雲仙温泉

Unzen Jigoku, where high-temperature hot springs and their steam rise from the ground all around, is a representative scenery of Unzen Onsen. The name "Jigoku," meaning "hell," was given because the billowing smoke and the sulfur smell of the hot springs, which rise up so much that they make the view completely white, can feel somewhat frightening. A promenade that takes about an hour to walk around has been built, and you can visit famous spots such as the observation deck where you can observe the most violently erupting "Daikyokan Jigoku" up close, and the "Mud Volcano" formed by the ground being raised by steam. You can also experience the geothermal heat with your feet in the "Ashiyu" foot steaming bath, and the "Unzen Jigoku Workshop" where you can buy hot spring eggs steamed in the hell is a must-see.

During the Edo period when Christians were under persecution, the Unzen Jigoku was a place where torture was carried out to force Christian believers to convert. From the promenade, you can catch a glimpse of the Christian Martyr Monument, which reminds us of the unforgettable history. Every year on the third Sunday of May, the Christian Martyr Festival is held. Unzen Jigoku also appears in the novel "Silence" by Shusaku Endo, which is based on historical facts.

Located just a short walk from the entrance of Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) is the "Onsen Shrine". It retains the name "onsen" (hot spring) which used to be written with the same kanji as "unzen" and pronounced "unzen". The shrine was built about 1,300 years ago and is said to bring good luck in love and fertility due to the presence of a "husband and wife" persimmon tree. Cats seem to be leisurely spending time throughout the shrine grounds and the town. This is because the geothermal heat of the hot springs warms the ground. When you visit, be sure to touch and feel the warmth of the ground.

Unzen is a place that became the first national park in Japan as part of the "Unzen Amakusa National Park." It's a popular spot for mountain climbers, but if you want to easily reach the observatory, take the Unzen Ropeway from Nita Pass. In spring, you can see Miyama Kirishima, in summer, Yamaboshi, and in autumn to winter, you can see autumn leaves and snowscapes. If conditions are good, you may even encounter a sea of clouds over the Ariake Sea. It's a spot where you can experience the nature of Unzen in a grand panorama throughout the four seasons.

For a souvenir, try the "Yusenpei" from "Tootsumiya Honpo," located across from the Onsen Shrine. Yusenpei has its origins as a confectionery presented to the lord of Shimabara Castle, who was fond of hot springs, during the early Meiji period. It is made from wheat flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and hot springs water from within the city of Unzen. The gentle sweetness that melts softly on the tongue is a characteristic of this Nagasaki confectionery. In addition to the "Pure One-Layer Handmade Yusenpei," which is hand-baked by skilled craftsmen one layer at a time, there are also a variety of other options, such as the "Onsen Goufret," which sandwiches cream between two Yusenpei, and the "Yusenpei Cigar Roll," which is rolled by craftsmen just before it is formed and baked. The nostalgic yet refined packaging design is also attractive, making it the perfect souvenir for a wide range of people, from young to old.

Unzen is a place where you can find a variety of rich ingredients that can only be tasted here, such as vegetables carefully grown in the high-altitude Unzen, Unzen beef, eggs, and fresh seafood from the Shimabara Peninsula. There are also many gourmet spots to visit during a stroll through the hot spring town. There are a variety of shops scattered throughout the hot spring town, such as "Green Terrace Unzen," where you can enjoy delicious Western dishes such as Unzen beef stew and omurice, "Wachuka Kiku," which offers Nagasaki's famous Chanpon soup made with carefully simmered chicken and pork bones, and "Kumo no Naka Cafe," which offers carefully crafted soft serve ice cream. It is recommended to enjoy sightseeing while eating and walking, whether it's for lunch or cafe time.

The hot springs in Unzen are acidic sulfur springs that are also known for their beautifying effects on the skin. You can easily enjoy the high-quality hot springs at the day trip bathing facilities scattered throughout the hot spring town. The "Yunosi Hot Spring Public Bath," located just one step behind the shopping district, is the oldest public bath in Unzen. In addition to this, there are various facilities to choose from, such as reasonably priced facilities where you can bathe like a public bath, private hot springs, and free foot baths in the city. Unzen's hot springs are generally colorless and transparent, but they can also be white and cloudy. This is due to changes in weather and time of day, so if you enjoy touring the hot springs in addition to the hot springs at your accommodation, you may be able to experience the fact that hot springs are a living natural phenomenon.