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Beautiful Gorge & Town Cycle: Through The Rural Beauty of Japan
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Joined 2025
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Yabakei on our guided cycling tour. Experience the refreshing breeze and stunning vistas as you pedal along dedicated cycling paths and charming rural roads. Led by an experienced English-speaking guide, this adventure offers a unique perspective on this picturesque region of Oita Prefecture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Bungo Mori Station
- The station is located on the JR Kyudai Line, spanning over the major attractions (Beppu / Yufuin / Hakata) in Northern Kyushu. Pick-up from the other location could be available.
Yabakei Cycling Terminal. Rent your bicycle and step on pedal!
Rent your bicycle on your expense. Choose they best fitting bike from various selections: e-bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes etc.
Yabakei Bridge
The Yabakei Bridge stands as an elegant testament to early 20th-century engineering and a picturesque landmark of the Yabakei region. Constructed in 1923, this beautiful stone arch bridge gracefully spans the clear waters of the Yamakuni River. Its classic design and the surrounding natural scenery make it a popular spot for photographs and contemplation. As you cycle towards the bridge, take a moment to appreciate its architectural beauty and the tranquil setting. The gentle flow of the river and the backdrop of verdant hills create a postcard-perfect scene. Your guide will point out interesting features of the bridge's construction and its importance as a local landmark.
Ao-no-Domon (Blue Tunnel)
Prepare to be amazed by the Ao-no-Domon, or Blue Tunnel, a remarkable feat of human perseverance. Carved by the Buddhist monk Zenkai over 30 years in the 18th century, this 185-meter tunnel was created to provide a safer passage through a treacherous cliff face. Legend has it that Zenkai undertook this arduous task to atone for a past deed. Cycling through this historic tunnel offers a tangible connection to the past and a sense of awe at the dedication of one individual. The surrounding rock formations and the Yamakuni River flowing alongside add to the dramatic beauty of this site. Your guide will share the captivating story of Zenkai and the significance of the Ao-no-Domon in the history of Yabakei.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Furu-Rakan
Discover the serene remnants of Furu-Rakan, a historic temple site nestled along the cycling route. Carved into the cliff face, these weathered stone Buddhas and temple ruins evoke a sense of tranquility and the passage of time. While the temple is no longer fully intact, the remaining carvings offer a glimpse into the spiritual past of the Yabakei area. The natural rock formations and the surrounding forest create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Take a moment to explore the site and imagine the monks who once resided here.
Return bicycles
Ending Point
JR Bungo Mori Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Drive & Guide fee = your guide will drive a car
Transportation by a private car (Nissan "Serena")
Fuel, parking fees, toll fees
Rental bicycles + Helmets: JPY700-1500 per bicycle for day use.
Meals (guide & members)
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves cycling + walking for 2-3 hours. Participants with severe motive issues or health concerns NOT allowed to join the tour.
*Wheelchair NOT accessible.
Important message from the supplier
Draft itineraries and tour options are the starting point to have more insightful conversation. I'm always welcome to discuss further, catering to your particular travel needs!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Kei H.
Hello! I’m Keita — call me Kei — a licensed local guide based in Oita, in the heart of Kyushu. I specialize in my home region, from well-loved destinations like Beppu and Yufuin to the quiet, authentic places that most visitors never find: rural pottery villages, family farms, hidden hot springs, and the backroads of the countryside where I grew up.
Guiding isn’t a side pursuit for me — it’s my profession. As a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I’ve spent years designing and leading private tours across Kyushu, and I work alongside a small team of local guides who share the same care. That means when you travel with me, you’re getting someone who plans every detail personally and knows the region inside out.
I tailor each day entirely around you. Whether you’re a food lover chasing the real local flavors, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to slow down in nature, I’ll shape an itinerary that fits — and I’ll handle the logistics so you can relax and enjoy it. I guide in fluent English, and I love the conversations that happen along the way.
Let’s go beyond the usual route and discover the Kyushu that locals treasure. I’d be glad to welcome you.
Reviews
Cody H.
“Excellent and Unique Tour!”
We had an excellent tour from Kei! We really loved going to some of the sights and experiences outside of the major tourist areas in Oita - we had the opportunity to visit the Kuju flower park, cook onsen eggs in a rustic hot spring, and visit the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge. Kei was very knowledgeable and customized the tour to what we were interested in. He even showed us a roadside rice polisher which we had heard about and thought was very cool, so he found one in Beppu and told us all about it! Kei was beyond welcoming and pleasant and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to go beyond the typical sights and experience true local knowledge.
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Kei H.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful and heartwarming review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you around Oita.
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Candice W.
“My Attack On Titan Dreams Came True!”
Because many of the iconic Attack on Titan sites in Hita are a bit far from each other I was so grateful to find an English-speaking Tour Guide, Kei, who took care of every detail of this tour! From taking us around to Oyama Dam, that Tree on the Hill, TWO dedicated museums, Isayama sensei yakisoba and Levi gelato, and even the local sites to closely watching the weather and being so mindful of all of our needs, these were the most special and memorable days of my life!!! Kei was super friendly and knowledgeable, and even played the Attack on Titan soundtrack in the car. My greatest dream came true finally making my pilgrimage to the hometown of Isayama sensei, the creator of Attack on Titan!!
Kei H.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I am absolutely thrilled that I could help make your ultimate Attack on Titan pilgrimage come true and that you enjoyed the special touch of the soundtrack.
John F.
“Funai Castle Tour”
Kei was great, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and went above and beyond our expectations. Would highly recommend
Kei H.
I truly appreciate your interest in the castle ruins and district and feeling a connection that your name has :) The day was definitely exceptional for me either to explore the city from the different aspect.
$411/ per group
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