Yabakei Bridge, Stone arch bridge in Nakatsu, Japan.

Yabakei Bridge is a stone arch structure spanning the Yamakuni River in Nakatsu with eight arches forming its distinctive design. It stretches approximately 116 meters and features a roadway that accommodates both pedestrians and vehicles crossing the waterway.

Construction began in 1920 and reached completion in 1923, marking a significant development in transportation infrastructure during the Taisho period. This work occurred when Japan was actively building modern bridges to connect its communities.

The bridge represents traditional Japanese engineering craftsmanship and serves as a local landmark for the surrounding communities. People cross it daily and recognize its solid structure as a testament to skilled construction methods from earlier times.

The best time to visit is during daylight hours when you can see the stone arches and river landscape clearly. Be aware of traffic when crossing, since vehicles also use the bridge regularly.

Locals call it the "Holland Bridge" because its horizontal stone coursing follows the style common in Nagasaki Prefecture rather than the stonework of Ōita and Kumamoto. It was built partly to secure access to the nearby Hijiudai training ground, and in 1944 a flood washed it away before it was quickly rebuilt.