A wealth of information on Mount Unzen's history, hot springs and hiking

The Unzen Visitor Center provides tourists with information on the natural environment and history of the Shimabara Peninsula, focusing on Mount Unzen's hot springs, one of the peninsula's major attractions.

The first floor features exhibits on the science of hot springs and their connection to volcanoes, as well as a topographical model of the Shimbara Peninsula. There is also a cultural history corner which tells the story of Mount Unzen as one of Japan's first resort spots for European and Chinese tourists during the early 1900s and its later recognition as Japan's first national park in 1934. The second floor has explanations and photographs related to local hot spring culture and depictions of Mount Unzen as an active volcano.

The knowledgeable staff at the guidance desk can provide advice on mountain climbing, the trails on Mount Unzen that best suit your level of experience, and historic sites in the area. The center frequently updates information on the local plants, birds, and insects that you can find on the trails, depending on the season. The visitor center also provides luggage storage for hikers for a fee of 300 yen per person.