Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda InscriptionImage
 Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda InscriptionImage
 Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda InscriptionImage
 Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda InscriptionImage
 Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda InscriptionImage
 Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda InscriptionImage
0:00
0:00

The entrance of Manmyoji Temple and the townscape

Onsenyama Stone Calligraphy Hokke Pagoda Inscription

Nagasaki Unzen
views:66views

Turn around and go south, back down the street. You will see a flight of stairs leading up a hill. This is the entrance to Manmyōji, Unzen’s oldest and most important temple.

Nearby, you will see a stone pillar bearing several names for this temple and the mountains it honors. One of these is “Unzen-san,” written using Chinese characters that spell “Hot Spring Mountain.” However, these are not the same characters used to spell Unzen today! When the area received its designation as a national park in 1934, it was necessary to choose new characters to avoid confusion with other locations. Chinese characters were chosen that can still be read as “unzen,” but that instead mean “mystical land in the clouds.”

The mountains were once known simply as “Nihon-san,” or Mount Japan. When crossing the ocean from China, the mountains of the Shimabara Peninsula were the first many sailors saw as they approached their destination—further cementing Unzen’s sacred reputation.

Climb the stairs and take a moment to enjoy the view of the town from up top. Again, you can see the traditional architectural elements that tie the town together—white walls and red-tiled roofs inspired by Unzen’s original inns. Many of these were built in the early twentieth century, when wealthy Westerners living in Shanghai and beyond began to visit Unzen as a summer resort destination.


Where to enjoy this guide
View on map app
VOICE:west


Navigator

The Unzen Oyama Information Center

Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture  Certification badge

The Unzen Oyama Information Center is a facility that provides a wide range of information about the attractions of Unzen, including natural information, historical introductions, and exhibits on hot springs. We have the latest information to help you enjoy and appreciate Unzen more deeply, so please stop by here when you arrive in Unzen. Let's obtain the necessary information about nature, history, mountain climbing, transportation, and embark on a fun fieldwork. Please be sure to experience and enjoy the deep nature and history of Unzen!

Other guides for this user

There is no other registered information.