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 most scenic spots in Unzen,

offering magnificent natural beauty throughout the

year. Each season puts on a spectacular display:

vibrant azaleas in spring, lush greenery in summer,

brilliant red maples in autumn, and a fantastic silver

hoarfrost in 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.

A variety of trekking routes start right from the onsen resort

town, leading visitors through Unzen Jigoku. From casual

walkers to avid mountain climbers, everyone can enjoy a

route tailored to their preferences, with trails reaching

Nita Pass as well as the summits of Mount Myoken and

Mount Fugen.

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.