We introduce tourist attractions in Unzen and the "nature" and "history" of Jigoku.
Unzen Onsen
Unzen was established in 701 by the monk Gyoki. At that time, it was a sacred mountain where over 3,000 Buddhist monks practiced asceticism. Similar to Mount Koya, founded by the renowned monk Kukai, Unzen was also a major and widespread sacred site in Japan with a prohibition on women climbing (a restriction on female ascent to the mountain).
However, in the mid-16th century, the conversion of the daimyo Arima Harunobu, the lord of the Shimabara domain at the time, to Christianity led to the suppression of Buddhists and the thorough destruction of temples and shrines. Subsequently, during the Toyotomi Hideyoshi era and the Tokugawa period's prohibition on Christianity, there was continued persecution of Christians. Unzen, in this region, holds a unique place with a sorrowful religious history involving both Buddhists and Christians in Japan.
As the Meiji and Taisho eras approached, the natural beauty of Unzen, its hot springs, and its popularity as a summer resort increased. Many foreigners stayed for extended periods, leading to the construction of special accommodations for them. During this period, Unzen resembled a foreign country.
Then, in July 1930, Unzen became Japan's first national park.
About This Guide
This guide introduces the tourist spots of Unzen and the "history and nature" of Jigoku Meguri. Starting from the Unzen Oyamano Joho-kan information center, you will take a walk along the route of "Jigoku Trail - Onsen Shrine - Manmyoji - Unzen Oyamano Joho-kan" as a tourist hub.
It takes about 50 minutes on foot, but please take your time and feel the breath of Unzen's history, nature, and land. Well then, let's go on the Jigoku Meguri.
・Data Creator : Nishi