Unzen

Unzen is a city on Shimabara Peninsula with a landscape that rolls across the northern edge, looking out toward Ariake Bay. Mount Unzen, an active volcano, dominates the surroundings and feeds the many hot springs scattered throughout the region.

Present-day Unzen was formed in 2005 when seven smaller towns merged into one city, a major shift in how the region was governed. This consolidation reshaped local administration and the way services were organized across the area.

The name Unzen comes from the volcanic mountain and connects deeply to the hot springs that shape daily life here. Throughout the city, bathhouses and small resorts show how central these natural waters are to the community.

The city is served by the Shimabara Railway line and national routes 57, 251, and 389, offering different travel options. Visitors looking to explore the area will find good access by bus and car for getting around.

The Obama Onsen springs reach temperatures above 100°C and rank among the hottest natural waters in the country. This extreme heat is striking because it shows how powerfully volcanic activity still operates beneath the ground.

Location: Nagasaki Prefecture

Inception: October 11, 2005

Reference: 422134

Shares border with: Isahaya, Shimabara, Minamishimabara

Website: https://city.unzen.nagasaki.jp

GPS coordinates: 32.83519,130.18753

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:40