Unzen Jigoku, otherwise known as Unzen Hell, is a geothermally active area in Nagasaki prefecture. Located within the Unzen National Park, which was designated as Japan’s first National Park in 1934, the Unzen Jigoku has long been a revered hot spring resort town. Here, you’ll find steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the pungent scent of sulphur fills the air. There are 30 active fumaroles and boiling springs that hiss and bubble across the mountainside, which aid in the region’s resemblance to a ‘hell’-like landscape.

Adding to the ‘Hell’-like atmosphere, the Unzen Jigoku has a dark history. In the 1600s, Unzen Jigoku was used as an execution ground for Christian martyrs when Christianity was outlawed. It’s believed that some 30 Christians were heavily tortured and killed at the site of Unzen Jigoku. While this historic town has a dark history in modern times, the town now prides itself as being one of Kyushu’s premier hot spring destinations. 

Unzen Jigoku has numerous walking paths that take you up close to the thermal vents.Follow the clearly marked paths past major vents like Oito Jigoku (“Big Boiling Hell”) and Seishichi Jigoku.  Near the main path, you’ll also find small statues and plaques commemorating the Christian martyrs who met their fate in this location.

After exploring the hell valleys, unwind in one of the nearby hot spring baths. Many hotels in this area offer natural onsens for their visitors to enjoy.Furthermore, head to the Unzen Visitor Centre to learn more about the volcanic activity, local wildlife, and the region’s history through interactive exhibits and displays.

Unzen Jigoku is stunning year-round. Spring brings fresh greenery and wildflowers, autumn paints the slopes in fiery red and gold, and winter adds a mysterious beauty as steam swirls through frost-covered trees.