🗺️ Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell)

Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) is one of the representative attractions of the Unzen Onsen area in Nagasaki Prefecture. The Unzen Onsen area is divided into three regions: Koy湯 (Old Hot Springs), Shin湯 (New Hot Springs), and Ko Jigoku (Small Hell), with Unzen Jigoku located between Koy湯 and Shin湯. Here, high-temperature steam continuously rises from the cracks in the rock, filling the air with a strong sulfur smell and white smoke, making it feel as if one is in the hell depicted in Buddhist teachings, hence the name "Unzen Jigoku." At Unzen Jigoku, there are 30 "hell" landscapes named after Buddhist legends, including "Daikyo-kan Jigoku" (Great Scream Hell), "Misaki Jigoku" (Silk Hell), and "Seishichi Jigoku" (Clear Seven Hell). Near the most vigorous geyser, "Daikyo-kan Jigoku," there is an observation deck where visitors can closely observe the stunning geothermal eruptions. Close to "Misaki Jigoku," there is a tea house called "Unzen Jigoku Chaya," where visitors can experience geothermal and steam phenomena with their feet through "Unzen Jigoku Ashiyu" (foot bath), and enjoy onsen eggs (100 yen each) cooked in the hell's hot springs. It is worth mentioning that during the Edo period (1603-1868), this area was a site of torture used to force Christians to abandon their faith. Along the walking path, memorials commemorating the martyrs can still be seen. Additionally, in the cobblestone plaza surrounding Unzen Jigoku, there is a monument commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Unzen area being designated as "Unzen National Park," which is also a popular photo spot.

You can see the conical "mud volcano" formed by the simultaneous eruption of underground mud and gas. The highest temperature of the gas can reach 120°C. The hot spring is an acidic sulfur spring. Around the gas vents, you can see white or light yellow hot spring flowers. The geothermal activity at the old Hachiman Hell is relatively low, so the ground feels only slightly warm to the touch. Along the approximately 30-minute walking trail, there is a viewing platform where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the hell hot springs.