1Unzen Hell

Surrounded by steam and scents, experience the earth's movements with all five senses

"Hell" refers to the area that is covered in hot spring soil (rocks that have been transformed into clay). The sight of steam, hot air, and the smell of sulfur gushing out from the depths of the earth, covering the whole area, is truly hell itself.
Unzen Jigoku has about 30 hells of various sizes, including Daikyokan Jigoku, which has the most active fumarolic activity, Oito Jigoku, and Suzume Jigoku. You can enjoy touring the hells while walking along the promenade and feeling the geothermal heat. It is said that the hells themselves have been moving around hot spring town for thousands of years, and a new hell was discovered in 2020. A tour of the hells at night, when they are lit up, is also fantastic and worth seeing.

The piping hot hot spring, steamed in hell's steam, are a must try.

At the Unzen Jigoku Kobo, located near Oito Jigoku, they sell "hot spring eggs" that are steamed using the steam from the hells. The eggs are steamed to perfection, with a rich yolk and plump white, and during peak season they sell 2,000 eggs a day. Nearby, there is also a "foot steamer" where you can warm your feet with geothermal heat, making it the perfect place to take a break from your stroll through the hells.

Unzen Jigoku is also known as the place where Christians were martyred, and a monument and a cross have been erected there. Why not experience the history of Unzen as well as the dynamic movements of the earth?

Unzen Hell

• https://unzenonsen.unzen.org/watch/jigoku/
• 320 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• About 2 minutes walk from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• Free to visit *Unzen Jigoku Kobo is open from 10:00 to 16:00
• Open daily
• free
• 0957-73-3434 （雲仙温泉観光案内所）
• None

2Nita Pass

Spectacular views in all directions! Enjoy the rich nature of the four seasons from the ropeway

In spring, Miyamakirishi (a type of azalea) paints the mountainside pink, in summer it is a dazzlingly vivid green, in autumn it is covered in deep red leaves, and in winter it is covered in sparkling frost. Nita Pass, located in the center of the Shimabara Peninsula, delights visitors with its different faces in every season.

If you want to enjoy the spectacular view casually, we recommend the ropeway, which allows you to take a 360-degree aerial stroll. The ropeway station is near Parking of the first observation point, and it connects to the top of Mt. Myoken. On clear days from autumn to winter, you can see not only the Ariake Sea, but also the Amakusa Islands if you're lucky.

We also recommend hiking and driving, where you can enjoy nature at your own pace.

Nita Pass is also popular as a trekking course. If you are attempting mountain climbing, it is a good idea to park your car at Parking at Ikenohara Park, which has the trailheads to Mt. Fugen and Mt. Myoken. We also recommend combining walking and the ropeway, depending on your physical strength.
In addition, from Unzen hot spring town runs the 11.3 km long Nita Pass Circular Expressway (environmental contribution of 100 yen required for passage), a skyline highway for motor vehicles only. From the train windows you can see a magnificent panoramic view of Shimabara city, the Ariake Sea, and even the Aso mountain range on the opposite shore.
There are many ways to enjoy it, such as by ropeway, mountain climbing, or driving. Why not incorporate these into your travel plans to suit your style?

Nita Pass

• https://unzen-dmo.com
• 551 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• About 15 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• Ropeway first departure 8:51 (Ticket sales until 17:00 *11/1~3/31 until 16:48)
• In bad weather (service may be suspended for inspections, etc. Check the Unzen Ropeway website for details)
• Ropeway one-way fare: 830 yen, round-trip fare: 1,500 yen
  
• 0957-73-3572 （雲仙ロープウェイ）、0957-73-3639（雲仙観光局）
• free
• The Nita Pass Circular Road is open from April to October from 8:00 to 18:00 (the gates on the outbound side are locked at 18:45), and from November to March from 8:00 to 17:00 (the gates on the outbound side are locked at 17:45).
  Advance reservations will be required for use of the Nita Pass Circular Expressway during the autumn foliage season (weekends from late October to early November).
  For details about the Unzen Ropeway, https://unzen-ropeway.com Please check at

3Unzen hot spring

Located in a hot spring town, this is the head temple of the "Shimengu" guardian shrine of Kyushu.

Emperor Mommu built this shrine about 1,300 years ago as a shrine to worship the guardian deity of Kyushu. In the past, hot spring" was written as "unzen" and the name was pronounced "unzen," hence the name "unzenjinja."
Before the Shinto-Buddhist separation law was issued in the Meiji period, the shrine was called "Shimengu" and is still affectionately known locally as "Oshimen-san." Currently, there are more than 25 shrines with origins in Shimengu, mainly in the Shimabara Peninsula, and the head temple is hot spring Shrine, located in Unzen hot spring town.

