Unzen Onsen

Overview

Unzen Onsen, located in Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen-shi, Nagasaki-ken, is a world-renowned hot spring, historically significant as a site of Christian persecution. The history of the onsen dates back to 701 AD (Taiho era), when the Buddhist priest Gyoki established Onsen-zan Manmyo-ji Temple. In 1653 (Joou era), Kato Zenemon opened "Enrekiyu" in Furuyu, marking the beginning of the onsen's use for therapeutic purposes. During the Edo period, it was introduced to Europe by Engelbert Kaempfer and Philipp Franz von Siebold, physicians at the Dutch trading post in Nagasaki. The Meiji era saw a surge in tourism, leading to paid guided tours of Jigoku (Hell) by Manmyo-ji Temple monks. Nagasaki's development as an international trading port further boosted Unzen Onsen's popularity, attracting foreigners residing in Nagasaki, the Shanghai International Settlement, and Hong Kong as a summer resort. Historical records indicate that Pearl S. Buck (Nobel Prize winner in Literature) and Helen Keller stayed there. Given the large number of foreign visitors, the Unzen Kanko Hotel, a Western-style hotel for foreigners, was built in the early Showa era. Designated as Japan's first national park in 1934 (Showa era), Unzen Onsen continues to attract visitors from Japan and abroad, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and rejuvenating hot springs. But Unzen Onsen offers more than just hot springs. Located at an altitude of 700 meters, the onsen town provides stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Spring showcases the vibrant Unzen azaleas (Miyama Kirishima), while autumn paints the mountains in a breathtaking display of fall colors. Unzen Onsen is also a place that bears witness to the history of Christian persecution. Unzen Jigoku was a site of persecution and martyrdom during the Edo period. Even today, along the Jigoku walking path, you can find unique rock formations and monuments such as Machiko-iwa, Babaishi, Kagamiishi, the Christian Martyrdom Monument, and the Sacred Flame Monument. Unzen Onsen is a perfect place to heal your mind and body with its harmonious blend of history, nature, and hot springs. We encourage you to visit Unzen Onsen!