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Immerse yourself in a special theater performance at Onsen Jinja Shrine and learn about the legendary deities protecting Japan’s third-largest island
UNZEN Destination Service
Despite its name, the bubbling hot springs of Unzen Jigoku, also known as the Hells of Unzen, have long been a sacred space and spiritual center of the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. Around the early 8th century, a monk named Gyoki followed the billowing clouds of sulfurous steam to their source, and this area was where he encountered the Oshimen, the guardian deities of Kyushu. Legend states that these deities were involved in the creation of Japan as well as the island of Kyushu, as recorded in the Kojiki (the oldest history record of Japan).
In 701, Gyoki went on to establish Onsen Jinja Shrine at the site of his supernatural encounter, situated inside the Unzen Hells. This was the first of several Shimengu shrines along the Shimabara Peninsula that are dedicated to the Oshimen. Today, Onsen Jinja Shrine remains a sacred and also well-frequented place for the locals.
At nighttime, the atmospheric grounds of the shrine set the stage for a special theater performance that retells the encounter between Gyoki and the beautiful Oshimen. Immerse yourself in the otherworldly and experience this encounter that will give you a new appreciation of the Unzen hot springs.
How to get there
From Hakata Station, take the JR Limited Express Kamome to Isahaya Station (about 1 hour and 40 minutes), then board the Shimatetsu Bus for Unzen and get off when it reaches the Unzen bus stop (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). A 2-minute walk from the Unzen bus stop will take you to Onsen Jinja Shrine.
Gathering：Keyaki Square (In front of Onsen Jinja Shrine)
Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen-shi, Nagasaki-ken