Within the precincts, there is also the "Couple Persimmon" which is said to bring good luck in love and prosperity of descendants.

There are many things to see within the shrine grounds. Among them, the two persimmon trees that stand quietly next to each other beside the main shrine building, known as "Fufu Kaki" (Couple Persimmon), are a popular attraction for many worshippers. They are said to bring luck in love and prosperity of descendants, and as they are located next to Unzen Jigoku, many people stop by to pray while strolling around hot spring town.

In addition, there is the "Fountain of Happiness" with its heart-shaped stone, the "Shimentei" rest area, and the "Yomoan" where you can have a cup of tea. Strolling around after worshipping is sure to be a pleasant experience.

hot spring Shrine

• https://www.unzen.org/spot/onsen_shrine
• 319 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• About 1 minute walk from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• Free to visit
• Open daily
• free
• 0957-73−3533
• free

4Chijiwa Beach

Enjoy a panoramic view all the way to Mount Fugen. Admire the scenic coastline

The coastline along Tachibana Bay was chosen as one of the "100 Best Natural Spots in Japan" by the Forest Culture Association and the Asahi Shimbun Company in 1982 (Showa 57) through a public contest. The coastline stretches out in an arch shape for about 2km, and you can look down on this beautiful natural formation from the Chijiwa Observatory. Just looking at the scenic view will make you feel liberated, and you'll likely lose track of time.
You can also see the Chijiwa Fault, a highlight of the Shimabara Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark. The Chijiwa Fault is an active fault that is still sinking at a rate of about 1.5 mm per year. It's also a place where you can feel the dynamism of the earth brought about by an active volcano.

Ebisu, the guardian deity of the sea, enshrined on the sea

Fukuishi Park appears when you head south along the coastline from Chijiwa Observatory. There are two large rocks here, one of which is dedicated to Ebisu, the guardian deity of the sea, and the other is dedicated to a small torii gate and shrine. Standing with the sea in the background, it is a very mystical sight. Why not go and meet Ebisu, who is said to bring prosperity in business and good fortune?

The beauty of the coast at dusk, when the sky changes colour from blue to orange, is exceptional. You can enjoy a romantic atmosphere that is different from daytime.

Chijiwa Coast

• Chijiwacho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 22 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• 0957-73-3434 （雲仙温泉観光案内所）
• Free (use Chijiwa Observatory)

5Unzen Bidro Museum

Be captivated by the gorgeous glass works

Nagasaki is said to be the birthplace of early modern glass in Japan. During the period of national isolation, glass that was brought to Nagasaki from Portugal was called "vidro," which means glass in Portuguese, and was highly valued.
The Unzen Bidro Museum has a collection of about 300 pieces, including blown glass from the Edo period, 19th century Bohemian glass, and oil lamps. The glittering exhibits are all so beautiful you'll be entranced. The pieces are displayed by era and country, and each piece's unique features are easy to understand, so you can take your time to appreciate them.

Stylish and modern. Learn about the history and culture of Unzen.

From the Meiji period to the early Showa period, Unzen was a popular summer resort for foreigners. There is an exhibition room that recreates the table settings of the current Unzen Kanko Hotel, a wooden hotel built at that time. There are many valuable works and documents, such as photographs of the time when Western-style hotels stood side by side, and luxurious tableware that was used at the time. The history of Unzen, which has a rich international flavor, is conveyed to the present day.

The museum also has a rich collection of ceramics, lacquerware, paintings, and more. It also holds seasonal exhibitions, including solo exhibitions of local and up-and-coming artists, making it a truly worthwhile museum.

Unzen Bidro Museum

• https://unzenvidro.weebly.com
• 320 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• About 7 minutes on foot from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• 9:30-17:00 (may vary depending on the season)
• Wednesdays, New Year's holidays
• Adults 700 yen, Junior and senior high school students 500 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen, Toddlers free
  Glass making Experience starts from 1,700 yen (varies depending on the menu)
• 0957-73-3133
• free
• Glass-making Experience can be booked on the day you visit. However, reservations are given priority (by phone).

6Iwato Shrine and Iwato Water God

It's like another world. A mysterious shrine in a cave in the forest.

The shrine is located in a place rich in nature, where cedars and cypresses over 400 years old stand in a forest. The main hall is located in front of a huge rock cave, which is said to be the object of worship itself. Once you pass through the first torii gate, you will feel as if you have entered another world. The approach to the shrine, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and towering trees, is very miraculous. Drawn by this atmosphere, many people come to worship.

It's about a 5-minute walk to the main hall. There are stairs and slopes in some places, but there are also unpaved paths with exposed tree roots. We recommend wearing sneakers or other comfortable shoes.

