UNZEN
/ NAGASAKI
Just an hour and a half from the center of Unzen City is a volcano that has been active for over a million years. This unique location presents a spectacular vista that spans mountains, sea, and volcano—and that vista is an experience to be enjoyed with activities, cuisine, and more.
The charm of the Unzen area
Unzen is fascinating and soothing.
The Shimabara Peninsula was formed by volcanic activity. The mountain range, with its elevation difference from sea level to the summit, is colored by natural art throughout the four seasons. Unzen has historically been known as a summer resort for foreigners and is also one of the most famous hot spring resorts in western Japan. It is not only a scenic spot, but also a gourmet peninsula rich in mountain and sea delicacies.
A 3D geo-adventure experience that links sea, sky, and land
Our “Unzen Volcano Story” plan is a multi-activity experience that dynamically links sea, sky, and land. Amid vistas of mountains, sea, and volcanoes, you can enjoy trekking at Mitsune, a scenic trail that overlooks Heisei Shinzan, and then downhill cycling to Tachibana Bay. This special area is just one hour and a half from the city and the trip includes commentary from an expert guide.
MAIN AREA
AREA 01
Unzen Onsen Area
Unzen Jigoku has over 30 hot spring pools (known as “hells” in Japanese) where hot water that is nearly 100°C gushes out and sends clouds of steam billowing skyward. At this iconic Unzen destination, you can physically experience the heat and power of the earth via hot spring foot baths, or get a taste of it with eggs cooked in the hellish volcanic vapors.
AREA 02
Obama Onsen Area
Obama Onsen boasts the hottest spring water in Japan at 105°C. It also has Japan's longest footbath, which is 105 meters long and provides a timeless view of Tachibana Bay at sunset. Dining options include a traditional dish of naturally-steamed local seafood and mountain delicacies. This is how bounty from the rich sea and volcanic soil, as well as food culture and geothermal culture, all meet and combine for a delicious experience.
AREA 03
Shimabara Area
Every day in Shimabara, around 220 million liters of water gush out of the ground. The city has long existed alongside a volcano, including a period of rebuilding after the destruction of the Mt. Unzen eruption that occurred in 1792. Shimabara combines history, abundant spring water, the resilience of a castle charm town, and a resilience born of having overcome disaster.
MAIN AREA
AREA 01
Unzen Onsen Area
Unzen Jigoku has over 30 hot spring pools (known as “hells” in Japanese) where hot water that is nearly 100°C gushes out and sends clouds of steam billowing skyward. At this iconic Unzen destination, you can physically experience the heat and power of the earth via hot spring foot baths, or get a taste of it with eggs cooked in the hellish volcanic vapors.
AREA 02
Obama Onsen Area
Obama Onsen boasts the hottest spring water in Japan at 105°C. It also has Japan's longest footbath, which is 105 meters long and provides a timeless view of Tachibana Bay at sunset. Dining options include a traditional dish of naturally-steamed local seafood and mountain delicacies. This is how bounty from the rich sea and volcanic soil, as well as food culture and geothermal culture, all meet and combine for a delicious experience.
AREA 03
Shimabara Area
Every day in Shimabara, around 220 million liters of water gush out of the ground. The city has long existed alongside a volcano, including a period of rebuilding after the destruction of the Mt. Unzen eruption that occurred in 1792. Shimabara combines history, abundant spring water, the resilience of a castle charm town, and a resilience born of having overcome disaster.
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REPRESENTATIVE
ACCOMMODATION
Here are some notable places to stay in the Unzen area.
Ryotei Hanzuiryo
The detached rooms of Ryotei Hanzuiryo are nestled within expansive grounds where time flows at a luxurious pace and guests experience a characteristic Japanese harmony of tradition and nature. Here, you can enjoy healing open-air baths as you look out at an exquisite seasonal landscape, then dine upon creative kaiseki cuisine that features local ingredients. It is a healing hideaway for adults, offering tranquility and the ultimate in relaxation.
Unzen Kanko Hotel
Established in 1935 and boasting Swiss chalet-style architecture, this historic hotel is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Its antique dining room with an area of over 360 square meters is a place to savor either French cuisine or Japanese kaiseki. With the simple warm feel of a mountain lodge, Unzen Kanko Hotel offers an exceptional stay enveloped in nature.
Mt. Resort Unzen Kyushu Hotel
This resort hotel was established in 1917. Each of its rooms features a semi open-air bath and terrace where guests can enjoy their own personal view of the spectacular Unzen Jigoku landscape. The hotel also boasts creative cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, as well as complimentary drinks in the rooftop lounge.
ACCESS
We will introduce how to access the Unzen area from various locations.
Directions
For those coming from Tokyo
HANEDA
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
NAGASAKI
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
ISAHAYA
STATION
Airplane
00 minutes
UNZEN
For those coming from Osaka
HANEDA
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
NAGASAKI
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
ISAHAYA
STATION
Airplane
00 minutes
UNZEN
For those coming from Fukuoka
HANEDA
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
NAGASAKI
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
ISAHAYA
STATION
Airplane
00 minutes
UNZEN
Direct flight information
For those coming from Osaka
HANEDA
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
NAGASAKI
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
ISAHAYA
STATION
Airplane
00 minutes
UNZEN
For those coming from Fukuoka
HANEDA
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
NAGASAKI
AIRPORT
Airplane
00 minutes
ISAHAYA
STATION
Airplane
00 minutes
UNZEN
SUPPORT
The council can arrange transportation for you, please contact us for more information.
TEL 000-000-0000
(00:00-00:00)
You can enjoy the blessings of the volcano in many ways, including hot springs, food, and learning. We propose a new style of travel that connects Kyushu's nature and culture and allows you to experience the unique value of the region.
ACCESS
Here's how to reach the Unzen area.
Directions
For those coming from Tokyo
HANEDA AIRPORT
1h30m
ISAHAYA STATION
For those coming from Osaka
OSAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h30m
ISAHAYA STATION
For those coming from Fukuoka
HAKATA STATION
1h30m
ISAHAYA STATION
Direct flight information
Please check the websites of each airport and airline for the latest information.
SEOUL
INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h30m
BUSAN
GIMHAE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h5m
HONG KONG
*Suspended
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
3h00m
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI PUDONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1h50m
NAGASAKI
AIRPORT
SUPPORT
The council can arrange transportation for you, please contact us for more information.
You can enjoy the blessings of the volcano in many ways, including hot springs, food, and learning. We propose a new style of travel that connects Kyushu's nature and culture and allows you to experience the unique value of the region.
Shimabara terroir—volcanic heat, rich soil, and sea
Unzen has both a fertile soil created by a million years of volcanic activity, and an abundant supply of seafood from nearby Tachibana Bay. You can experience geothermal hot springs at Unzen Jigoku, explore the terraced rice fields of Minami Kushiyama, or go fishing aboard the Tenyomaru. At the TENMAKU restaurant, chefs elevate local ingredients that have been nurtured in the local volcanic soil. It's a place to enjoy outdoor gastronomy and experience Unzen's rich culinary culture.
Unzen's culture of coexistence with volcanoes—a story of resilience
Unzen has experienced three major volcanic eruptions in recent centuries, including the one that produced the Heisei Shinzan lava dome 30 years ago. The people of Unzen have flexibly coexisted with volcanic activity and developed a resilience that has much to teach us today. Visit the UNESCO Geopark of Unzen to experience first-hand this interplay of volcanic terrain, ecology, and culture.