Spots in Obama / Unzen / Shimabara Area

  • Unzen Jigoku
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    4.0
    557 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachounzen 320
    Featuring air thick with the smell of sulfur and white steam bursting from underground, Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) really lives up to its name. It is known as a place where Christians were once tortured to death, and there are monuments dedicated to their martyrdom. Some of the attractions include the “Unzen Jigoku Steaming Footbath,” where visitors can experience the sensation of geothermal heat and steam, and the “Unzen Jigoku Workshop,” which sells eggs with an interesting effect: “Eat one, and you live a year longer. Eat two, and you live two years longer. Eat three, and you live long until you die.” In the fall, over 2,000 of these eggs are sold every day, making them quite the hot item indeed.

    It is main reason why one has to go to Unzen. You may need 2 to 3 hours to get around the whole place. Wearing a pair of comfortable shoes is recommended.

  • Shimabara Castle
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    4.0
    317 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Shimabarashi Jounai 1-1183-1
    Shimabara Castle is located at the foot of Mt. Unzen overlooking the Ariake Sea. The castle is comprised of a five-tier tower surrounded by turrets of various sizes and incorporates the castle architectural style of the Azuchi-Momyama period. The castle is distinguished by its tall and strong walls. After it was completed in 1624, the castle served as the seat of 19 generations of feudal lords from four clans over a 250-year history and was the stage for many historical events. The castle was demolished with the Meiji Restoration but the tower was restored in 1964. The interior of the castle is a museum which exhibits materials related to the early Japanese Christians and other local history matters.

    島原を象徴する史跡の一つです。天守は復元されたものですが威風堂々としており、ぐるっと囲まれた堀のどこから見てもその素晴らしさを窺い知ることが出来ます。 天守内は歴史資料館となっていますが、他の日本の城とは一線を画し、潜伏していたキリシタンの史料が多く展示されています。島原を中心としたキリシタンの信仰と彼らを弾圧しようとする勢力との戦いを学ぶことが出来る施設の一つでもあります。 最上階からの展望室か...

  • Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan
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    4.0
    201 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachounzen 320
    This hot spring facility is located in Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City. It has an open-air bath with water directly from the source, large public bath and reservation-only family bath with an open-air bath, uses milky-white hot spring water containing a large amount of metasilicic acid with skin beautifying effects using Unzen Jigoku's Daikyokan Jigoku and Jaken Jigoku as a source. Besides being good for acne, heat rashes, skin irritations and athlete's foot from its high bactericidal effects, it also has a good effect on various symptoms such as nerve pain, muscle soreness and joint pain. In addition, you can also taste traditional course meals utilizing seafood from the Ariake Sea and Tachibana Bay.

    This is a very nice ryokan in a beautiful location. I pity anyone who tries to drive here, they will collect you in a shuttle bus from Nagasaki station. This is our third ryokan experience and each...

  • Hotto Futto 105
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    4.0
    114 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachoukitahonmachi 905-70
    This footbath facility inside Obama Marine Park along the Shimabara Highway is located in Kitahonmachi, Obama-cho, Unzen City. It uses 100% Obama Onsen water, and boasts being Japan's longest at 105 meters long, related to the 105-degree Celsius water from the source. While looking at Tachibana Bay, it can be used sitting, walking or even for pets. In addition, there are adjoining steamers where you can eat seafood, vegetables and eggs steamed from the heat of the source.

    rainy day out but we are with legs in the foot bath of the 105 meter long. fun and enjoyable - especially that can relax with seaview. nice start for traveling day

  • Unzen Ropeway
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    4.0
    110 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachounzen 551
    This ropeway operates from the Unzen Nita Pass in Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City to nearby the summit of Mt. Myoken. You can enjoy magnificent views of Unzen, designated as a part of Unzen-Amakusa National Park, from inside the gondola. In addition, the station has facilities such as specialty goods shops and a mountain summit observation center, and Unzen Nita Pass Premium Night is an event held where you can watch the night views and starry sky of Amakusa and Shimabara.

