It’s not only Beppu Onsen that draws attention; there is another hidden hot spring destination in Nagasaki, known as Unzen Jigoku.
Located in the mountainous region of Nagasaki, Unzen Onsen became a popular travel destination for foreigners during the Meiji era.
The Western-influenced architecture can still be seen in the small town of Unzen. Unzen Onsen also boasts Japan’s first national park, natural hot springs, and a “hell” scenery that might sound intimidating.
Famous Onsen in Kyushu
Kyushu is home to numerous hot springs, including the well-known Beppu and Unzen. Both of these places feature strange landscapes referred to as “hells.”
While Nagasaki may not be the top destination for tourists, if you’re visiting the area, you should definitely check out Unzen Jigoku for a hot spring experience with beautiful views that remain relatively unknown to many.
Unzen Onsen in Nagasaki
During the past, Nagasaki was the only port in Japan open to foreign countries, making it a popular location for Westerners.
To escape the summer heat, they would visit the cooler Unzen Onsen, nestled in the mountains. Over time, the area became known as a tourist spot.
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Unzen’s “Hell” view
Unzen Jigoku is an area covered with white hot spring soil. Around 30 different types of volcanic hot springs are found here, each with its own legend.
The white “leftover spring soil” is caused by long-term steam and acidic water, which causes the land to fade to white and form flowing clay.
Sulfur flowers, either white or yellow, often cling to the fumaroles around the hot springs, adding to the unique scenery.
The name Unzen Jigoku comes from the sulfurous hot springs in the area. The air is filled with steam at high temperatures, and the strong smell of sulfur permeates the atmosphere.
This creates a sulfuric rock terrain that makes one feel as if they are in hell. As night falls, the lights set up by the Unzen Hot Spring Association illuminate the area.
White smoke and high temperatures coming from the ground will further add to the hell-like atmosphere.
That is why this tourist spot is considered to have a hell-like view. Until finally, it was named “Unzen Hell” or Unzen Jigoku.
One famous spot is “Screaming Hell,” where the hot spring water reaches temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius. The endless hot springs showcase the grandeur and magnificence of this place.
What to See and Do at Unzen Onsen?
Once you enter Unzen Jigoku, high-temperature hot springs and hot water pipes can be seen throughout the area.
Visitors must follow the path regulations and avoid stepping off the trail to prevent burns from the high temperatures.
At Unzen Onsen, steam bursts from time to time, enveloping the surroundings, and the air may feel thick with the pungent sulfur smell, creating a strange and mysterious atmosphere for visitors.
In addition to the sulfurous landscape, there are also mud volcano craters constantly emitting sticky hot mud, allowing visitors to experience the dangers of geothermal activity.
Due to the extremely high temperatures, you can cook eggs, vegetables, seafood, and other delicious foods in the hot springs.
At the Unzen Jigoku pavilion, you’ll find vendors selling eggs cooked in the hot springs. It’s said that eating these eggs can add a year to your life, though you can just consider it an interesting feature of your journey.
Unzen Jigoku also has stone slabs where people can experience the heat of the Earth with bare feet. However, due to the high temperatures, be careful not to stand on the stones for too long to avoid burns.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful atmosphere than Beppu Onsen, Unzen Jigoku offers just that. A hot spring bath or onsen is perfect during the autumn or winter seasons. So, give it a try!
