A Cycling Journey Through Bungoono with Local Guides, the Yano Couple
Introduction to the Bungoono City Area
Exploring the Land Shaped by Massive Pyroclastic Flows from Mount Aso
The present-day Bungoono City area was largely covered by pyroclastic flows caused by massive eruptions of Mount Aso approximately 90,000 and 120,000 years ago. Over time, welded tuff formed by these flows was eroded by river currents, creating magnificent landscapes of waterfalls and sheer cliffs. While experiencing the rich natural environment recognized as both a Japan Geopark and a UNESCO Eco Park, enjoy a soothing cycling journey.
Introduction of the Guide (Local Guide) and the Route
Guide Introduction (Hirofumi Yano & Yumi Yano)
Born and raised in Bungoono City, the Yano couple runs a motorcycle specialty shop called Yano Motors in Mie-machi. Since 2022, they have been active as cycling guides, using bicycles—once a shared hobby—as a tool to share the attractions of Bungoono City. With engaging stories filled with a love for cycling and the local community, along with extensive knowledge unique to locals, they convey the true charm of Bungoono City.
About This Route
Estimated time: 3–4 hours
This route allows visitors to experience not only famous tourist attractions, but also the satoyama countryside scenery along the way, shaped by the power of nature and human life, revealing the area’s history and culture. Traveling by bicycle offers perspectives only possible on two wheels—feeling the sounds, scents, and wind—creating a journey that blends seamlessly into everyday life. Let’s enjoy a relaxing time together while sensing the breath of the land.
Featured Stops
Yano Motors ~Discover Local Charm Through Cycling~
Tel: 0974-22-0320
Address: 2540-1 Akamine, Mie-machi, Bungoono City
Hours: 9:00–18:30
Instagram: @yanomotors.bungoono
Courses are tailored for beginners to advanced riders. Though Bungoono is a hilly area, e-bikes are available, making it accessible even for those new to cycling or lacking confidence in their fitness. Many repeat visitors enjoy the connections formed through cycling.
For those who want to “try it out first,” a relaxed 11 km round-trip “Challenge Ride” is also available.
After experiencing the unique exhilaration of cycling and the satisfaction of “I did it!”, you may feel inspired to take on longer distances.
Even if you usually travel by car, we highly recommend trying bicycle tourism for a fresh perspective.
Being able to stop spontaneously at places that catch your interest is one of cycling’s greatest pleasures.
Slow down, take it easy, and enjoy a leisurely cycling journey.
Harajiri Falls ~Bungoono’s Iconic Scenic Spot, “The Niagara of the East”~
One of Bungoono City’s most famous attractions. At the adjacent Roadside Station “Harajiri Falls”, visitors can enjoy local cuisine and soft-serve ice cream while taking in the spectacular view.
Address: 410 Harajiri, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture
With a width of 120 meters and a drop of 20 meters, Harajiri Falls is known as the “Niagara of the East” and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
The falls were formed when columnar-jointed rock, created by pyroclastic flows from Mount Aso around 90,000 years ago, was gradually eroded by river water over time.
Every January, during the traditional New Year Firefighting Ceremony (Dezomeshiki), local fire brigades perform a coordinated water-spraying drill from above the basin—a unique winter spectacle.
The scenery where magnificent nature blends seamlessly with everyday town life is truly unique and unlike anything else.
The waterfall suddenly appears amid a peaceful rural landscape, creating a strangely fascinating sight.
The top of the waterfall is actually a road, used daily by local residents for cars and walking.
First-time visitors are often surprised to see vehicles passing by and may exclaim, “Is that a tractor driving over the waterfall!?”
This one-of-a-kind contrast is part of its charm. Of course, bicycles can also cross the top, making the extraordinary experience of “cycling over a waterfall” possible—along with photo opportunities guaranteed to stand out.
Breathe in refreshing negative ions and enjoy an exhilarating ride while listening to the powerful sound of the falls.