The bounty of nature gushing forth from Mount Unzen

There is a small waterfall basin on the west side of the main hall, which is said to be one of the sources of the clear water "Saigo River" that flows through Unzen. This whole area is a water source forest.
In addition, there is a water pump for Iwato Suijin near the entrance to the shrine. The water from Mount Unzen flows abundantly here, and is so clear that you can see the bottom of the river clearly. You can pump water directly from the river, and it is often used by locals.

Iwato Shrine is surrounded by a sacred atmosphere and its sacred grounds stretch out across the area. Spending time surrounded by the tranquil forest will surely be the highlight of your trip.

Iwato Shrine and Iwato Water God

• https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/51685
• 2322 Nishigocho, Mizuho-cho, Unzen-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• About 24 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• Free to visit
• Open daily
• free
• 0957-38-3111 （雲仙市観光物産課）
• free

7Hara Castle Ruins

Registered as a World Heritage Site. The end of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion.

This is the remains of a castle that was the main battlefield of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion (Shimabara Rebellion) that broke out in 1637 (Kan'ei 14). Amakusa Shiro, who was only 16 years old at the time, barricaded himself in Hara Castle along with approximately 37,000 local citizens in rebellion against the Shogunate's policies, including the oppression of Christians. About three months later, the rebel forces were defeated and the castle was completely destroyed by the Shogunate forces. As a result, Hara Castle has completely disappeared from its original appearance.

Currently, only ruins remain of Hara Castle, but within the ruins there is a statue of Amakusa Shiro for offering prayers as well as his grave, which convey the tragic history of that time to the present day.

An overwhelming sense of openness as you gaze out at the distant Amakusa Islands on the opposite shore

Built on a hill, Hara Castle has a circumference of about 4km and is surrounded on three sides by the Ariake Sea, making it a feared natural fortress that was impregnable. There is no trace of the castle left, but the view of Amakusa on the other side of the sea is sure to be the same as it was back then.

If you want to know more about the history of the Hara Castle ruins, you can get a tour from a tourist guide. There is also a "Hara Castle Ruins VR" that you can Experience on your smartphone, which recreates the castle's appearance (image) at the time of its construction and at the time of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion in full CG video. It is one of the places that still appeals to the brutality of those times, so that the sad history of the oppression of Christians will not be forgotten.

Hara Castle Ruins

• https://himawari-kankou.jp/learn/000524.php
• Nagasaki Prefecture Minamishimabara City Minamiarimacho Otsu MAP
• About 30 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• Free to visit
• Open daily
• free
• 0957-65-6333 （南島原ひまわり観光協会）
• Free (use Parking at "Harajo hot spring Masago" or Parking for the Hara Castle ruins along National Route 251)
• Tablet devices for VR Experience are available for free rental at the Hara Castle Ruins General Information Center. Hara Castle Ruins General Information Center: 9:30-16:30, Tablet rental: 9:30-16:00

8Shimabara Castle

A Shimabara landmark with a beautiful castle tower and castle walls that stand out against the blue sky

The feudal lord Matsukura Shigemasa built the castle over a period of about seven years, starting in 1618 (Genwa 4). It was sadly demolished at the start of the Meiji period, but the long-cherished wish of the people of Shimabara was fulfilled and the castle tower was restored in 1964 (Showa 39).
This magnificent castle was built in the style of Azuchi-Momoyama period, with a white-painted five-story castle tower at its core and large and small turrets at key points. The outer wall is a rectangle with a circumference of about 4km. Shimabara Castle is particularly beautiful when viewed from the ruins of the Ote-mikado Gate in the southeast, with the white five-story castle tower standing out against the blue sky.

Inside the castle, there is also a museum and memorial hall that tell the history and culture of Shimabara.

From the top floor of the castle tower, you can see the Ariake Sea and, on a clear day, all the way to Kumamoto and Amakusa. The first to third floors are exhibition rooms where you can trace the history of the Shimabara domain through the armor and swords of the feudal lord, historical documents about Christianity, and more.

The "Tourism Revival Memorial Hall" uses video and other means to introduce the progress of the eruption of Mount Unzen, as well as the history, culture, and tourist attractions of Shimabara. Other attractions within the castle include the "Seibou Memorial Hall," which exhibits representative works by Kitamura Seibo, a sculptor from the Shimabara Peninsula who is known for creating the Nagasaki Peace Statue, and the "Folk Tools Museum," which displays a variety of folk tools from the Meiji to Showa periods.

Shimabara Castle

• https://shimabarajou.com
• 1-1183-1 Jonai, Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture MAP
• About 36 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
• 9:00〜17:30（最終入館17:00）
• Open daily
• Admission: 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for elementary, middle and high school students (shared admission to all three museums: Castle Tower, Tourist Revival Memorial Hall and Seibo Memorial Hall)
• 0957-62-4766
• Paid