    If you are not prepared to go hiking, it is an easy way to go to the mountain top. I hiked up and took the ropeway down.

  • Unzen Disaster Memorial Museum Gamadasu Dome
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    4.5
    108 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Shimabarashi Heiseimachi 1-1
    The museum was established to convey to future generations the “Great Heisei Eruption” of Mt. Unzen Fugen from 1990 to 1996. The memorial hall has been built on the spot that was damaged by the eruption and which was originally sea. From the observation point, you can view the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen Fugen together with the new sight of the revitalized town. Experience type programs with varying contents are also held. It is a 10-minute walk from the “Arena Iriguchi” bus stop.

    It is very touching to go inside this museum, you can find all the relevant information, photos and remains of the two eruptions in 1792 and 1991. I am very much impressed by two things: First is...

  • Avalanche-stricken Homes Preservation Park
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    4.5
    60 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagasaki Minamishimabara-shi Fukaecho Tei 6077
    "The park adjacent to ""Roadside Station Mizunashi Honjin"" preserves and exhibits houses that were damaged by the mudslide caused by the eruption of Mount Unzen Fugendake in 1992. 11 houses, both outdoors and in large tents, were buried under an average of 2.8 m, showing the severity of the disaster."

    道の駅「みずなし本陣ふかえ」が閉館していたことは知っていましたが。まさかこの土石流被災家屋保存公園も閉鎖(令和4年12月1日-令和5年3月14日)していたとは知りませんでした。従って、避難時に使われた消防車だけ写真に収めて撤収しました。ここから普賢岳がはっきりと見えるのが良かった点です。

  • Kojigoku Onsenkan
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    4.5
    37 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachounzen 500-1
    This is a public hot spring bath made of wood where reportedly Yoshida Shoin once visited, and which was opened as a hot spring heath retreat in 1731. The source spring flows from immediately behind the building, and you can enjoy fresh hot springs at any time. The hot water is milky white, and is mildly acidic, gentle to the skin. The water has the effect of promoting circulation around the whole body, so it is said to also have benefits for heart disease and hypertension. It is five-minute walk from Ryokan Seiunso Inn.

    6年ぶりに再訪しました。朝の一番湯で小地獄温泉館を満喫しました。熱め44.5度と42度弱の二つの浴槽が並んでいます。温泉は少し緑ががった白濁の硫黄泉です。硫黄臭を感じ口に含むと少し甘味を感じました。熱めの体に効くとてもイイ湯でした。浴後は汗がひきませんでした。雲仙岳の恵みの良温泉です。休み処では飲食はできないようです。

  • Arima Christian Heritage Memorial Hall
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    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Minamishimabara-shi Minami-arimacho Otsu 1395

    Good place to go & learn about the rise & fall of Christianity in Nagasaki. The information provided was clear & the video summarised the displayed information.

  • UNZEN Visitor Center
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    3.5
    51 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachounzen 320
    This visitor center introduces the wonders of the Shimabara Peninsula to visitors, with a focus on Unzen, home of Japan’s first official national park. Located in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, the center contains exhibits that highlight the area’s unique topography due to frequent volcanic activity, as well as the fascinating plant life, seasonal scenery, the link between the volcano and hot springs, the history and culture of the region, and more. There’s also a section that provides information about the natural environment, which is sure to come in handy for those exploring the area. There’s a free rest area, and drinks are available as well.

    国道を挟んで本館と別館が建っています。新湯共同浴場前に駐車したので、本館には行かず別館で雲仙地獄の案内図をいただきました。館内は広い休憩スペースになっており、自販機やトイレなどがありました。

  • Seiryutei
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    3.5
    27 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Shimabarashi Shinmachi 2-247-1
    A tourist information center located in Shin-machi, Shimabara City. Serving as a base for sightseeing activities in the city, the center provides tourism information and also displays Shimabara Special Quality-certified local specialty products. Visitors can come here to take a break and watch colorful koi carp swimming in a pond filled with Shimabara spring water.

