Unzen Onsen is located roughly in the center of the Shimabara Peninsula, Nagasaki Prefecture, surrounded by Mt. Unzendake and other one-thousanders. The hot water springs out up to the ground of 700 meters in altitude. The hot spring town is part of the Unzen Amakusa National Park, which was given a national park designation in 1934 for the first time in Japan.
Unzen Onsen is well known for a special hot spring called “Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell).” The hot water and white steam springing out vigorously from the cracks of rugged rocks and the smell of sulfur filling up the air all around remind visitors of what the hell may be like. There are about 30 Unzen Hell hot springs, each of which has its unique name. There are pathways in the area and visitors can enjoy the tour safely in about 30 minutes.
You will surely be able to enjoy a real feeling to coming to a hot spring town once you smell hydrogen sulfide coming from sulfur spring and see milky-white spring water. The seasonal changes seen in the mountain hillside with rhododendron kiusianum in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves and hoarfrost in winter are also very fascinating. Mobilize all your sense to feel and fully enjoy this hot spring town.

Unzen Tourist Association
http://www.unzen.org/e_ver/

RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS

Jenni

United Kingdom

When we arrived in Unzen , we walked to the hot spring fields, which are also known as “hells”. These are small pools bubbling with milky, sulphurous water. As you wander through Unzen’s many hells, you are surrounded by warm steam which smells faintly of eggs. If you enjoy eggs, you can eat very special eggs in Unzen. These have been cooked in the steam from the hot springs and so have a unique, delicious flavor.!

APPEAL POINTS

Nature／Mountain Trail of Mt. Unzen Fugendake

The mountain trail of Mt. Unzen Fugendake allows you to see Mt. Heisei Shinzan up close. A guide (only in Japanese) who navigates you through the trail is available with a reservation.
Enjoy walks in mountains displaying the seasonal beauty of nature!

Gourmet／Onsen Boiled Egg, Unzen Hayashi

An Egg boiled in hot spring steam is a specialty of Unzen. It has an addictive taste and it is said that one of these eggs can extend your longevity for 5 years. “Unzen Hayashi” is a bowl of rice with demiglace sauce, which is served by many restaurants and hotels in Unzen each with its own unique arrange. “Onsen Lemonade,” which is made with natural water of Shimabara, “Yu Senpei,” thin crackers made from flour, egg, sugar and cold spring water, and many other gourmet items can also be found in Unzen!

Sightseeing／Nita Path Ropeway

Ropeway is recommended if you want to grasp a whole view of the nature of Unzen. From the parking lot of Nita Path, you can easily go up Mt. Myokendake to the altitude of 1,333 meters by Unzen Ropeway. Sky walking and enjoying the grand view from the altitude of 1,300 meters is a splendid experience.