Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Unzen-Amakusa National Park

Best trails in Unzen-Amakusa National Park

4.4(175 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#14 of 29 national parks

All photos

This national park was established in 1934 as one of Japan's first national parks (Unzen National Park). In 1956, the Amakusa region was added, and it became Unzen-Amakusa National Park.

This park features natural scenery that combines the powerful volcanic landscape of Mt. Unzen with the archipelago scenery of the Amakusa Islands.

Mount Unzen, the park's signature mountain, is made up of more than 20 mountains. From these magnificent mountains, you can enjoy a wonderful view of land and water in harmony. You can also experience volcanic activity in many places in the park, including Unzen Jigoku. The high-temperature hot springs and the powerful eruption of volcanic gas are spectacular.

Amakusa is known for its calm seas, strangely shaped rocks, cliffs, and the beautiful scenery of its archipelago of about 120 islands. The view from the Kankai Alps overlooking the Yatsushiro Sea also attracts many climbers.

There are various historical sites remaining in the region, which bear witness to the history of Christianity in Japan, including the Shimabara Rebellion, as well as the early emergence of many foreign cultures.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Mount Fugen-dake

    4.7 (99)·Hard·3.9 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    This trail is almost entirely stairs and rocky paths. The mountain is a famous geological site. The main trail takes you past the dramatic and still-steaming lava dome of Mount Heisei Shinzan, which was formed by the massive eruption in 1990-95. You will be walking through a unique landscape surrounded by hardy volcanic plants. The final ascent to the Fugendake Peak is a historic pilgrimage. The summit is home to a small Shinto shrine. Here, you can enjoy panoramic view of the entire...

  2. #2 - Unzen Onsen

    4.5 (24)·Easy·2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Unzen Onsen (雲仙温泉) Unzen Onsen Hot Spring Resort is located in the center of Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture, surrounded by mountains including Mount Unzen. It is Unzen-Amakusa National Park, the first national park in Japan to be designated in 1934. The hot spring resort area is known for Unzen Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where hot water and white smoke gush out from cracks in the rugged rocks, and a strong smell of sulfur covers the whole area. Each of the 30 hells in the valley...

  3. #3 - Mount Nodake Route

    3.8 (12)·Moderate·2.5 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This route commences from the parking near the Bessyo Dam to the summit of Mount Nodake (野岳), which is known for the splendid views Of Mount Fugen-dake, Heisei Shinzan, and Mount Myokendake.

  4. #4 - Mount Takaiwa Loop

    3.9 (12)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    高岩山 (Mount Takaiwa) Departing from the parking near the Bessyo Dam continues the summit of Mount Takaiwa, which is located southwest of Fugen-dake (普賢岳). The route guides you through Hobaru Garden, where you can enjoy about 50,000 Kyushu Azalea at the foot of Mount Takaiwa and offers you stunning landscapes from the summit.

  5. #5 - Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Unzen Loop

    4.7 (6)·Hard·3.9 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Unzen Loop (第二吹越 - 雲仙岳ループ) This is a stunning trail with beautiful views at the peak. Mount Unzen ( 雲仙岳) also known as Unzen-dake is a group of volcanoes in Nagasaki. During the Spring, the slopes of Mount Unzen are filled with pink azaleas. You can also see gorgeous fall colors in the Autumn.

  6. #6 - Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Myoken - Mount Kunimi Loop

    3.9 (4)·Hard·2.7 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Myoken - Mount Kunimi Loop (第二吹越 - 妙見岳 - 国見岳ループ)

  7. #7 - Mount Kusenbudake Route

    5.0 (2)·Hard·4.4 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Mount Kusenbudake Route (九千部岳ルート) This course guides you to Mount Kusenbu from Tashirobaru Camp Site. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of mountains such as Mount Heisei Shinzan, Mount Fugen, Mount Kunimi, and Mount Myoken.
  8. Mount Jiromaru - Mount Taromaru

    #8 - Mount Jiromaru - Mount Taromaru

    5.0 (2)·Hard·6.4 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Mount Jiromaru - Mount Taromaru (次郎丸嶽 - 太郎丸嶽) Climb up Mount Jiromaru - Mount Taromaru, which are known as the splendid mountains of Amakusa for the appearance of a triangular pyramid. You can enjoy extensive views of the Ariake Sea and Mount Unzen from the summits.
  9. Mount Shiratake - Mount Konpira - Chaya Pass

    #9 - Mount Shiratake - Mount Konpira - Chaya Pass

    5.0 (1)·Hard·9.5 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    Mount Shiratake - Mount Konpira - Chaya Pass (白嶽 - 金比羅山 - 茶屋峠) Let's walk on the ridgeline of the Kankai Alpes from Chaya Pass continues to Mount Shiratake. You can enjoy the gorgeous views of the Yatsushiro Sea and the islands of Amakusa Matsushima.
  10. Mount Nenju - Mout Shikami

    #10 - Mount Nenju - Mout Shikami

    5.0 (2)·Moderate·6.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Mount Nenju - Mout Shikami (念珠岳 - 鹿見岳) Hike to Mount Nenju and Mout Shikami, which offers you great views of Shiranui Sea (Yatsushiro Sea), and Goshoura islands.
Showing results 1–10 of 60
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Unzen-Amakusa National Park is Mount Fugen-dake, which has a 4.7 star rating from 99 reviews. This trail is 3.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,755 ft.

What is the longest trail in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Unzen-Amakusa National Park is Kankai Alps Trail. This trail is estimated to be 14.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

There are 60 trails in Unzen-Amakusa National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 175 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Kankai Alps Trail has the most elevation gain with 3,018 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Kinpira - Mount Shiratake - Nagame, which has 2,614 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 36 camping trails in Unzen-Amakusa National Park and the most popular is Mount Takaiwa Loop with an average 3.9 star rating from 12 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Yes, there are 56 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, including Mount Fugen-dake, Mount Nodake Route, Mount Takaiwa Loop, Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Unzen Loop, and Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Myoken - Mount Kunimi Loop.

Are there any trails with hot springs in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a hot spring in Unzen-Amakusa National Park: Unzen Onsen.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with ponds in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, including Unzen Onsen and Mount Takaiwa Loop.

Are there any trails with rivers in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, including Mount Shiratake - Yokomichi Loop and Mount Shiratake - Nagame Loop.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic viewpoints in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, including Mount Fugen-dake, Unzen Onsen, Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Myoken - Mount Kunimi Loop, Mount Sengan - Mount Takabuto, and Amakusa Sakitsu Village Walk.

Are there any trails with bays in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Unzen-Amakusa National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with volcano viewpoints in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, including Mount Fugen-dake, Unzen Onsen, and Daini Fukikoshi - Mount Unzen Loop.