Guide
Obama Onsen is a beautiful hot spring town located on the western side of the Shimabara Peninsula in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture. It offers a breathtaking location overlooking Kichisui Bay, boasting exceptionally high spring temperatures of 105°C and abundant water volume. This intense thermal energy has historically been used for salt production and, more recently, for modern energy applications like binary power generation. The landscape is a unique blend of sea and steam, featuring traditional inns (ryokan) lined along the coast, open-air baths with ocean views, and the famous 105m-long footbath facility.
The history of Obama Onsen is ancient, with records dating back to the 8th-century text 'Hizen no Kuni Fudoki.' It has long been cherished as a healing destination (toji). In 1949, Emperor Showa visited the area to observe salt production utilizing hot spring heat. Interestingly, the town also holds a place in modern international pop culture: during the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, the town gained attention when locals held support events for Barack Obama, noting that his name 'Obama' shares the same pronunciation as the town's name.
One of the absolute must-see spots is 'Hotto Futto 105' located within Obama Marine Park. This massive 105-meter-long footbath allows you to relax while gazing out at the ocean. Another spectacular sight is the 'Intermittent Steam Eruption' (Kanketsu Funto) near the coast, where hot water and steam burst from the ground periodically. This is a rare and powerful display of natural energy. Additionally, many public bathhouses and inns offer open-air baths (rotenburo) where you can soak while enjoying the panoramic views of Kichisui Bay.
While the hot springs can be enjoyed year-round, the scenery is particularly beautiful during certain seasons. We highly recommend visiting in the evening to watch the sunset over Kichisui Bay while relaxing in an outdoor bath. Since the intermittent steam eruptions occur at specific intervals, it is a good idea to check the local status beforehand to increase your chances of witnessing the dynamic eruption.
Exploring the local food culture is an essential part of your visit. The famous 'Obama Champon' is a local specialty served at approximately 20 shops throughout the town. This noodle dish is characterized by its savory broth and fresh seafood, such as whole shrimp. Walking through the hot spring streets while enjoying a warm bowl of Champon is a quintessential Obama experience. You can also observe the intersection of tradition and modern technology through the local binary power plants that utilize the geothermal heat.
Located at the foot of Unzen National Park, the area is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of Mt. Unzen. You can easily plan a trip that combines a visit to the hot spring town with the hiking and natural landscapes of the Unzen area. It is also a convenient base for exploring Nagasaki City or the Isahaya region.
For walking around the hot spring town, comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Please bring a towel and a change of clothes when visiting bath facilities. Regarding payment, while many larger ryokans and hotels accept credit cards, many small local eateries and public bathhouses are cash-only, so please carry Japanese Yen. As English support may be limited, using a translation app is helpful. Please remember to follow local etiquette, such as no photography in bathing areas and being mindful of other guests.