7 Recommended Places to Visit in Yabakei: Scenic Views, Fall Foliage, and a Sample Itinerary

Kyoshuho Cliff consists of rocky peaks rising along approximately 1 km of the Yamakuni River, while Ao-no-Domon Tunnel lies at their base. Together, they form one of Yabakei’s most representative attractions, combining magnificent natural scenery with a history closely connected to the lives of local people.
Kyoshuho is characterized by a line of rocky peaks resembling standing folding screens. Nemophila flowers bloom in the fields across the river in spring, while fall foliage colors the rocky mountains in autumn. Yukichi Fukuzawa, who had ties to Nakatsu, is also known for purchasing land in the area and working to preserve its scenery.
Ao-no-Domon is a tunnel whose excavation was begun by the Buddhist monk Zenkai during the Edo period (1603–1868). It took more than 30 years to complete as an alternative to a dangerous chain crossing where both people and horses had previously lost their lives. Although renovations have removed much of the tunnel’s original form, some hand-carved chisel marks and windows that let in natural light remain inside, conveying the immense effort involved in its construction.

Yabakei Bridge spans the Yamakuni River approximately 500 meters downstream from Ao-no-Domon. Because it was built using a stone masonry technique commonly found in Nagasaki Prefecture, it eventually became known by the nickname “Oranda Bridge,” meaning “Dutch Bridge.” Completed in 1923, it is approximately 116 meters long and is known as the only surviving stone arch bridge with eight consecutive arches. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2022.
Its intricate stonework and graceful series of arches blend so naturally into the valley scenery that visitors may find themselves stopping to admire it during a walk. Viewing the entire bridge from the riverside provides an even clearer appreciation of its elegant design.

Rakanji Temple is a historic Soto Zen temple built into the rocky cliffs halfway up Mount Rakan. According to temple tradition, it was founded by the ascetic Hodo in the 7th century, although the temple’s effective establishment is attributed to the Zen monk Engan Shokaku in 1338.
Its most distinctive feature is the unusual landscape in which the rocky mountain and religious site appear as one. The Murokutsu Cave contains Japan’s oldest stone statues of the 500 arhats, along with groups of stone Buddhist figures depicting the Shakyamuni Triad and the Ten Great Disciples. Collectively designated as the Rakanji Stone Buddhas, they are an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Other highlights include the rock peaks and caves lining the approach and the views of Yabakei’s mountains from the temple grounds.

Hitome Hakkei, located in the heart of Shin-Yabakei, is one of Yabakei’s best-known scenic areas. Its name, meaning “Eight Views at a Glance,” comes from the eight distinctive rock peaks visible at once, including Gunenzan, Meoto-iwa, Eboshi-iwa, Sennin-iwa, and Shoenzan.
The observation deck offers a magnificent panorama of unusual rock formations and valleys stretching along the Yamautsuri River. Bright green foliage surrounds the area from spring through summer, while in fall, red and yellow maples create a striking contrast with the exposed rock faces. Visitors can also stop at one of the soba restaurants near the observation deck and take a break over the local specialty, yamakake soba topped with grated yam.

Sarutobi Sentsubo Gorge in Oku-Yabakei is a valley carved by the Yamakuni River, which originates on Mount Hiko. Countless potholes of various sizes extend for approximately 2 km along the riverbed. They were formed over many years by the interaction of altered andesite, small stones, and powerful currents. Known collectively as the Yabakei Sarutobi Potholes, they were designated a Natural Monument of Japan in 1935.
The contrast between the white rock surfaces and clear water is another highlight. A riverside walking trail offers close-up views of the valley while crossing stone and suspension bridges. Visitors can also continue downstream to Moringa Gorge and take their time exploring its varied scenery.

This approximately 20,000-square-meter Japanese garden was created in 1987 to commemorate the completion of Yabakei Dam. Tens of thousands of stones and water from the dam are used to recreate the streams of Yabakei, with ponds, rocks, and waterfalls arranged throughout the garden. More than 20,000 trees representing 50 species have also been planted, allowing visitors to appreciate seasonal scenery accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water.
During the fall foliage season, the brightly colored trees transform the garden. Streams and waterfalls lined with tens of thousands of stones, along with colorful leaves reflected on the water, create a different autumn scene at every turn. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through a landscape that seems to capture the natural beauty of Yabakei in one place.

The Scenery of Tatehata is a representative scenic destination in Ura-Yabakei, located in Kusu Town. It lies along Prefectural Route 43 and is also known as Higurashi Pass.
Its most distinctive feature is a series of unusual rocky peaks stretching for approximately 1 km. These peaks were formed as Yabakei welded tuff—hardened deposits from pyroclastic flows produced by volcanic activity—was eroded over countless years. The towering rock formations, vines covering the exposed rock faces, fields at the foot of the mountains, and surrounding rural landscape come together to create a peaceful scene reminiscent of an illustrated folktale.
The area is picturesque not only during the fall foliage season, when the mountainsides turn red and yellow, but also in winter, when the rock peaks are covered in snow.