Tsujikawara Stone Bath (Tsujikawara Ishiburo)~The History of Stone Baths Preserved in the ‘Sauna Town’~
Several hollows carved into a sheer rock face. Surrounded by trees, the atmosphere feels almost mystical.
Address: 304-1 Tsuji, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City
Although Oita Prefecture is known as “Japan’s Number One Hot Spring Prefecture,” Bungoono City has no hot springs.
Turning this to its advantage, the city declared itself a “Sauna Town,” attracting enthusiasts from all over Japan.
What remains in this hot-spring-less town is the little-known history of stone baths.
It is said that people once heated firewood inside cavities carved into tall welded tuff cliffs, warming medicinal herbs and bathing in the resulting steam—a traditional steam-bath style.
On the rock wall, the Buddhist mantra “Namu Amida Butsu” is carved in Sanskrit characters, suggesting the site may also have been used for religious rituals.
Every New Year’s Day, local residents hold an event recreating this traditional bathing practice.
Looking up from below, the towering rock wall is overwhelmingly impressive—an enigmatic place wrapped in a distinctive atmosphere.
Designated as a Prefectural Tangible Folk Cultural Property, the stone bath can still be viewed from the inside.
You can push your bicycle right up to the site, making it a perfect spot for commemorative photos.
Taizako Gorge ~A Place Where Two Geological Eras Coexist, Revealing the Grandeur of Nature~
The rock walls rising on both sides of the beautiful river reveal different colors and shapes when observed closely.
Address: Taizako, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City
Columnar joints formed by pyroclastic flows can be seen throughout Bungoono City, but their appearance here at Taizako Gorge is especially impressive.
This steep gorge, carved over long periods by the flow of the Okudake River, is a rare place where rock surfaces formed in different eras can be observed at once—welded tuff from the Aso volcanic pyroclastic flow around 90,000 years ago, and volcanic rocks from Mount Sobo formed about 1,500 years ago.
You can park your bicycle in the parking area and walk down to the riverbank.
The sheer columnar-jointed cliff, towering up to 70 meters, is stunning when viewed from the river below.
Though it may make your knees tremble slightly, the view looking down from the bridge spanning the rocks is also breathtaking.
In summer, the area becomes a popular spot for river activities, with programs such as trekking and river walking known as river trekking.
In autumn, vibrant foliage and crystal-clear blue waters further enhance the beauty of the gorge.
Be sure to enjoy the spectacular scenery created by rugged rock faces and surrounding mountains from the bridge as well.
Deaibashi & Todorobashi Bridges ~A Geosite Where Nature and Human Life Intersect~
If you go down to the river, you can capture a photo of the two bridges standing side by side.
Address: Hiraishi, Kiyokawa-machi, Bungoono City
Two stone arch bridges stand side by side, ranking first and second in Japan for arch span length. Deaibashi Bridge (1924) remains in use as a local road, while Todorobashi Bridge (1934) was built for a former forest railway.
Stone culture—seen in bridges, walls, cliff-carved Buddhas, and torii gates—is deeply rooted here. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully near the bridges.
From the top of Todorobashi Bridge, try to spot “Shakushi Rock,” named after its ladle-like shape appearing on the rock surface.
After the Guided Tour
Every stop reveals the immense power of the land. Despite the hilly terrain, e-bikes made the journey enjoyable even for beginners. The Yano couple’s deep local knowledge brought Bungoono’s charm vividly to life.
Message from the Yano Couple
Bungoono City offers endless charm that changes with the seasons—far too much to experience in just one visit! Why not enjoy cycling combined with seasonal activities? Custom-made tours are also available. Feel free to contact us via Instagram.
Contact:
Instagram: @yanomotors.bungoono
TEL: 0974-22-0320
We also share updates on Instagram!
Scenes from the Bungoono Tour are featured in Instagram short videos as well.
Be sure to check out the tour highlights full of energy and realism on Instagram!
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