Visit Oita

Yabakei is home to unique rock formations sculpted by nature and a series of valleys graced by clear streams.

The scenery, reminiscent of a Chinese landscape painting, has been shaped for more than a thousand years.

By mid-November, the maple leaves covering the mountain slopes turn vibrant red, making Yabakei one of Japan’s most iconic autumn foliage spots, alongside Kyoto and Nikko. During this season, hiking is the best way to appreciate the stunning autumn colors.

That’s because the breathtaking foliage of Yabakei is even more captivating and dynamic when viewed from the mountaintops. Here we will introduce highly recommended hiking courses where you can take in sweeping panoramas and the highlights of this beautiful area.

The Kyoshuho hiking course in Yabakei is renowned as a spectacular route where natural beauty and history come together. The starting point is Ao no Domon, located along the Yamakuni River. This tunnel, carved by hand over 30 years by a local monk, was created to avoid the perilous path along the valley. Visitors can sense the monk’s unwavering determination while marveling at the rugged rock faces surrounding the area.

After passing through the tunnel and ascending the steep forested trail from the trailhead, you will arrive at Ebisu Rock, where the view dramatically opens up.

From here, you can overlook the village along the Yamakuni River, the dynamic rock peaks, and the vibrant autumn foliage coloring the mountain slopes. As you continue walking, enjoying the striking contrast between the autumn leaves and the rock formations, you will encounter numerous small caves. Nestled within these caves are various shrines housing sacred statues, offering a glimpse into the long history of this area as a site of worship.

This route forms a circular trail. After descending to the other trailhead, you follow the road along the river back to the parking lot. With an elevation difference of approximately 100 meters, a walking distance of about 3 kilometers, and a walking time of around 1.5 hours, this course is easy and suitable for beginners. However, due to the many rocky sections along the trail, hiking shoes are essential. Summer can be extremely hot and draining, so visiting from October onward is recommended. While the peak period for autumn foliage varies each year, it is generally around mid-November.

The term "Olle" originates from Jeju Island, Korea, meaning "narrow alleyways leading from the main street to houses," and this course is designed for leisurely walks that bring participants closer to nature and the lives of local residents. Kyushu Olle, the sister version of Jeju Olle, offers an immersive experience of Kyushu’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and soothing onsen. In Oita Prefecture, there are two Kyushu Olle courses, each celebrated for showcasing the region's abundant nature and cultural heritage.

Okubungo Course

The Okubungo course is an 11.8 km hiking route that takes 4-5 hours to complete, offering beautiful rural landscapes and historical landmarks. Along the way, hikers can visit Yujaku Park, the magnificent Magaibutsu (large Buddha statues carved into stone walls) at Fukouji Temple, and various castle ruins, all while enjoying the seasonal beauty of the area. To conclude the hike, relax and rejuvenate your tired body at Taketa Onsen.

Saiki-Onyujima Course

The Saiki-Onyujima Course is a 10.5 km hiking trail that takes 3-4 hours to complete, and one of its draws is that it offers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of island residents. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of fishing villages and the sea from the hilltop observation point. Walking along the coastal paths, you’ll experience the harmonious blend of nature and the island’s fishing and farming traditions. This course provides a relaxing journey enriched by the island's culture, and make sure not to miss the chance to savor its delicious seafood cuisine.

The Kunisaki Peninsula is home to a deeply spiritual journey rooted in ancient practices. Historically, monks traversed the peninsula as part of their ascetic training, a practice known as Mineiri-gyo. The Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail has been restructured based on these Mineiri routes.

For this reason, the trail is closely tied to Japan's religious culture, particularly the unique belief system of Shinbutsu Shugo – the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism – which first originated in this area. Along the trail, you’ll find numerous shrines and temples, offering a glimpse into this harmonious blend of spiritual traditions. A standout feature is the Magaibutsu – colossal Buddha statues that are carved into rock faces and that appear to be floating. Remarkably, approximately 70% of the Magaibutsu in Japan are located in Oita Prefecture. In addition to its spiritual significance, the trail traverses traditional agricultural landscapes, preserved in their form for over 1,200 years and recognized as a UNESCO-designated Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. Walking the Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail offers a profound opportunity to connect with Japan’s natural beauty, history, and local culture, leaving you with an enriching and heartfelt experience.

How to Navigate

The Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail spans an impressive 123 kilometers, requiring about 10 days to complete in its entirety, so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly. To make the journey more accessible, the trail is divided into 10 sections, with each designed to be completed in a day. Upon completing a course, hikers receive a stamp as a memento, adding an element of fun and accomplishment to the experience.

One unique aspect of the Kunisaki Peninsula is the tradition of osettai, a traditional form of hospitality in which local people offer tea and sweets to passing travelers. Through these warm acts of hospitality, visitors can feel the warmth and kindness of the local people. The osettai custom is based on the idea that hospitality brings merit, and is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.

As you walk the trail, you may encounter these acts of osettai, moments that warmly touch the heart and make the journey all the more special. Through these interactions, visitors can immerse themselves in the culture and charm of the Kunisaki Peninsula while experiencing the kindness and generosity of its people on a deeper level.

[Climate]

Japan is known for its distinct four seasons, with autumn, winter, and spring being the best times for hiking. During these periods, you can enjoy pleasant weather and beautiful natural scenery, such as autumn foliage and refreshing breezes. However, summers in recent years (July to August) have seen extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 35°C, making them unsuitable for hiking, particularly in Oita, where there are few high-altitude mountains.

In mountainous areas, there can be significant temperature differences between day and night, so proper clothing is essential. Note that snowfall is also possible in these regions during winter, so be prepared.

[Gear and Clothing]

Backpack:

Bring a hiking backpack suitable for hiking. For day hikes, a 20-30L capacity backpack is recommended. Store unnecessary items, such as extra clothing, in a rolling bag and leave it at your hotel or in a station locker.

Boots:

Bring hiking boots. The brand is less important than a proper fit. Choose lightweight, durable, waterproof boots that are neither too stiff nor heavy. Ankle support (covering the ankles) and slip-resistant soles (e.g., Vibram) are essential.

Clothing:

Due to the large temperature variations between day and night, layered clothing is ideal. Choose clothes made from synthetic fibers or wool for their quick-drying properties, which are useful for post-hike washing. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended to protect against the sun. Bring waterproof and breathable rain gear, as the weather can change rapidly. Depending on the temperature, gloves may also be necessary.

For more details, check the official websites of the specific trails you plan to visit.