Maple Yaba Cycling Road

Cycling Bridge over Yamakuni River

The Maple Yaba Cycling Road (メイプル耶馬サイクリングロード) is a scenic 36-kilometer cycling path in Oita Prefecture, Japan, connecting Nakatsu City to Yamakuni Town. Established in 1982, this route repurposes the former Yabakei Railway line, resulting in a gentle gradient ideal for cyclists of all levels. Approximately 22 kilometers of the trail are dedicated exclusively to cycling, offering a safe and enjoyable experience.

Cyclists can enjoy stunning views of the Yamakuni River, traverse historic tunnels and bridges, and visit notable landmarks such as the Ao no Domon (Blue Tunnel). The route is particularly popular during autumn when the maple trees display vibrant colors, enhancing the picturesque landscape.

The Route

From Nakatsu station, the “cycling road’ just runs as a sidewalk so it has been omitted from the Wabisabi Route. The rest of the route is on the old railway right-of-way and is separated from traffic and runs along the river

Maple Yaba Cycling Road through rice paddies

Old Tunnel through from the Maple Yaba Cycling Road

Ao no Domon

Ao no Domon (青の洞門) is a historic hand-carved tunnel located in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. In the Edo period, the path through this area was extremely dangerous, requiring travelers to navigate a treacherous cliffside route known as the “Chain Passage,” where iron chains were used as lifelines. Witnessing numerous accidents and loss of life, a Buddhist monk named Zenkai took it upon himself to create a safer passage. Beginning around 1730, Zenkai, using only chisels and hammers, dedicated over 30 years to excavate a tunnel through the solid rock, completing the 342-meter-long passage in 1763. Today, Ao no Domon stands as a testament to Zenkai’s perseverance and compassion, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s history and the enduring human spirit.

Getting there and away

Nakatsu Station

Nakatsu Station is on the Nippou Main Line and has good train service with two limited express trains an hour, and a local train each hour.

West End

The Westend doesn’t have any train access, but one can continue to ride 22km over to Hita station which is also a well serviced by both local and limited express trains.