Unzen-Amakusa National Park is Hot, Hot, Hot

Marvel at the power of nature on Mount Unzen

Venture outside the limits of Nagasaki City to see first hand the raw natural power of Mt. Unzen. Set foot on this active volcano and you're in Japan's first national park, Unzen-Amakusa. That's not the only first—it's also Japan's first geopark.

Learn about the volcano's history, take a tour along a wooden boardwalk through the volcano's natural hot springs, and finish the day with a nice soak in the hot springs or foot bath. Explore the park as you like, with English signage posted throughout to allow you to better understand the impressive natural surroundings.

Hop on the ropeway to catch a glimpse of the mountain's gorgeous azaleas, or the brilliant autumn leaves so radiant they’re actually one of Japan's national natural monuments. If you're the active type, you can trek on foot and enjoy the views at your own pace. Your reward for the ride is a view out to where the ocean meets the sky. 

Access: From Tokyo Haneda Airport, fly to Nagasaki Airport (about one hour 55 minutes), take the Nagasaki Prefecture Bus to the Omura Eki Mae stop (about 10 minutes), then take the Omura Line rapid train to Isahaya Station (about 10 minutes), and take the Shimahara Bus to the Unzen stop (about one hour 25 minutes). Three times a day, a direct bus from Nagasaki Bus Terminal is available (about one hour 40 minutes).

Unzen Ropeway