NATIONAL PARKS OF JAPAN

Unzen-Amakusa

PARKHighlights

Unzen-Amakusa National Park is a place where exceptional natural beauty is the backdrop for intriguing history. The park encompasses wonders of land and water across two areas: the Shimabara Peninsula and the Amakusa Islands. At the heart of the peninsula sits Mt. Unzen, commanding attention from all directions, and shaping the region with its volcanic power — a secondary peak Mt. Heisei-Shinzan was born of volcanic activity in the 1990s. The peaks are surrounded by popular spots such as Unzen Ropeway leading to Mt. Myoken from Nita Pass, and the Unzen Onsen with its steaming “hells.” Amakusa is an island chain across Shimabara Bay, an area of gorgeous seascapes, rich marine life, and fascinating historic sites. Diving and dolphin-watching are major draws, along with historical sites related to the “Hidden Christians.”

Getting There

From Haneda Airport, fly to Nagasaki Airport (100 min), take the Kenei Bus to Isahaya Terminal (45 min), then the Shimatetsu Bus to Shimatetsu Unzen Bus Terminal (80 min).

Activitiesaround the Park

RECOMMENDEDItineraries

2 DAY TRIP / 1st day

8:30Fly to Nagasaki Airport; head for UnzenDepart from Haneda Airport at 08:30, and arrive at Nagasaki Airport at 10:35. Then, take a bus for Unzen — first, you'll have to take a 31-minute bus to Isahaya-ekimae; from there, take a bus to Unzen.
15:00Take a guided tour of the Unzen areaIf you're arriving at Unzen on the same day, the first option is for you. After having lunch, explore the beautiful volcanic landscape of Mt. Unzen! On a guided hiking tour of the area, you'll learn about the history and charms of the region, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the area around Mt. Unzen.
9:00Tour Unzen Onsen and hike Mt. FugenThe second option is for those who want to climb Mt. Fugen, in addition to touring Unzen Onsen. But because this tour starts in the morning, we strongly recommend staying at Unzen Onsen the night before.
18:00Stay at Unzen OnsenLet the white steam of this onsen surround you and wash away all your fatigue!

2 DAY TRIP / 2nd day

10:00Dye a 'tenugui' towel using natural pigmentsTake a walk through Unzen Onsen's lush woodland, where you'll gather leaves and dyer's knotweed. After lunch, you'll dye a 'tenugui' hand towel with natural pigments from the plants you gathered.
17:00Take a nighttime stroll around Unzen Jigoku, the Hell of UnzenFor some nighttime thrill, stroll around Unzen Jigoku, the Hell of Unzen. Here, steam covers the area, hot springs — most of them too hot for people to bathe in — bubble violently, and the smell of sulfur permeates. At night, this area looks even more hellish than usual!
Prepare for your next adventureSpend another night at Unzen Onsen, and get ready for the next day. We recommend visiting Shimabara Castle and journetying around town via the Shimabara Railway.

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