飯盛ヶ城
Mount Imori: A Panoramic Hiking Experience
Matae: Gateway to Mt. Yufu's Summit
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.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Matae
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Yufuincho Kawakami, Oita, 879-5102, JP
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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.
Local tips
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Bring plenty of water, as there are no water sources on the mountain.
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Wear appropriate hiking boots and consider bringing a hiking pole for the steeper sections of the trail.
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Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared for changing conditions at higher altitudes.
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Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday sun, as much of the trail is exposed.
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Take a moment at Matae to rest and enjoy the panoramic views before deciding which peak to climb.
Discover more about Matae
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.
A brief summary to Matae
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