The Aonodomon tunnel was constructed by the monk Zenkai beginning in 1735 to provide safer passage for travelers crossing the dangerous cliffs.
The name Yabakei was coined by the Confucian scholar Rai Sanyo after he visited the area in 1818 and was struck by the scenery.
The landscape features unique rock formations including Hitome-Hakkei, where eight distinct peaks can be viewed from a single vantage point.
The 22-kilometer Yabakei Cycling Road follows the route of the defunct Oita Kotsu Yabakei Line railway.
The region is renowned for the production of Soba noodles and Hita cedar woodwork.
Yabakei is a dramatic river gorge carved into volcanic rock formations by the Yamakuni River in Oita Prefecture. It is defined by its sheer cliffs, unique karst rock spires, and the historic Aonodomon tunnel, which was hand-chiseled by a monk over three decades. The area is part of the Yaba-Hita-Hikosan Quasi-National Park. Visitors utilize the Yabakei Cycling Road, which repurposed a former railway line into a scenic path through the gorge. The landscape is seasonally transformed by thick maple forests that cover the cliff faces.
The Hitome-Hakkei observation deck during late autumn.
Rent a bicycle to traverse the former railway path for the best access to secluded viewpoints.
Check the foliage forecast before visiting, as the gorge is highly sensitive to seasonal color changes.
Bring sturdy walking shoes if planning to hike the secondary trails leading up into the rock formations.
Attempting to traverse the entire cycling route on foot, as distances between major features are significant.
Respect private land near agricultural plots; stay on marked trails to prevent erosion of the volcanic soil.
