Matae Travel Guide

Free Guide: Reach new heights at Matae, the scenic crossroads on Mt. Yufu's trail, offering breathtaking views and a gateway to summit adventures.

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A brief summary of Matae

Reach new heights at Matae, the scenic crossroads on Mt. Yufu's trail, offering breathtaking views and a gateway to summit adventures.

Matae is a key spot on the popular hiking trail to the summit of Mt. Yufu, offering stunning views and access to both the East and West peaks. It marks a transition point on the mountain, where hikers can catch their breath and decide which peak to conquer first.

4.6 Excellent · 38 Google reviews

Plan your visit

Opening hours

Every dayOpen 24 hours

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102

Getting there

Walking

From the Yufu-tozanguchi bus stop, walk along the road for a short distance until you see the trailhead. Follow the well-marked path through the initial grassland and into the forest. Continue on the switchback trail, which becomes steeper as you ascend. After emerging from the forest, the trail leads to Matae, located on the crater wall. The walk from the trailhead to Matae typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. There are no entrance fees or mandatory access costs.

Public Transport

Take a bus from Yufuin Station Bus Center to the Yufu-tozanguchi bus stop. From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, you can take a direct bus to Yufuin-ekimae Bus Center, which takes approximately 2 hours and costs $13-$22. Alternatively, a train from Hakata to Yufuin is available. From the Yufu-tozanguchi bus stop, it's a walk to the trailhead and onward to Matae. A one-way bus fare from Yufuin Station to the trailhead is approximately ¥360.

Discover more about Matae

Overview

Matae is a significant point along the ascent of Mt. Yufu (Yufudake), a prominent and beloved mountain in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Situated on the crater wall, Matae serves as a saddle point between the mountain's East and West peaks, offering hikers a place to rest and contemplate their next move.The area is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Yufuin Basin. From Matae, hikers can choose to tackle the more challenging West Peak, which requires navigating steep, rocky ridges with the aid of chains, or opt for the slightly easier East Peak. Both routes promise rewarding vistas from the summit, with clear days offering views stretching as far as Shikoku.The trail leading to Matae winds through varying terrains, starting from pastureland and broadleaf forests before ascending into shrub and grassland zones. The ascent can be steep in sections, but the well-maintained path and clear signage make it accessible to hikers of varying skill levels. Matae not only provides a physical resting point but also a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Kyushu's volcanic landscape.

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