Maple Yaba Cycling Road

Maple Yaba Cycling Road

Kyushu is a region that is rich in nature, dotted with characteristic cycling roads in various locations. There are numerous courses that offer rental bicycles which have been steadily gaining popularity as a form of casual leisure.This time, we'd like to introduce the "Maple Yaba Cycling Road" in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture! We'll tell you about all the charms of this area, including not only the tourist attractions along the course, but also food you'll want to try and hot springs facilities where you can relieve your tiredness.

Maple Yaba Cycling Road

The course this time is the

The course this time is the

This is a 35km cycling road (of which 22km is exclusive road) that utilizes the former "Yaba-kei Gorge Railroad" which connected Nakatsu to Morizane Onsen for 63 years, from 1913 to 1975. Since the cycling road's installation in 1982, it has become a beloved spot for many families and cycling enthusiasts. In 2010 it was selected as #2 in a "Recommended Cycling Courses" article by the Nihon Keizai Newspaper. Because it utilizes the site of a former railroad, the slopes are very mild, making it a good course for children and beginners. The cycling road passes through the Yaba-kei Gorge which has green leaves in spring and fall foliage in autumn. As you ride your bicycle while gazing at the remains of the railroad tracks, rural landscapes, groves, clear streams, and other scenery, your body and mind will definitely be refreshed.

Yaba-kei Bridge (Oranda-bashi)

At 116m, it's the longest stone bridge in Japan!

This stone bridge was completed in 1923, and is counted among the "Three Famous Bridges of Yaba" along with Rakanji-bashi Bridge and Bakei-bashi Bridge.At a total length of 116m it the longest of the existing stone bridges in Japan, and the only one with 8 consecutive arches. Because there are many masonry styles in Nagasaki Prefecture, it is locally called an "Oranda-bashi Bridge." Because it is a bridge used by people every day and it is also not very wide, be sure to pay attention to your surroundings while crossing it.

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Yaba-kei Bridge (Oranda-bashi)

Location: Hida, Honyabakeimachi Sogi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture

Location: Hida, Honyabakeimachi Sogi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture

Yaba-kei Bridge (Oranda-bashi)

  • Ao-no-Domon
  • Ao-no-Domon

A sightseeing spot that is overwhelming even when you see it yourself

During the Edo Period, a man named Osho Zenkai visited this area, a dangerous spot where the cliff wall rises perpendicularly. Unable to simply ignore the dangerous situation, sometime around 1735, he and several stonemasons started digging a tunnel with hammers and chisels; after almost 30 years the 342m-long tunnel was completed in 1764.The tunnel was the subject of a story called "Onshu no Kanata Ni" (Beyond The Pale of Vengeance) by author Hiroshi Kikuchi, becoming famous overnight as a result. While passing through it, it is recommended you think about what it would have been like at that time, and that you look at the tunnel passing through the cliff wall from the neighboring Kasen Park.

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  • Ao-no-Domon

    Location: Honyabakeimachi Sogi, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture

  • Location: Honyabakeimachi Sogi, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture

The No. 2 Yamakuni River Bridge

The No. 2 Yamakuni River Bridge

This is an old railway bridge over the Yamakuni River that is now used as a bicycle-exclusive road.In the summer of 2012 it was damaged by torrential rains, and part of the bridge was lost, but in 2014 it was rebuilt. Surrounded by lush green mountains, this gently-curving bridge is a perfect spot for photography. When you look at the stone bridge piers and red girders, you can just imagine what the train would have looked like running over it.

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The No. 2 Yamakuni River Bridge

Location: Yabakeimachi,kakisaka,Nakatsu City,Oita Prefecture

Roadside Station Yamakuni

Roadside Station Yamakuni

This roadside station located along Japan National Route 212, which runs parallel to the bicycle path, is ideal for a break. In addition to selling local vegetables and processed goods, this station is popular for its buffet restaurant.Especially popular is the "Kaburitsuki Meal Set" (980 yen) which is a hearty meal set that includes fried chicken covered in a sweet soy sauce, soba or udon, rice, and a country food buffet. Enjoy digging into the hearty fried chicken as you cut it apart with scissors. If you're cycling for physical strength, recharge yourself at this roadside station!

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Roadside Station Yamakuni

3485-4 Yamakunimachi Nakama, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0716, Japan
Phone:0979-62-3689
Business Hours: 8:00 ～ 19:00, Restauraunt 10:30 ～ 14:30 (OS)
*May change during year-end period
Closed Days: None

Yasuragi-no-Sato Yamakuni

Yasuragi-no-Sato Yamakuni

"Mori Onsen", long-beloved by many people, was renewed in 2003 as the "Yasuragi-no-Sato Yamakuni" which is fully equipped with natural hot springs, restauraunts with seasonal specialties, and overnight accomodations. The hot springs here is a weak alkaline free-flowing springs which you can enjoy; due to these properties,you can expect it to heal your tired body and soothe aching muscles. The public bath overlooks the mountains of the Oku-Yaba-kei Gorge. Let your stress wash away as you enjoy a soak in a spacious bathtub.

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Yasuragi-no-Sato Yamakuni

12-1 Yamakunimachi Fujinoki, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, 871-0713, Japan
Phone: 0979-62-2186
Business Hours: Bathing… 10:30～21:00　Food…11:30～21:00 (OS20)
Closed Days: First and Third Tuesdays
Entry Fees: Bathing… Adults 400 yen, Children 200yen, Family bath 1,530 (90min)
*Children 5 years or younger accompanied by an adult are free

Many more attractions!

  • Kiritoshi (

    Kiritoshi ("Cut-through")

    This ravine course was cut out of the rocks and mountains, thus it was named 'Kiritoshi' meaning "cut-through" in Japanese. You can sense the flow of time from the mossy rocks. Location: Near Yabakeimachi Oaza Miyazono, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture

  • Former Railway Tunnel

    Former Railway Tunnel

    A tunnel from the railroad era that is still in use. The inside is cold, making it an 'oasis' for summer cyclists.Location: Near Yabakeimachi Oaza Miyazono, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture

  • Cedar Grove

    Cedar Grove

    This private road in the Yamakuni area is surrounded by cedar groves. As you pass through, you will hear the babbling of the adjacent Yamakuni River.Location: Near Yamakunimachi Uso, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0715, Japan

  • Hirata Post Town

    Hirata Post Town

    A rest spot utilizing the site of the former Hirata Station's station building. The building has restroom facilities.Location: Near Yabakeimachi Oaza Hirata, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0401, Japan

Bicycle Rental Information

At 116m, it's the longest stone bridge in Japan!

Yaba-kei Cycling Terminal

Located around the middle of the cycling road, this is a spot specifically catering to cycling enthusiasts. They have a selection of ~225 rental bikes, including road bikes, cross bikes, electrically-assisted bikes, and children's bikes. You may also drop off bikes at "Ao-no-domon" and "Core Yamakuni" as well.

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Location: 353 Yabakeimachi Oaza Kakisaka, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture 871-0405, Japan
Phone: 0979-54-2700
Business Hours: Oct~April…8:30～17:00, May～Sept…8:30～19:00
Closed Days: Tuesday, 12/29～1/3 *Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December to February

Parking informaton

  • Ao-no-Domon
    Location:Vicinity of Honyabakeimachi Sogi, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0202
  • Core Yamakuni
    Location: 130 Yamakunimachi Morizane, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0712, Japan
  • Yaba-kei Cycling Terminal
    353 Yabakeimachi Oaza Kakisaka, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0405, Japan
  • Roadside Station Yamakuni
    3485-4 Yamakunimachi Nakama, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture 871-0716, Japan

See course information here