Yabekei Gorge & Town Cycle: Through The Rural Beauty of Japan
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
I'm mainly based in Oita Prefecture, where Yufuin/Beppu are located, guiding guests much more frequently. I'm also available for guiding outside these areas if paying my travelling costs is affordable for you.
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.
Hi, I'm Keita (KEI)! Your friendly local guide ready to show you the real Japan.
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!
Kyushu, the southern island of Japan, is well-known for rich nature & hot springs.
Reviews
Roxanne R.
“Fun day packed with activities”
We had a great 6h tour with Kei in Beppu. He met us at our hotel with his van for a driving tour. We started with a great lunch at a local spot by the traditional bath salt production area and saw 3 of the most beautiful hot spring hells. He also accommodated a visit to the monkey park even though that wasn't in our original agenda. Then we finished with a stop at an amazing observation tower that overlooked all of Beppu. Kei's English was very good and easy to understand as Americans. We had opportunities for souvenir shopping as well. I thought the value was great especially to include him driving the four of us around.
Kei H.
Hi Roxanne ('Rokusanu')-san and friends! I was thrilled to record the most number of visits within 6 hours, and we actually made it! Thank you for being so nice and thoughtful every moment we had. It's an absolutely fun moment with your party friends. Have a wonderful holiday in Japan.
Daniella R.
“4 days of Magic with Keita-San”
My boyfriend and I chose a 4-day itinerary with Keita and it was perfect. Keita was always extremely responsive, conscientious, and professional. He took seriously our requests for a bike tour, cultural experiences, a hike, and to see all of the best beautiful and hidden spots of Oita, and came back with an itinerary that blew us away. We informed Keita that we were foodies, and he found the best blowfish restaurant in Oita, as well as showed us to the best Shiitake mushroom farm which was fascinating. We are super well-traveled globally, and it was our 5th time in Japan. We still found the experiences provided by Keita to be unique and special. Keita is friendly and a lot of fun to spend time with. I was also super impressed with the sushi experience we had, a favorite of his and his family's. It was delicious! It was particularly special to visit his home town, and to know that he is an expert in the region of our tour. We will fondly remember these outstanding experiences forever.
Kei H.
Hi Daniella-san, thank you for choosing me for your one-week trip in Oita! Thank you for being thoughtful for my proposals and the feedback given in timely manner. I've just started missing you buddies after you left Oita. Anyway, I'm longing to meet you in near future here in Kyushu. Have a great trip!
$336/ per group
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