Obama Onsen 小浜温泉

Sharing a name with the 44th president of the United States, Obama is a popular stopping point for tourists. Towels with an illustration of President Obama soaking in the hot springs are very popular souvenirs. While Obama has gained a significant amount of attention because of its namesake, its true fame lies in its boiling onsen.

Established in 713, Obama Onsen is famous for having some of the hottest, most active hot springs in Japan, reaching a staggering 100 degrees Celsius.

Located near the seafront, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset while resting your feet in the foot baths or simply going out for a stroll in this peaceful hot spring town.

Obama Onsen is accessible by car, train, or bus.

By car, the trip takes 50 minutes from Isahaya on the Nagasaki Express highway.

By train, you can take one of three trains from Nagasaki Station. The Limited Express Kamome bound for Hakata , Isahaya, or the JR Sasebo line will take you to Isahaya Station. Exit Isahaya Station and cross the street in front of you to Isahaya Bus Terminal and take the Shimatetsu Bus to Obama. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

By bus, you can take the Shimatetsu bus from Shimabara City to Obama. This will take you around one hour and 15 minutes.

Wander over to Karimizuan if you want to take a short break from the wonderful waters of Obama Onsen. Karimizuan is the center of the Karimizu Eco-Village Initiative, a group established to help combat depopulation in rural areas. Created by Unzen's own Kosei Shirotani, Karimizuan is a shop and cafe built in an 80-year-old master carpenter's home.

With all profits put directly back into the community, you can feel good about stopping by the second-floor cafe for a cup of homegrown lemongrass tea and some delicious snacks.

Inspired by the initiatives of Kosei Shirotani, other shops and workshops are opening in the area.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website