Unzen

Arrive in Unzen on a cold day and it will be obvious that the area is a hotbed of volcanic activity. Steam rises from every crack in the pavement and on either side of the high street fumerols bubble and boil giving the town an unearthly feel.

“Go to Unzen for the steaming fumeroles. It's like something out of Doctor Who! You can just imagine the cybermen appearing out of the mists.”

The tiny, barren town is located in a national park of the same name; an active volcanic complex comprising of several overlapping stratovolcanoes. The oldest volcanic deposits in the area date from over 6 million years ago and the last serious volcanic eruption was as recently as 1991. Today visitors can visit the huge natural cauldrons of Jigokudani or Hells Valley release billowing clouds of sulphuric gases. A taxi bus will also take tourists to the cable car which in turn climbs up to the Nita-toge Pass which boasts spectacular views of the volcano and also out across the sea towards Kumamoto.

If it's relaxation you're after however, the region is also enjoyed for its natural beauty; the mountain top maple leaf forests look spectacular in every season. The old Japanese reading of the name Unzen literally means "hot spring" and this area is famous for them. Due to the acidic properties of the sulphurous hot springs, a rejuvenating dip in one of the many baths is said to bring numerous health benefits.

Recommended Accommodation in Unzen

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Unzen.

Unzen

Mt. Resort Unzen Kyushu Hotel

Superior

Experiences in Unzen

Unzen offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Unzen hells

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Weather in Unzen

The Climate Guide for Unzen, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	10	11	15	19	23	26	29	30	27	23	17	12
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	2	2	6	10	14	19	23	23	20	14	9	3
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	4	4	5	5	6	5	6	7	5	6	5	4
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	High	High	Moderate	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	16	15	17	15	15	18	19	17	17	13	12	14
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	76	93	169	208	228	438	414	296	226	103	88	57
UV Index (Maximum)	3	5	7	9	10	10	11	11	9	6	4	3