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Unzen

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About Unzen

Not far from Nagasaki, the hot spring town of Unzen is a fantastic springboard for travellers looking to discover the striking volcanic landscapes of the Unzen-Amakusa National Park. Originally a temple town, Unzen has been popular with international visitors since the Meiji period, in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Accommodation options include traditional ryokans as well as swish modern hotels, perfect for couples, families or friends with a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Unzen are set in forested surroundings, well-located for National Park explorations.

Unzen is a wonderful year-round destination, with beautiful spring and autumn colours in the forest, warm summers for hiking, cycling and horse riding, and cool winters warmed by the hot spring baths. There’s something magical about the billowing steam of the hot spring fields — Unzen Jigoku —sweeping across the town, and long pensive soaks, massages and traditional treatments are not to be missed. In the Unzen-Amakusa National Park, clamber up Mount Unzen for magical ocean views, spot bottlenose dolphins on boat tours of the Hayasakiseto Strait, and delve into the world of fossils on Goshoura Island. Shimabara Castle and Manmyoji Temple are also wonderful.

Kick back in the hot springs and feast on flavoursome kaiseki cuisine during restful evenings at the best places to stay in Unzen.

The Best Places to Stay in Unzen

For a Classic Ryokan

  • Unzen Fukudaya has a traditional feel, with hot spring baths and kaiseki cuisine. Guests can choose between futon beds and Western options in rooms with tatami matting and low seating areas. Very atmospheric.
  • Azumaen Ryokan is a restful retreat on the banks of Lake Oshidori. Admire expansive lake views as you sink into the onsen baths. Rooms feature tatami matting, paper screens and light wooden details. A relaxing lakeside escape with the interiors of a traditional ryokan.

For Contemporary Luxury

  • Miyazaki Ryokan is a minimalist contemporary hotel — previously a traditional ryokan — close to the National Park. Expect swish, pared-back rooms, bathrooms and shared spaces, expansive gardens and restful hot spring baths. Splendid gourmet cuisine completes the picture. Romantic and well-placed for immersing yourself in nature.
  • Unzen Kyushu Hotel offers indulgent rooms and private villas in the beautiful Unzen-Amakusa National Park. Rooms have private terraces, hot spring baths and leafy forest views. A grand, pillared entrance welcomes guests to this luxury hotel. Expect delicious dishes in a superb setting, and easy access to a wealth of activities.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly into Tokyo's Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to catch a connecting flight to Nagasaki Airport. Travel 50 minutes to Unzen by bus or taxi. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up.
  • You may want to drive if you're exploring Kyushu independently. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the summer, spring or early autumn for the warmest weather, with temperatures of 23 - 28°C. September is cooler and quieter.

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Best Hotels in Unzen

  • Azumaen Ryokan Unzen (Nagasaki-ken) 27 rooms from CA$165

    Total relaxation  -  Take long onsen soaks, enjoy restorative massages and savour delicious traditional cuisine
    Back to Nature  -  A beautiful lakeside hotel, perfect for unwinding or immersing yourself in nature
    Hotel Entertainment  -  Evening karaoke sessions are brilliant for bonding with family and friends
    Golf  -  Play a round or two of golf at the scenic Unzen Golf Club
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel

    Azumaen Ryokan boasts a spectacular location on the banks of Lake Oshidori. The property offers accommodation featuring traditional tatami (woven-straw) flooring and either Western style or Japanese futon beds. Take stock of the spectacular views as you relax in their onsens! A top quality retreat. See More

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  • Unzen Fukudaya Unzen (Unzen-shi) 41 rooms from CA$199

    Foodies  -  Unzen Fukudaya's restaurant serves splendid kaiseki cuisine, perfect for foodies eager to experience classic Japanese fare
    Total relaxation  -  Unwind in the public, forest-facing baths or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage
    Sights nearby  -  The striking Unzen Hot Spring is definitely worth visiting
    Trekking  -  Enjoy scenic hikes in the Unzen National Park
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    Unzen Fukudaya is located a few miles outside Unzen, just a short distance from the National Park. This ryokan offers smart traditional accommodation and you can choose between rooms with Western beds or Japanese futon bedding. Cosy communal areas complete with wood-burning stoves. See More

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  • Miyazaki Ryokan Unzen (Obama-cho) 98 rooms from CA$379

    Back to Nature  -  Unzen National Park, just a mile away, is famed for its natural beauty and popular with hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers
    Total relaxation  -  Treat yourself ot a massage, kick back in the garden or take a long soak in the hot spring baths
    Great walks  -  Enjoy stunning hikes amidst the flora and fauna of tranquil Unzen National Park
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the magnificent Unzen Hot Spring
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsNo pets

    Surrounded by natural beauty, Miyazaki Ryokan is situated a short distance outside Unzen and offers chic, traditional accommodation. Enjoy excellent meals made from seasonal ingredients and relax in their beautiful garden! A wonderfully peaceful and country retreat. See More

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  • Unzen Kyushu Hotel Unzen (Obama-cho) 25 rooms from CA$499

    Back to Nature  -  Set in the midst of the beautiful Unzen-Amakusa National Park, book this hotel for an authentic back-to-nature retreat
    Local exploring  -  With historic sites and a national park a stone's throw from the hotel, there is lots to explore during a stay here
    Foodies  -  Guests can enjoy Japanese and Western cuisine in the hotel's chic dining room - perfect for foodies
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic Manmyō-ji Temple, located close to the hotel; the hotel was founded over 1300 years ago
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    This stylish resort is nestled in Japan's first national park in Unzen. A grand, pillared entrance gives way to contemporary guestrooms and a selection of private villas with exposed stone walls and valley views from a terrace. Eat at the classic Japanese dining room after park exploring. See More

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