Unzen Onsen

Unzen Onsen is a geothermally heated volcanic hot spring field in the Unzen Mountains in Nagasaki prefecture in Japan.[1] It was known of for many years, and in the 1910s was developed into a hot spring community because of its many springs. In 1934 the area was designated as the first national park in Japan.[2]

Unzen Onsen
Unzen Hot Springs
Coordinates32°50′07″N 130°11′15″E
Typegeothermal, volcanic
Temperature98°C

The hot springs are surrounded by an area known as the Hells (jigoku). These barren fields of hot springs contain many steam vents, bubbling mud pits and fumaroles. After the Shimabara Rebellion the Hells were used to execute Christian rebels. Today, paved trails lead visitors through the Hells.[3]

In an older, now dormant hot springs field, paths lead to the Manmyoji Temple and to the Unzen Disaster Museum, that commemorates the eruptions that occurred in the 1990s in which 12,000 people were evacuated and over 40 people perished.[3]

  • Unzen Onsen Hells
    Unzen Onsen Hells
  • Unzen Onsen Hells
    Unzen Onsen Hells
  • sulphurous hot spring
    sulphurous hot spring
  • bubbling mud pits (mud volcanoes)
    bubbling mud pits (mud volcanoes)
  • steam vent
    steam vent
  • Unzen Onsen Hells
    Unzen Onsen Hells

Water profile

The hot mineral water has a high sulfur content, and strong levels of acidity.[2][4] In addition to sulfur, the mineral content includes aluminum, iron, and sulfate. The water temperature is 98 °C, and the hot carbonate and hydrogen sulfide gasses that erupt from the springs can be as high as 120 °C.[4][1]

See also

References
  1. Yuhara, Kozo; Ehara, Sachio; Tagomori, Koichi (1981). "Estimation of heat discharge rates using infrared measurements by a helicopter-borne thermocamera over the geothermal areas of Unzen volcano, Japan". Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 9: 98–108. doi:10.1016/0377-0273(81)90017-2. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  2. "Unzen Onsen (雲仙温泉)". Japan Travel. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  3. "Unzen Onsen". Japan Guide. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  4. "Unzen Jigoku: Spring quality and efficacy of hot springs". Unzen Tourist Association. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
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