Unzen Onsen

Rising with steam on a plateau about 700 meters high in the center of the Shimabara Peninsula, Unzen Onsen is one of Nagasaki's oldest and most celebrated hot spring resorts. Milky sulfur waters and the dramatic sight of the steaming Unzen Jigoku vents welcome every traveler. Even in summer the air stays cool, and the town has long been loved as a mountain retreat.

Highlights

The greatest draw is the Unzen Jigoku, where white plumes of vapor pour from the ground. Well kept walking paths let you feel the breath of the earth up close. Along the sulfur scented trails, stalls sell eggs steamed in the natural vents. The inns nearby let you soak as long as you like in the smooth, milky water.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the Miyama kirishima azaleas color the slopes, while summer brings crowds seeking the cool highland air. Autumn offers superb foliage seen from the Unzen Ropeway, and in winter frost flowers wrap the trees in white for a dreamlike scene. It is a mountain spa that changes its face with every season.

Access and Basic Information

Driving from central Nagasaki or the Isahaya area is convenient, and the town makes a fine base for touring the whole Shimabara Peninsula. Bus routes also serve the area, so public transport works too. Many inns offer day use bathing, so the springs are easy to enjoy.

A Quick Tip

The sulfur water is gentle on the skin and warms the body well, but it can discolor silver jewelry, so it is wise to take it off first. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the jigoku trails.