Mount Unzen

Mount Unzen is an active volcano in the centre of the Shimabara Peninsula, which has erupted several times in the last hundred years with deadly results. Mount Unzen was recognized in 1934 for its natural beauty and was part of Unzen Amakusa National Park, one of Japan’s first national parks. The most recent eruption occurred between 1990 and 1995 when pyroclastic flows (overheated volcanic gases) and mud flows drove down the mountain towards Shimabara, destroying buildings along the way.

Shimabara – castle, hot springs and history

Trail

A popular hiking route leads from the upper cable car station along the ridge to Fugendake, the highest peak you can access. From there you can admire a few hundred meters away the smoking summit of Heisei Shinzan, the highest and most recent summit of Mount Unzen which formed during the last eruption of the volcano. It takes about an hour to walk between the upper cable car station and Fugendake, and an additional 20 to 40 minutes if you do not want to take the cable car. The round trip cable car costs 860 yen.

Unzen onsen and Jigoku

Unzen Jigoku, also known as Unzen Hell, is one of the best places to enjoy the natural hot springs of Nagasaki Prefecture. Located within Unzen National Park, designated as Japan’s first national park in 1934, Unzen Hell has been a spa since the Meiji era. It was also one of the first tourist resorts that became a well-known summer destination for foreigners. As such, some Western-style architectures can still be seen here today. There are about 30 geothermal fields that pump a natural hot spring from the soil every second. The torrid atmosphere and almost apocalyptic constant (sulphur smell included) creates a hellish landscape.

It is possible to taste onsen tamago, eggs cooked in hot springs. Hells are particularly attractive from late October to mid-November when the surrounding hills cover in autumn (koyo) colours.

Shirakumo Pond

The campground, located near the Shirakumo pond, which has an area of about 1 hectare, is surrounded by nature, with many wild birds and insects, and from the lakeside you can see the Heisei mountain. In summer, it is cool, making it the best place to escape heat. Nearby is Mount Kinugasa, with only 30 minutes walk to the summit. On the way, you will be able to meet many wild birds, making it the best spot to observe birds. From the top of the mountain you can see the thermal city and the mountains of Unzen.

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