Landmark & Tower · Yabakei (Nakatsu)

Ao no Domon 青の洞門

Hand-dug tunnel along the Yamakuni River in Yabakei, carved by the monk Zenkai over 30 years in the 18th century; Oita Prefecture historic site.

PriceFree

Getting thereJR Nakatsu Station, Oita Kotsu bus to Ao no Domon (about 25 min)

Time needed30-60 min

Best timeMid November (autumn colours)

AddressHonyabakeimachi Hida, Nakatsu, Oita

About

Ao no Domon is a 342 m passage, 144 m of it tunnel, below the Kyoshuho cliffs of Yabakei gorge. The monk Zenkai began cutting it by hand to protect travellers on the dangerous cliff path, a story told in Kikuchi Kan's novel. Part of the original chisel-marked tunnel can still be walked.

Highlights

Original chisel-cut sections of the tunnel
Kyoshuho cliffs above the river
Story of the monk Zenkai
Autumn leaves in Yabakei

Tips

Bus from JR Nakatsu Station about 25 min to Ao no Domon
Cars pass through part of the tunnel; walk carefully
Late autumn is the busiest season

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

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Ao no Domon 青の洞門

About

Highlights

Tips

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