Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate)
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Highlights
- A tunnel hand-carved by Zenkai Osho over 30 years
- Said to be Japan's oldest toll road
- Beautiful autumn foliage in late autumn
- Nemophila flowers bloom profusely in spring
- The setting for Kikuchi Kan's novel, 'Enshuu no Kanata'
Basic Information
- Address
- Sogi, Hon-Yaba-kei Machi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Oita
- Access
- From JR Nakatsu Station South Exit, take the Daikohoku Bus bound for "Yaba-kei (Shunsaikan)", "Morimi Onsen", or "Bungomori" for approximately 25 minutes. Get off at the "Aono-domon" stop. Note that all routes pass through the tunnel between "Aono-domon" and "Aono-domon Parking Lot". By car, it's about 20 minutes from the Nakatsu Interchange (IC) of the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway. For ETC-equipped vehicles from the Kitakyushu/Fukuoka area, the Kamou Smart Interchange is also close. There is free parking near the tunnel. About 10 minutes from the Nakatsu IC via the Nakatsu-Hita Road to the Rakanji IC. Show route
- Op.Hours
- 24 hours a day
- Cld.Days
- Open every day
- Fee
- Free
- INFO
- Parking is free. Large vehicles are welcome.
Overview
Recommended nearby attractions
Rakan-ji Temple
2.262km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) A magnificent temple nestled in a deep mountain valley, housing over 3,700 stone Buddhist statues. Experience a mystical space steeped in history and faith, including Japan's oldest collection of 500 Arhat statues.
Kyuzuikei Gorge
36.259km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) Kyuzuikei Gorge is known as one of Kyushu's premier spots for autumn leaves. This V-shaped valley boasts a 200-meter elevation difference, covered in a carpet of deciduous trees like fir, hemlock, and maple, creating a breathtaking display of fiery autumn colors.
Old Kendo-ji Temple Site
41.821km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) The site of the first temple founded by Nimon, the founder of Rokugo Manzan, this is a power spot where you can feel the romance of ancient times.
Senbutsu Cave
37.613km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) A mystical cave designated a national natural monument in 1935, weaving together history and nature. Experience the thrill of exploring through water!
Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Beppu Hells Tour)
34.454km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) A classic Beppu sightseeing spot! Explore seven unique hells and experience the power of hot mud and boiling water erupting from deep within the earth!
Yabakei Dam Memorial Park Keiseien Garden
7.412km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) A beautiful Japanese garden featuring a stream created using water from the dam. Enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons.
Kokonoe "Yume" Ootsurihashi (Kokonoe Dream Big Suspension Bridge)
36.633km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) At 173m high and 390m long, this pedestrian-only bridge is the tallest in Japan!
Enjoy breathtaking views and a thrilling walk in the sky.
Senpuku-ji Temple
47.067km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) A historic Soto Zen temple located on the Kunisaki Peninsula. Its Kaisandō Hall and Butsuden (main hall), designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, exude a serene and dignified atmosphere.
Koshozan Tsuge Primeval Forest
43.413km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) A mystical place where a precious primeval forest of boxwood trees, designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan, unfolds.
Beppu Onsen
39.084km from Aono-domon (Blue Cave Gate) Beppu Onsen is a must-visit hot spring destination in Japan, featuring eight distinct hot spring areas (Beppu Hatto) that will delight any onsen enthusiast.
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