    島原は、雲仙からの湧水があちらこちらで噴出している、水の都的な町です。島原城を観光した後、数百mほど南側にある町は、「鯉の泳ぐまち」として人気のスポットです。そこに、観光交流センター清流亭がありました。 名水百選のまち「島原」の湧水群等の案内所的な施設のようで、観光案内や地元物産の紹介をしていました。建物の前庭には池があって、きれいな水が湧き出していました。

  • Unzen Vidro Museum
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    3.5
    27 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagasaki Unzen-shi Obamacho Unzen 320
    "An art museum located in Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City. The museum's collection consists of Japanese ""vidro"" blown glass, whose techniques were transmitted to Nagasaki from Portugal; and antique Bohemian and other varieties of glassware. In addition to glassware, the museum holds season exhibitions of porcelain, paintings, and other works of art. The museum also holds special glassmaking experiences in which participants can create a piece of glassware using techniques such as fusing and sandblasting."

    Si tratta di un piccolo museo del vetro molto curato. Gli arredi sono depoca e testimoniano la storia del sito.

  • Shimabara Onsen Yutorogi no Yu
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    4.0
    20 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Nagasaki Shimabara Horimachi 171-3
    Located along Machiyashiki Street, this hot spring facility uses Shimabara hot spring water, which is effective for cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases when bathed, and for chronic digestive diseases, diabetes, gout, and liver diseases when drunk.

    Yutoroginoyu is a public bath on the shopping arcade. It is a very convenient location, as many touristic spots are nearby. The facility of this house is just average, but the water, which is of...

  • Unzen Toy Museum
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    3.0
    23 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Obamachounzen 310
    A toy shop and museum situated along the Unzen Road in Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City. The first floor is a toy shop in which you can find some 2,000 nostalgic old toys and cheap dagashi sweets and snacks. Around 5,000 toys are on display in the second floor museum, such as tin plate cars and celluloid masks.

    雲仙は自然以外に見るところはあまりないのでここは比較的人が多い。店内は懐かしいおもちゃや、駄菓子があり、子供は夢中です。

  • Tachibana Shrine
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    4.0
    19 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Unzen-shi Chijiwacho Ki 529
    A Shinto shrine located in Chijiwa-cho, Unzen City. The shrine is dedicated to Tachibana Shuta, a man who served as aide-de-camp to the crown prince and who also served as the principal of a school for cultivating young officer candidates. A museum on the grounds dedicated to the man operates out of a portion of Tachibana's childhood residence, which was dismantled and moved here. The temple is a famous destination for cherry blossom viewing, and in the spring some 1,000 cherry trees along the approach to the shrine come into bloom. At the end of the year, the shrine's torii gate is decorated with huge traditional bamboo decorations standing over 10-meters-tall which have been granted a Guinness World Record.

    Tachibana Shrine is dedicated to army lieutenant colonel Shuta Tachibana who became famous in the Russo-Japanese War which occurred during the beginning on the 20th century. Tachibana Shrine is a...

  • Kuchinotsu Dolphin Watching
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    4.5
    13 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Minamishimabara-shi Kuchinotsucho Tei 5771-1
    The boat operates from Kuchinotsu-cho, Minamishimabara City, and sails to Hayasaki Strait, where wild dolphins can be seen throughout the year, and you can watch them swimming on the surface of the sea.

    人生初のイルカウォッチング‼️ 昨日が雨で今日に変更して良かった‼️ 晴天に恵まれ気温も20度近くまで上がり最高のウォッチング日和になりました。 平日の木曜日だからなのか人がいない、ここで良かったのかちょっと心配、港には、65人位乗れる大型船が2艚トイレ付き、10人乗り位の小型船1艚 うちの家族4名と女性2名のカップル計6名で出港です。もちろん小型船の方です...

