Unzen Jigogu

Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) is a signature sightseeing landmark of the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture, home to Unzen Onsen and Mount Unzen. It is a geothermal “hell” hot spring area powered by the heat of Unzen Fugendake. Between gray rocks, thick steam and hot air rise constantly, creating an otherworldly landscape that feels unlike anything else. Unlike hell hot spring areas in places such as Beppu in Oita or Hakone in Kanagawa, Unzen Jigoku is also known as a site tied to the persecution and martyrdom of Christians during the Edo period—history that recalls how this place was once truly hellish. Reflecting that history, monuments honoring Christian martyrs have been erected in the area. A well-maintained boardwalk crosses the geothermal zone, and you can enjoy a “hell experience” stroll that takes about 60 minutes for a full loop. At “Unzen Jigoku Ashimushi” (foot steaming), you can feel the geothermal heat and steam directly. At “Unzen Jigoku Kobo,” you can also taste hot spring eggs steamed using that geothermal energy. Access to Unzen Jigoku by public transportation is from JR Isahaya Station, where Shimabara Railway trains depart: take a local train for 85 minutes to “Shimabara Port Station,” then travel about 4 km (around 10 minutes by car) from Shimabara Port Station. By car, it is about 80 minutes (around 60 km) from “Isahaya IC” on the Nagasaki Expressway via the Unzen Green Road.