Unzen and Shimabara driving guide: Unzen Jigoku, Nita Pass, Shimabara Castle and Hara Castle

The Unzen–Shimabara area covers Unzen, Shimabara and Minamishimabara cities on the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. Mt Unzen stands in the middle of the peninsula. From Obama Onsen on the west side, Route 57 climbs to Unzen Onsen and Unzen Jigoku, with Nita Pass higher up. Heading down to the east brings you to the castle town of Shimabara and the Mt Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall, which records the eruption of the Heisei era.

This guide follows a day from Obama up to Unzen and Nita Pass, then through Shimabara to the Hara Castle ruins in the south, with roads and places to stop listed below.

Map of Unzen and Shimabara

The line follows the full-day route below, "First visit: one day from Obama over Unzen to Shimabara and Hara Castle". Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: one day from Obama over Unzen to Shimabara and Hara Castle

From the Hot Foot 105 footbath at Obama Onsen, climb Route 57 to Unzen Jigoku, then take the Nita Pass circuit road up to Nita Pass.

Return to Unzen and descend towards Shimabara. Stop at the Heisei Shinzan viewpoint on the Shimabara Mayuyama Road, Shimabara Castle, the Mt Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall (Gamadasu Dome) and Michi-no-Eki Himawari, a roadside station, then follow Route 251 to the Hara Castle ruins.

The route is about 87 km, with around 1 hour 40 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic.

Nita Pass circuit road

The Nita Pass circuit road has no toll; a contribution of about ¥100 towards conservation is requested. From November to March it is open 08:00–17:00, and it can close in bad weather.

The Nita Pass car park has more than 200 spaces and is free. Unzen Ropeway (¥1,500 return for junior-high age and over) goes up Mt Myoken.

Where to see Heisei Shinzan

Mt Unzen is at volcanic alert level 1, but the area around Heisei Shinzan is a restricted zone that you cannot enter.

View Heisei Shinzan from the second observation point at Nita Pass, the Mt Myoken lookout, or the Heisei Shinzan Nature Center, about 2.5 km from the summit.

The Mt Fugen trail from Nita Pass via Azami-dani remains closed, with no reopening date set.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

At the Isahaya end of the peninsula, Michi-no-Eki 251 Iimori Jaga Road is 20 minutes from Isahaya IC, with a rest area open 24 hours and an EV charger.

Best seasons and crowds

Sunset is at 17:31 on 31 October and 17:20 on 15 November (Nagasaki).

Crowded places and times

• In the autumn-colour season, the Nita Pass car park and circuit road get busy.
• The Moritake Castle autumn festival is at Shimabara Castle on 8 November 2026.

Roads and restrictions checked on 2 November 2026

• Mt Unzen is at volcanic alert level 1. The area around Heisei Shinzan is a restricted zone, and the Azami-dani trail on Mt Fugen is closed.
• The Hara Castle car park beside Route 251 is closed for construction; use the Ote-guchi car park.
• Kumamoto Ferry's online service status has not been updated since 22 October. Check by telephone, 08:30–17:30: Kumamoto Port 096-311-4100, Shimabara Port 0957-65-0701.

Getting there and fuel

Refuel in Isahaya, Shimabara or Obama before climbing into the Unzen mountains.

EVs can charge at Michi-no-Eki 251 Iimori Jaga Road.

If you don't have a car

Use the Nagasaki rental-car listings to find a pickup location. Before booking, check the driving-permit requirements and how airport pickup works.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive with one day in Unzen and Shimabara?

From Obama Onsen, climb to Unzen Jigoku and Nita Pass, descend to Shimabara for the castle and Gamadasu Dome, then continue to the Hara Castle ruins. The route is about 87 km, with around 1 hour 40 minutes of driving.

Is there a toll on the Nita Pass circuit road?

No. A contribution of about ¥100 towards conservation is requested. From November to March the road is open 08:00–17:00.

Can I get close to Heisei Shinzan?

No. The area around it is a restricted zone. View it from the second observation point at Nita Pass, the Mt Myoken lookout or the Heisei Shinzan Nature Center.

Can I reach the area by ferry from Kumamoto?

Yes. From Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port, Kumamoto Ferry takes about 30 minutes and Kyusho Ferry about 60 minutes. On Kumamoto Ferry, mini cars and vehicles under 6 m cost ¥4,200–6,800 one way, including the driver's fare.

When are the autumn colours in Unzen?

Nita Pass and Mt Myoken usually peak from late October to early November, and the area around Unzen Onsen from early to mid-November. The ropeway operator gives early to mid-November for Mt Myoken.

Nearby areas and guides

• Aso driving guide
• Nagasaki Prefecture driving and travel guide