Geibikei is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges. It enthralls visitors with its dramatic cliffs, shafts of light, curiously-shaped stones, and vegetation growing amongst the rocks. In deep winter, the gorge is transformed by a layer of snow and the boats get outfitted with heated kotatsu seats to keep passengers warm.

Hop aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a scenic ride up the Satetsu River, where towering cliffs rise up on either side. The boatmen silently propel these hand-built cedar boats up the placid river using a long pole. As they punt, the boatmen recount tales in their local dialect and sing folk songs which echo off the cliffs. River tours are available through the gorge guided by boatmen propelling their boats with bamboo poles, an experience unique in all of Japan. The boatmen’s traditional singing harmonises beautifully with murmuring streams and adds a particular charm to the tour.

• Geibikei boat descent Turn around at Miyoshigaoka It is a boat trip of 90 minutes round trip.
• Kotatsu boat operation period is from December to the end of February

Before returning down the river passengers can get out of the boat at the turning point for a walk along the gorge. The walk features a rock known as the Lion’s Nose, from which the name Geibikei originated, and also a famous cavity in the cliff on the other side of the gorge. Visitors try their luck by throwing “lucky stones” into the cavity in order to make a wish come true!

●Undama There are 10 undama: destiny, longevity, fortune, connections, wishes, romance, love, bonds, income, and assets. You can buy five for 100 yen.