Yabakei
A stunning scenic area in Japan, with a valley renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage
Yabakei is one of the Kyushu region’s most celebrated scenic spots, a valley consisting of four areas: Hon-Yabakei, Shin-Yabakei, Ura-Yabakei, and Oku-Yabakei, all situated in the Yamakuni River basin. In spring, the valley comes alive with fresh and vibrant greenery, while in autumn, the red and yellow maple leaves create breathtaking landscapes. It’s a perfect destination to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
A highlight in Hon-Yabakei is the "Ao no Domon" (Blue Tunnel), a hand-carved tunnel that took the monk Zenkai 30 years to complete using only a chisel and hammer, which he did to ensure safe passage for travelers. Sunlight streaming through the tunnel creates a mystical blue glow, showcasing a miraculous harmony between nature and human endeavor. This site is a romantic testament to both historical dedication and natural beauty. Other notable attractions include Kyoshuho, a one-kilometer stretch of cliffs and unique rock formations, and Yabakei Bridge, Japan’s longest stone arch bridge, spanning 116 meters.
In Shin-Yabakei, "Hitome Hakkei" is a particularly famous spot for viewing the stunning autumn foliage, where colorful leaves and fresh spring greenery beautifully complement the surrounding rocky peaks. Visitors can also enjoy local specialties, such as soba noodles and soba manju (sweet bean buns), making a trip to Yabakei enjoyable in multiple ways.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Notable Spots in the Yabakei Area
- Hon-Yabakei
- A scenic spot where the surrounding mountains and rock walls create a magnificent landscape. Highlights include the spectacular Kyoshuho, a stretch of about 1 km featuring massive peaks and unique rock formations, and Rakanji Temple, dramatically built into the cliffs and offering breathtaking views.
- Hitome Hakkei
- Located in Shinyabakei, this area is renowned for its especially stunning autumn foliage among the Yabakei gorges. The fresh greenery of young maple leaves and the vibrant autumn colors beautifully complement the surrounding rock peaks. Visitors can also savor local specialties like soba noodles and soba manju, making it an ideal spot to fully enjoy Yabakei's attractions.
- Ao no Domon
- A scenic area in Hon-Yabakei featuring a hand-carved tunnel created over 30 years by the monk Zenkai, who used only chisels and hammers to create the tunnel and ensure safe passage for travelers. When sunlight filters into the tunnel, the interior glows with a mystical blue light – a miraculous blend of nature and human effort. The site evokes a sense of historical romance.
Basic Information
- Address (Japanese)
- 大分県中津市本耶馬渓町、耶馬溪町
- Address
- Honyabakei-machi, Yabakei-machi, Nakatsu City, Oita
- Telephone Number
- 0979-23-4511（Nakatsu Yabakei Tourism Association）
- Other contact details
- 0979-64-6611
- Car Park
- Honyabakei: Yabakei Bridge Public Parking
Hitome Hakkei: Shin-Yabakei Public Parking (256 parking spaces for standard cars, 11 parking spaces for buses)
Ao no Domon: Public Parking (85 parking spaces for standard cars, 8 parking spaces for large vehicles, spaces available for disabled individuals)
- Access
- [By car]
Approximately 5–20 minutes from the Ao-no-Domon/Rakanji IC on the Nakatsu-Hita Road - Website
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
