A Sacred Shrine in the Misty Hills of Saga Tucked into the forested hills of southern Saga, Yutoku Inari Shrine (祐徳稲荷神社) rises on red stilts from the slope of a sacred mountain. Its vermilion halls, suspended between sky and stone, hum with quiet power. Built in 1687 and still largely off the tourist path, this…
A Hidden Volcanic Retreat in Nagasaki Unzen Onsen (雲仙温泉) is no ordinary hot spring town, it’s a volcanic wonderland where the earth itself breathes. Located in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, this remote onsen retreat is famous for its hellish geothermal landscapes, high-altitude hot springs, and rich samurai-era history. The town’s Unzen Jigoku (“Unzen Hell”) is an…
Some places hum. Kumamoto, in winter, doesn’t announce itself. It quietly hums, a deep, resonant sound felt in the earth beneath your feet, in the air that carries the smell of sulfur, and in the stone walls of a castle that have withstood centuries. We arrived on a cold morning, the light still soft and…
Volcanic Peaks, Hot Springs, and Hidden Islands Why Unzen-Amakusa Will Captivate You Unzen-Amakusa National Park (雲仙天草国立公園) includes one of Japan’s first designated national park areas (1934) and is famous for its volcanic hot springs, dramatic mountain landscapes, and historic Christian heritage. The park is divided into two distinct areas: Must-See Wonders in Unzen-Amakusa Unzen’s Volcanic…
Japan’s Fiery Volcanoes and Rolling Grasslands Why Aso-Kuju Will Ignite Your Sense of Adventure Aso-Kuju National Park (阿蘇くじゅう国立公園) is home to Japan’s largest active volcano, Mt. Aso, and the Kuju Mountain Range, making it one of Japan’s most geologically fascinating parks. The park features vast rolling grasslands, rugged volcanic landscapes, steaming craters, and scenic hot…
A Steaming Volcanic Wonderland Why Explore Unzen Onsen’s Trails: Volcanic Beauty & Adventure Unzen Onsen (雲仙温泉) is one of Japan’s most famous volcanic hot spring towns, offering incredible hiking trails through steaming fumaroles, ancient forests, and panoramic ridgelines. This network of short to moderate hikes allows visitors to experience Unzen’s dynamic geothermal activity while enjoying…
Some places speak loudly. Others whisper.On the western edge of Kyushu, where the mountains slope softly into tidal flats and stories linger in the breeze, Saga whispers. This day began not with a checklist, but with a feeling, that somewhere in the folds of coastal forests and quiet villages, something was waiting to be found….
Some places linger in your mind long after you leave. Unzen is one of them. A destination shaped by volcanic fury, sacred trails, and ethereal mountain views, it’s a place where nature, history, and something deeper seem to converge. We visited Unzen Jigoku, Unzensan Manmyo, and Nita Pass during winter, when steam rose from the…