Unzen Jigoku (the Hells of Unzen)

Unzen Jigoku, a main highlight of the Unzen hot springs. The scenery of cloudy white steams with the smell of sulfur looks just like hell.

A tour is available for viewing of about 30 springs during about a 30- minute walk along the path. Each Jigokus (hells) are named differently with their own history and legend, such as the Dai-kyokan Jigoku (the Great Screaming Hell), the Oito Jigoku (the Oito Hell), and the Seishichi Jigoku (the Seishichi Hell). At the Dai-kyoukan Jigoku with the most violent fumarolic gas, an observation deck is equipped where you can view the fumarolic gas nearby.

The cafe located near the Oito Jigoku is a rest spot, where you can experience of feeling directly of the ground’s heat at the Unzen Jigoku Mushi, and enjoy tasting the Onsen Tamago (the steamed egg in the hot spring) at the price of 200 yen for two at the annexed facility, the Unzen Jigoku Kobo.

Christians were oppressed to convert their religion in the Edo period, for which cruel tortures were held at this place. The memorial monument was built to console the martyrdoms’ souls.

The monument celebrating the national park designation 50th anniversary is nearby located at the cobblestone square. It is a good place to take some pictures for the memory of Unzen.