The Terraqueous Panorama ,Composed of the Steaming Mt.Unzen and Archipelagic Amakusa
Day 1
For those of you looking to get off the beaten path while enjoying onsen culture, unique Japanese crafts and delicious local food, let me introduce you to Unzen-Amakusa National Park!
This Japanese National Park has some of the most incredible views, trails, waters and nature you can find in Japan.
At Unzen Yaki Kamamoto, I was able to meet with a pottery craftsman and make my own unzen pottery. It’s harder than it looks!I felt so proud when I finally got it right!
Strolling around Unzen Jigoku Valley felt like stepping into another world! The natural onsen waters made white clouds all over the town, and the friendly local kitties were so cute!
Luckily I had locally sourced food to fuel my creativity!Amakusa covers two different islands so, as you can guess, their fish is incredibly fresh -and goes wonderfully with a cold beer! . If you want to go the veggie route, eating in Oku-Unzen is a delicious and heart-warming experience because the people there are so wholesome.
I also had the opportunity to visit Takeda Katatsumuri Farm, where I spent the morning in peaceful nature picking the most perfect organic veggies that we all ate.
More photos and memories of this wonderful trip to come! Stay tuned.
Do you like exploring the less known locations when you travel or do you stick to the “must see” destinations?
Day 2
What’s a view you found traveling that you will always remember?
My recent trip to Unzen-Amakusa was a succession of breathtaking sights, pristine landscapes and beautiful natural sceneries.
For example:
Nita Pass was such a rewarding early morning experience, offering unexpected scenes like the snowy Shrine!
Myoken-ura, the west coast of Amakusa, has unique rock formations, can you see the elephant shaped rock in the picture?
It was a breath of fresh air to see Christianity, Buddhism and Shintoism gather together while still blending with nature and respecting the pure beauty of Unzen-Amakusa National Park. An interesting fact: Sakitsu Village in Kumamoto has a rich history of Christianity, which is something rare in Japan! It certainly gives the place a different flavor. It’s such a beautiful coastal town, too!
Finally, a bonus fun fact: the longest ashiyu (hot foot bath) in Japan is close to Unzen-Amakusa National Park, in Obama Hot Spring! .You can even steam your food there with the natural hot spring steam, and have a little picnic next to the sea.
Day 3
What’s a travel tip you live by? Me? It’s a very simple one: “Travel more”.
Sometimes getting off the beaten path might require a little extra effort and time, but it can be so rewarding! Take for example, my last batch of memories of my trip to Unzen-Amakusa National Park:
Takabutoyama viewpoint which reminded me that Japan does in fact have over 6800 islands! So much beauty to uncover! If you want to know more about the coast of Amakusa, you have all the info at Amakusa Visitor Center.
Exploring the secrets of Amakusa, Kumamoto near the park- The dreamy Amakusa’s pristine coast,
On the photo you can see one of the recommended dishes in this area: champon, a noodle soup dish that is both very filling and affordable!
Finally, very close to the National Park there’s Misumi West Port, a Meiji-Period port with European influences that made me feel like in a Studio Ghibli movie.
Having the opportunity to explore Unzen-Aamakusa National Park was a beautiful experience and it rewarded my early mornings, hikes and effort with unforgettable moments full of wanderlust that I’m so happy to share with you!
Definitely a reminder of how much Japan’s National Parks have to offer, for those who want to take the leap.I hope you consider visiting this hidden gem on your next trip to Japan! Not sure it will be hidden for much longer…
