Ao-no-domon Tunnel
This tunnel (or domon) located at the base of the towering Kyoshuho Ridge, facing the Yamakuni River, has been designated as a historic site of Oita Prefecture. The Buddhist priest Zenkai had taken pity on the frequent loss of the lives of men and horses from the chain of precipitous cliffs along the river, and began excavating this tunnel in 1730, completing it in 1763 after spending more than 30 years building it. It is said that he had excavated the tunnel in 30 years with only a chisel and mallet. It is said that tolls were collected from the people passing through after the tunnel opened, making this tunnel Japan's oldest toll road.
More Information about Ao-no-domon Tunnel
Street address
- Sogi, Honyabakeimachi, Nakatsu City
Access
Route1
- Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Nakatsu Station
Route2
- 37 km (40 min) via National Route 212 from Oita Hita IC, or 14 km (20 min) from Higashi Kyushu Nakatsu IC.
Opening Hours
Closed
Best season
- -
Point
- ○Free parking available
update: Sep.3.2024

Spots around
-
Hita Hot Spring
-
Showa Town
-
Kuju region
-
African Safari
-
Inazumi Underwater Cave
-
Kyushu OLLE (Okubungo Course)
-
Oita Airport
-
Sakuradaki Waterfall
-
Ontayaki no Sato
-
Nioza Historical Road
-
Kitchom san Village Green Tourism
-
Yufuin Hot Spring
-
Fukashima Island
-
Yaba Gorge, Nakatsu (Red autumnal leaves)
-
Chikufusha (bamboo craft-making experience)
-
Hita Gion Yamaboko (Festival float) Hall
-
Beppu Jigoku Meguri (hell tour)
-
Geo Experience
-
Usuki Stone Buddhas
-
Kitsuki
-
kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail
-
Mameda-machi
-
Rakanji Temple
-
Oka Castle Ruins
-
Usa Jingu Shrine
-
Futago-ji Temple
-
Usuki City's castle town walk (Nioza, Kani Shoyu, Kotegawa Brewery, etc.)
-
Nakano Sake Brewery
-
Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center