unbelievably beautiful! The red and golden leaves, ancient temple buildings, and forest paths come together like a Japanese autumn landscape painting.
Lake Gando

Lake Gando, created in 1961 with the construction of the Gando Dam, is surrounded by forests of white birch and red pine, creating a mystical atmosphere. It's acclaimed as the most beautiful man-made lake in Japan.
- Iwate
- Nature Spots
30 Sep 2026 See More

Lake Gando is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in Japan.

In winter, when the lake freezes over, you can try the unique experience of ice fishing for wakasagi smelt, while fall offers completely different scenery.

This time, I happened to visit at the peak of the fall foliage season. The mountains were covered in orange-red, golden yellow, and deep green, all reflected on the lake. It was so beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy on the day I visited, so the colors weren't as bright as they would have been in the sunlight. But the gray-blue sky actually made the fall colors look calmer and more layered.

Maybe it was because of the weather, but there were surprisingly few visitors that day. The entire lakeshore was very quiet, with only the sound of the wind passing through the treetops and the water gently rippling.

Without the crowds, Lake Gando had a special sense of autumn tranquility. Even on a cloudy day, the mountains, lake, and fall foliage before me still made me feel—this trip was truly worth it.