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.
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
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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)
*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.
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!
Hi, I'm KEI! Your friendly local guide ready to show you the real Japan.
With expertise in Oita area (Beppu, Yufuin etc), I'm passionate about guiding my guests around various aspects from commonly known attractions to off-the-beaten tracks, those in the know, know places.
I've been working in tourism for years and love sharing my passion for this beautiful country with visitors. From bustling cities to hidden gems, I'll create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests.
Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or nature lover, I can help you experience the best of Japan. Let's create unforgettable memories together!
Audrey L.
“Best Tour Ever!!”
100% worth the cost. Traveling around Hita via the busses and taxis would have been impossible for all that ai wanted to see. Kei not only customized the itinerary, he was also great company and friendly! I included Attack on Titan stops as well as local geta store and yakisoba. Every single stop was memorable and the city is so beautiful. Kei communicated very well before the trip so I knew exact schedule for the day in advance. I didn't feel rushed at all.
Joann H.
“Wonderful 2 days with Kei!”
We hired Kei for 2 days for the Beppu day tour and the Discover Usuki tour. Kei arranged the days so that we would be touring the areas during the less crowded times and it worked perfectly. He picked us up at the ferry terminal with some local snacks to try (delicious!) to start the day. Being a Sunday, we headed to Usuki for the first day since the Beppu Hells would likely be more crowded. It was so quiet and peaceful walking through the old Samurai town. It was quite fascinating and beautiful. Highly recommend this tour to immerse yourself in an area where it feels like going back in time in Japan. Upon our request, Kei arranged for us to have a fugu meal at a local restaurant. One bucket list item completed! He then drove us to see the carved Buddhas, then monkey mountain. Both stops were well worth the visit! Kei was very informative and considerate to make sure we were enjoying our tour. The next day we went to see highlights of the Beppu Hell pools. He had more local snacks for us to try…Yummm! Another fantastic day seeing three of the pools. We also had a walking tour of the back streets of Beppu and leaned how all the geothermal activity was being used. Very interesting…you had the option of even steaming your feet! We asked to eat udon for lunch and we stopped at a delicious udon place, that even my picky raised-in-Japan mother loved. Afterwards, we went up to a fantastic view of Beppu that tourists are not likely to see. And with some extra time, my boyfriend wanted to buy tools and Kei was able accommodate us. Kei had been communicating with me before the trip to ensure the tour was catered to our interests. The biggest concern was that my mother was in a wheelchair. He made sure that everywhere we went, it was wheelchair accessible. He had a little stool for her to help her step into the vehicle too. That was perfect. Thank you Kei for a wonderful time!
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Kei H.
Thank you very much!! It wi
Joann H.
“Wonderful Time with Kei for 2 days!”
We hired Kei for 2 days for the Beppu day tour and the Discover Usuki tour. Kei arranged the days so that we would be touring the areas during the less crowded times and it worked perfectly. He picked us up at the ferry terminal with some local snacks to try (delicious!) to start the day. Being a Sunday, we headed to Usuki for the first day since the Beppu Hells would likely be more crowded. It was so quiet and peaceful walking through the old Samurai town. It was quite fascinating and beautiful. Highly recommend this tour to immerse yourself in an area where it feels like going back in time in Japan. Upon our request, Kei arranged for us to have a fugu meal at a local restaurant. One bucket list item completed! He then drove us to see the carved Buddhas, then monkey mountain. Both stops were well worth the visit! Kei was very informative and considerate to make sure we were enjoying our tour. The next day we went to see highlights of the Beppu Hell pools. He had more local snacks for us to try…Yummm! Another fantastic day seeing three of the pools. We also had a walking tour of the back streets of Beppu and leaned how all the geothermal activity was being used. Very interesting…you had the option of even steaming your feet! We asked to eat udon for lunch and we stopped at a delicious udon place, that even my picky raised-in-Japan mother loved. Afterwards, we went up to a fantastic view of Beppu that tourists are not likely to see. And with some extra time, my boyfriend wanted to buy tools and Kei was able accommodate us. Kei had been communicating with me before the trip to ensure the tour was catered to our interests. The biggest concern was that my mother was in a wheelchair. He made sure that everywhere we went, it was wheelchair accessible. He had a little stool for her to help her step into the vehicle too. That was perfect. Thank you Kei for a wonderful time!
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Kei H.
Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! I am thrilled that you and your family enjoyed the 2-day Beppu and Usuki tour. It was my pleasure to arrange the fugu meal and ensure that every location was perfectly wheelchair-accessible for your mother—her comfort was my top priority. Hearing that you loved the local snacks and felt like you were "going back in time" in Usuki truly makes my day. That is the exact "Immersion" experience I always hope to share! Thank you again for choosing me. It was a joy to guide you, and I hope to see you again in Kyushu!
$311/ per group
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