Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell)

Welcome to Unzen Jigoku, a spectacular and visceral display of the Earth’s inner power, located on the slopes of Mount Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture. As you step onto the paved trails of this 'hell field,' you are entering a world…

One of the first major features you will encounter is Suzume Jigoku, or 'Sparrow Hell.' The name is derived from the distinct sound of the geothermal vents, which are said to resemble the chirping and twittering of sparrows. As…

As we continue along the path, we come to the 'Mud Volcano.' While the scale may be smaller than the massive mud lakes found in other volcanic regions, the Unzen Mud Volcano is a fascinating display of geothermal dynamics. Here,…

Oito Jigoku is one of the largest and most intense areas of activity in the field, with massive plumes of steam rising high into the air. However, its name carries a darker historical connotation. …

No visit to Unzen Jigoku is complete without sampling the local delicacies cooked directly in the geothermal heat. Most famous among these are 'Onsen Tamago' or hot spring eggs. …

To truly appreciate the layout of the hells, one should walk up the steps to the various observation points that overlook the town and the geothermal fields. From these elevated positions, you can see the entire 'Furu Yu' (Old…

Our journey through the hells of Unzen has been a walk through both geological and human history. We have felt the heat of the earth beneath our feet, smelled the sulfur of the boiling springs, and heard the 'roar' and 'chirp' of…

As we conclude our journey through the steaming landscapes of Unzen Jigoku, let us reflect on the duality of this remarkable place. We have witnessed a site where the raw, primordial energy of the Earth is laid bare—a landscape…