  • Kuchinotsu Port
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    3.0
    1 Reviews
    Transportation
    Nagasaki Pref. Minamishimabarashi Kuchinotsuchou Hei 4134-71
    This port is located in Kuchinotsu-cho, Minamishimabara City. After opening as a trading port in 1562 and prospering as the base of European trade and Christian missionary activities, it was used as a port to reload coal from the Miike coal mine during the Meiji period (1868-1912). The Marine Festa in Kuchinotsu is held every July, and there are various events such as fireworks displays.

    天草と島原を30分で繋ぐ島鉄フェリーの島原側の港です。半年前にターミナルビルができたばかりということもあり、同じ日に乗った三和フェリーの両港より賑やかな感じでした。有明海周辺を効率良く巡るには外せない旅の拠点と思います。

  • Hara Castle Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Pref. Minamishimabarashi Minamiarimachou
    Hara Castle was the site of the end of the Shimabara Rebellion. Naturally fortified by the surrounding Ariake Sea, the castle was once considered impregnable. The Shimabara Rebellion was led by Amakusa Shiro, who barricaded himself inside the castle with tens of thousands of locals for 88 days until they were wiped out completely. Countless human bones and crosses have been excavated here, attesting to the tragedy which occurred at the site.
  • Obama History Museum
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    3.5
    12 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagasaki Unzen-shi Obamacho Kitahonmachi 923-1
    This museum is a 60-minute drive from Shimabara Station. The museum is comprised of the Yudayu Exhibition Hall and the History Exhibition Hall, and in both, visitors can learn about the history of Obama Onsen. The Yudayu Exhibition Hall operates out of the former home of Honda Yudayu, the man who led to the area being developed as a hot spring district, and here visitors can learn about his life and achievements. The History Exhibition Hall, as its name implies, contains a variety of exhibits concerning the history of Obama. There is also a hot spring outside the museum, and visitors can see steam rising from it.

    ガイドブックに紹介されていた歴史博物館が気になって行ってみました。国道からの上がり道がせまかったので下のセブンイレブンに車を停めて行ってみましたが、資料館の隣に大きな駐車場はありました。お客さんがいなかったこともあり、受付の方が江戸時代に湯太夫に任じられていた本田家をはじめ、温度、湧出量日本一の小浜温泉の歴史丁寧に説明してくれました。門の証明にある源泉は半月に1回湯柱を上げて噴出させるそうでそれを...

  • Hyakkadai Park
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    4.5
    9 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagasaki Pref. Unzenshi Kunimichoutaira Bo 1448-46
    "This park is located along National Route 389 in Tairabo, Kunimi-cho, Unzen City. There are sports facilities such as a tennis court, soccer field and softball court, the park's symbol ""Kodomo no Toride,"" large play equipment and multiple plazas. In addition, there is a barbecue plaza in the park, and you can also rent equipment."

    テニスコートが目的でしたが、ふらっと脚を伸ばせば広いのなんのって! こんなに広い公園はなかなかないと思います。 秋でしたが、緑の綺麗な季節にまた訪れたい。秋の紅葉も綺麗でしたが、芝生の広場が広くて何ヶ所もあり、本当に気持ち良さそうでした。 遊具もたくさんあり、小さなお子さんにも持ってこいです。

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This hidden corner of the country is rural Japan at its best, where underground activity is to thank for active volcanoes and bubbling natural hot springs along the Shimabara Peninsula as well as the crystal clear waters of the Goto Islands off the west coast. Less well known than Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, Nagasaki commemorates its own past at the Nagasaki Peace Park, which sits alongside the charming Meganebashi stone bridge and a mix of religious buildings with beautiful architecture, such as the Zen Buddhist Sofukuji Temple, the Confucian Shrine, and the Oura Christian Church.

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