Unzen Jigoku Hell, Nagasaki

Unzen hot spring is a famous hot spring in Nagasaki that has long been popular as a health resort. In addition to excellent quality of springs and the atmosphere of a calm town, rich nature, new attractions such as activities and local gourmet have been born.
“Unzen” accredited as the first national park in Japan in 1934. Many travelers visited from home and abroad for a long time, especially during the Meiji and Taisho era as a summer resort.
It is blessed with nature in addition to natural hot springs with a history and a spa town with a calm atmosphere. From the full-scale trekking to Nordic walking which can be easily participated, you can enjoy activities suitable for yourself. Recently, “New health gourmet” such as rice with hashed beef using local ingredients, salad, smoothie appeared.
The beginning of Unzen hot spring dates back to 710. In the past, the relationship between this place and the hot spring is deep as it was being read as “Unzen”, writing “Onsen” (= hot spring). Unzen developed as a hot spring resort because a public bathhouse was opened in 1653. Foreign travelers who noticed the charm of this place during the Meiji / Taisho era, the atmosphere like the summer resort they felt appealing remains in the hot spring town.
Unzen hot spring is a strong acidic fountain containing sulfur, hot water temperature is higher than general hot spring. Because it has bactericidal effect, it seems to be effective for general skin diseases such as eczema, chilblain, athlete’s foot. It is said that it can also have effects on neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain and so on.
Unzen Jigoku Hell, the main spot of Unzen sightseeing, is located in the north-south center of Unzen hot-spring town, where facilities for day-trip bathing and inns are also many, each with greatly different colors and atmosphere of hot water.There is also a public bath where you can taste the old-fashioned atmosphere, as well as a bath with a spectacular view at the modern hotel.

The steam and hot air blowing out from the bottom of the ground

The sightseeing spot representing Unzen Hot Springs, “Jigoku Onsen” (Hell Hot Springs). The scent with sulfur hung over, the steam and hot air blowing out from the bottom of the ground and covers the entire surface is exactly the hell itself. This place is also known as the place where the stage of martyrdom of christians was set up, and the martyrs monument has been built.
It consists of over 30 hells, such as “Dai Kyokan Jigoku” and “Oito Jigoku”, and it conveys a variety of sorrows and legends to the present.

Enjoy the Unzen hell through the senses

Unzen Jigoku Hell was renewed in 2016 and has been reborn to “the hell to feel” from old “hell to see”.
There is the promenade in hell and there is the newly maintained spot in the middle of the hell tour of about 60 minutes, and you can enjoy the Unzen hell through the senses.

Cooler in the summer because of its high altitude

Unzen Hot Spring is the sulfate fountain located almost in the center of Shimabara Peninsula, and it is one of the most hot spring resorts in Kyushu where many inns line up. The name of the place of “Unzen” originates in the name of “Unzensan Manmyoji Temple” opened by Gyoki in 701. The Unzen Onsen Hot Springs, which began its founding about 350 years ago, was cooler in the summer because of its high altitude, and since the Meiji era it prospered as a spa resort.

The fumarolic activity gradually fades

The “Tour of Unzen Jigoku Hell” is famous for the Unzen Onsen Hot Springs. The most active fumarolic activity is present near “Dai Kyokan Jigoku” at the eastern end of Unzen Jigoku Hell. The fumarolic activity gradually fades towards the west.

Fun events are also held

In addition, “Unzen Oyama no Johokan” (Museum Hall) in Unzen Onsen town has a scientific exhibition on the formation of hot springs on Shimabara Peninsula. Also, fun events such as bird watching and field observation are held.

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