ITINERARY
Volcanic Awe and Joy Wellness Experience Around Mount Unzen
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The volcanic landscape that powers Unzen's hot springs inspires awe and admiration and has long been integrated with the lives of local residents. Experience the vibrant culture that thrives in Unzen-Amakusa National Park through activities and excursions that show you all sides of volcanic power.
Itinerary Highlights
- Making yusenpei wafers by hand in a guided workshop.
- Learning about the volcanic might of the mountains around Unzen-Amakusa National Park.
- Enjoying local craftsmanship and storytelling around the Unzen Onsen resort area.
Yusenpei wafer workshop
Arrive at Nagasaki Airport in the morning and take a car to the town of Unzen, where you can find a spot for lunch. Stop by the Unzen Visitor Center to get an overview of the features of this national park, including its geological origins and the hot springs that proliferate in this area.
In the mid-afternoon, try your hand at making the local snack known as yusenpei wafers at the shop Tootoumiya Honpo, which has an illustrious history of 130 years. The experience of cooking the wafers in traditional metal molds is sure to delight, especially given that these treats are made with hot spring water from Mount Fugendake. After the wafer workshop, head to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the resort area at your own pace.
Multiple views into Unzen's hot springs
Depart from your hotel in the morning and join a guided walk of the Unzen area, available through the Unzen Visitor Center. A knowledgeable local guide will take you on a three-hour walking tour, on which you'll learn about how the residents of this area live in harmony with the volcanoes, how to identify the native plants and animals of this region, and more.
After returning from the walking tour, which includes a bento lunchbox, consider joining another walking tour to learn more about the area. Alternatively, do some sightseeing of your own. Local attractions include the Unzen Vidro Museum. This museum's name comes from the Portuguese word for glass, which was popularized during the Edo period. Nagasaki Prefecture has a rich history of glassmaking, and the Vidro Museum thus collects both foreign and Japanese glassware, ceramics, paintings, and more.
Head back to your hotel for a short rest. A popular activity in the evening is the interactive walking tour and performance called Tales of Hot Springs Jigoku, which introduces the local legends associated with the Unzen resort area. This one-of-a-kind, otherworldly experience provides a thrilling endcap to your day of exploration.
Journey to Mount Myoken by e-bike and ropeway
Walk over to Tabichari Station in the morning to rent an e-bike. Hop on your bike and cycle to the Nita Pass where you can take the Unzen Ropeway to the peak of Mount Myoken. Enjoy spectacular panoramas throughout your journey and develop an in-depth understanding of the volcanic ecology of the area.
Upon your return to Unzen Onsen, have lunch somewhere local and then start packing up. Head back to Nagasaki Airport for your return trip.