Unzen

Back in October, Mutsumi and I went to Unzen.

Unzen is a volcano south of where I live. It has created its own penisula, just to the east of Nagasaki. It last erupted in 1991 when is continued to spew lava and ash sporadically through 1995. On a clear day, I can see it from my apartment. (Don`t worry Ma, I am safe!)

Because of the volcanic activity, there are hot springs there. There is a small town that rests in the cradle of the mountains just south of the volcano. The town smells like sulfur but has great hot baths which the Japanese call onsens. This sign entreats you to enjoy the hot water as long as you can.

You won`t find a picture of an onsen here, besides the fact that I would not take my camera in with all that water, most people would be offended that some idiot was taking their picture while they were bathing. Wouldn`t you?

The hot springs are called Hells in Japanese. Try to imagine being in one for eternity...

Ah, you get the idea!

Japanese devils/demons are called Oni.

This oni is in Beppu, one of THE hot spring centers in Japan (it has the most hot spring activity anywhere in the world outside of Yellowstone). I will tell you about Beppu another time, but I had to show you the picture!

The Japanese have quite a tourist industry set up around their natural hot springs. The onsens that are attached to these are supposed to be better for you, curing everything from rheumetism to eczema... Unzen has some huge hotels.