Things To Do
in Unzen
Unzen is a small town located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes and hot springs. It is situated near Mount Unzen, an active volcano that last erupted in 1996. The town is a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and outdoor activities such as hiking and onsens.
Unzen also boasts historical sites like the ruins of the former village buried by a volcanic eruption in 1792.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Unzen Onsen, where you can enjoy soaking in the hot springs. Take a stroll along the scenic paths to see the volcanic landscapes.
Grab lunch at a local eatery specializing in fresh seafood. Afterwards, explore the nearby Unzen Jigoku (Hell Valley) to witness steam vents and sulfur deposits.
Conclude the day with a traditional Japanese dinner in your ryokan. Enjoy the serene night atmosphere while soaking in the beauty of nature.
Begin with a hike on the trails of Unzen National Park, experiencing the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Make sure to bring your camera for stunning landscape shots.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated spots in the park. Continue your hike by exploring the various viewpoints that overlook the volcano.
Return to your accommodation to relax and reflect on the day's adventure. Enjoy an evening walk to witness the sunset over the mountains.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and scenic landscapes, including volcanic mountains and hot springs.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditional Japanese architecture.
- Availability of outdoor activities such as hiking, onsen visits, and nature walks.
- Experience of local cuisine, including fresh seafood and regional specialties.
- Less crowded compared to more popular tourist destinations in Japan.
- Limited public transportation options can make getting around challenging without a car.
- Some attractions may have seasonal variations, which can affect accessibility.
- Language barriers may pose difficulties for non-Japanese speakers.
- Possible volcanic activity, which can be a concern for safety, albeit rare.
- Fewer amenities and attractions compared to larger Japanese cities, which might not appeal to all tourists.
Best Activities in Unzen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails and volcanic landscape of Unzen National Park by going on a hiking adventure.
Experience the unique natural phenomenon of hot springs and volcanic activity at Unzen Hell, where you can witness steaming vents and vibrant mineral deposits.
Relax and rejuvenate in the traditional hot spring baths that are abundant in the Unzen area, offering a soothing soak with picturesque surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Unzen with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Unzen
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of the Unzen area, including the volcanic landscape and nearby Shimabara Peninsula.
Provides a scenic vantage point overlooking the Unzen Hot Springs and the surrounding mountains.
Offers breathtaking views of the Unzen Caldera and Shimabara Peninsula, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Provides a bird's-eye view of the Unzen landscape, including the volcanic peaks and surrounding forests.
Food in Unzen
Unzen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A locally produced tofu, known for its silky texture and delicate flavor. Must-try variations include yudofu (tofu hot pot) and agedashi tofu (deep-fried tofu in savory dashi sauce). You can sample authentic Unzen Tofu at Tofuya, a renowned tofu specialty restaurant located in the heart of Unzen.
Must-Try!
A regional specialty featuring thinly sliced pork marinated with flavorful Ibuki-ginger, a type of ginger grown in the nearby town of Obama. For a memorable Ibuki-ginger pork experience, visit a local izakaya like Yuzen for a truly authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Unzen better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the town center, the Unzen Farmer's Market offers a vibrant display of fresh produce, local snacks, and handicrafts. Visitors can savor street food delights such as imagawayaki (sweet filled pancakes), yakitori (grilled skewered chicken), and freshly made onsen tamago (hot spring eggs).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Japan, it is customary to bow when greeting someone as a sign of respect. The depth of the bow may vary depending on the formality of the situation and the status of the person being greeted.
When entering a Japanese home or some traditional establishments such as ryokan, it is important to remove your shoes before stepping inside. This is a sign of keeping the indoors clean and is considered a mark of respect for the space.
In Japan, there is generally a greater emphasis on personal space, and it is important to be mindful of this. Avoid standing too close to others, especially when in public places or on public transportation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Unzen with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Unzen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Unzen, Japan, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. Japanese service workers receive fair wages, and tipping may even be seen as rude or confusing.
In Unzen, Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment, and credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments. It's important to carry sufficient cash for smaller shops, markets, and traditional ryokans as some may not accept credit cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Unzen.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy mild temperatures. Expect crowded tourist attractions.
Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Expect warm weather and occasional rainfall.
Great for viewing fall foliage. Expect cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Good for enjoying hot springs. Expect cold weather and occasional snowfall.
Unzen at Night
Hiking in Unzen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park offering multiple trails with stunning views of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and unique flora and fauna.
A popular hiking trail that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The highest peak in the Unzen volcanic area, featuring a challenging hike with breathtaking views, sulfur vents, and rich biodiversity.
A scenic area with well-marked trails, allowing hikers to explore expansive grasslands, forests, and picturesque views of the mountains.
One of the famous peaks in the area, known for its challenging trails and rewarding views from the summit, as well as fascinating volcanic geology.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Unzen through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Unzen by plane.
The main airport serving Nagasaki Prefecture, located approximately 40 km from Unzen.
An international airport serving Fukuoka and the surrounding region, roughly 125 km from Unzen.
An international airport located about 100 km from Unzen, serving Kumamoto Prefecture.
An international airport located approximately 150 km from Unzen, serving the Kitakyushu area.
An airport located about 130 km from Unzen, serving Saga Prefecture.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Unzen, consisting of individuals who identify as Japanese nationals.
A smaller demographic group comprising individuals from various countries who reside in Unzen, including expatriates and long-term residents.
Visitors from other parts of Japan and abroad, particularly during peak travel seasons, contributing to the local economy.
The Soul of Unzen
Discover the essence of Unzen through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, including Unzen, where local teams and schools compete regularly.
Soccer enjoys widespread popularity in Unzen, with many youth leagues and local teams participating in competitions.
Running and jogging are popular activities in Unzen, especially given the beautiful landscapes and nature trails.
Basketball is a favored sport among youth and is commonly played in schools and local communities.
Table tennis is widely played in Japan, and Unzen is no exception, with many residents enjoying it recreationally and competitively.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Unzen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Unzen's cuisine revolves around seafood and meat, some restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Look for establishments that serve sesame tofu, tempura vegetable platters, and seasonal vegetable rice bowls, ensuring a delightful dining experience for vegetarians and vegans.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy dishes like sashimi, rice-based sushi, and grilled fish prepared without soy sauce. It's advisable to communicate your dietary restrictions clearly to the staff, who are often accommodating and willing to tailor dishes to accommodate gluten-free requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Unzen with these cultural adventures.
