Unzen Onsen(Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture) is a highland resort located at an altitude of about 700m, almost in the center of the Shimabara Peninsula in Kyushu. The hot springs have a long history, said to date back 1,300 years, and have been popular as a summer resort and health resort since the Meiji era. In 1934, it was designated as Japan's first national park.

"Unzen Jigoku" where hot spring water and steam violently erupt from the ground is the most famous tourist spot in this area. The strong smell of sulfur fills the air and the steam rising from the hot springs is just like "hell" itself! There are many great photo spots such as "Yama Jigoku Observatory" which overlooks the whole hellscape, "Oito Jigoku" and "Daikyokan Jigoku" which have active fumarolic activity.

The area is lined with walking paths, and there are also rest areas such as a "foot steamer" where you can feel the geothermal heat and steam by placing your feet on it, and the "Unzen Hell Workshop" which sells the famous hot spring eggs steamed using the steam from the hells. The classic way to tour the hells is to enjoy a tour while stuffing your face with a steamy hot spring egg.

The energy source of Unzen Jigoku is said to be the "magma pool" on the seafloor of Tachibana Bay, which is surrounded by the eastern coast of the Nagasaki Peninsula and the western coast of the Shimabara Peninsula. High-temperature, high-pressure gas generated from this magma pool rises through cracks in the bedrock, causing a chemical reaction along the way and turning into high-temperature hydrothermal water. The gas produced by the boiling of this hydrothermal water appears as violent fumaroles.

The hot springs of Unzen are formed when this gas mixes with groundwater from the surrounding mountains. The spring quality is a sulfur spring with strong acidity. The maximum temperature is 98 degrees. The main components are iron ions, aluminum ions, and sulfate ions, and it is said to be particularly effective for rheumatism, diabetes, and skin diseases.

The "kantsuke" system, which uses the heat from the hell to create hot water, has been around for a long time and is unique to this area. It is used by inns and hotels in the hot spring town, and this eco-friendly system that uses nature and does not require a boiler is ahead of its time!

Nita Pass, close to the hot spring town, is a popular spot where you can experience the nature of each season: Miyamakirishi (commonly known as Unzen azalea) in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and frost in winter. The 11.3km Skyline road leads to the pass, and on the way you can enjoy a pleasant drive while weaving through forests of cedar and cypress trees, and enjoying the views of the beautiful ocean of Ariake Sea, Tachibana Bay, and the Kuju mountain range.

A ropeway runs from the parking lot at the pass to the summit of Mt. Myoken, which is 1,333 meters above sea level. This "walk in the sky" with a magnificent view of the peninsula and the sea is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Blessed with fertile land created by volcanoes, Unzen is also famous as a treasure trove of food! A wide variety of agricultural products are grown, and dairy farming is thriving in the mountainous areas. Be sure to check out the "Unzen gourmet" that includes everything from main dishes to sweets, including steamed dishes made with hot spring steam.

We recommend the "Unzen Hayashi." It is a new local delicacy named after the rice bowl dish of katsudon topped with demi-glace sauce, which has long been enjoyed by many foreign visitors who have come to escape the summer heat. Each restaurant offers a unique menu, so why not try to find your favorite Unzen Hayashi?

【basic information】
Address: 320 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 854-0621
・Website: https://www.unzen.org/