Unzen travel guide

Located in the center of the Shimabara Peninsula, this area sits

on the southwestern slope of Mount Unzen at an altitude of 700

meters. It began welcoming foreign tourists around 1900, after

figures such as Kaempfer and Siebold introduced the region to

the West. In 1934, it became part of the first area to be designated

as a National Park in Japan.

Nita Pass is one of the best scenic spots in Unzen. The natural

scenery here is magnificent throughout the year. Each season

offers a spectacular display: the vibrant azaleas of spring, the lush

greenery of summer, the brilliant red maples of autumn, and the

fantastic silver frost (hoarfrost) of winter.

Unzen Jigoku, which literally means “Hell,” is the number one

attraction of Unzen. The area is filled with the distinct scent of sulfur

and thick white steam rising from the ground across a wide area—a

striking reminder that the Unzen volcano remains very much active.

Various trekking routes are prepared with the Onsen Onsen Resort town 
as the starting area, through the Unzen Jigoku.  Everyone including

mountain climber can enjoy by choosing preference route, Nita pass and

summit of mount Myuken and Fugen can be reached.

Opened in 1913, the Unzen Golf Course is Japan’s oldest public course,

and the second oldest overall after the Kobe Golf Club (opened in 1903).

The area was designated as one of Japan’s first national parks in 1934,

and the golf course has since been popular as a main attraction for both

Japanese and international visitors.