Private multi-day tour · Multi-day from Tokyo
From Tokyo: 5-Day Unzen & Shimabara Customizable Tour
Walk the steaming hot-spring hells of Unzen, ride the ropeway on Mount Unzen, see Shimabara Castle, and learn the story of the 1991 eruption.
Private · your group only◆5 days◆Up to 6 guests◆Pickup included
Road-day snapshot
This is your private tour, so the route is flexible: tell us if you want to skip a stop, stay longer somewhere or add a place nearby.
The experience
A private journey, thoughtfully paced
The Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki is built around Mount Unzen, an active volcano.
In Unzen Onsen you walk among the Unzen Jigoku, or hells. Steam rises from the ground, the earth is white and yellow, and hot water bubbles beside the path. Your guide tells the history of this place, and you can try eggs boiled in the hot steam.
From Nita Pass you ride the Unzen Ropeway up the mountain for views of the lava dome Heisei-shinzan and the sea.
In 1991 an eruption of Mount Unzen sent pyroclastic flows down the mountain. 43 people lost their lives. At the Mt Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall you learn quietly about the eruption, the people who died and how the town rebuilt.
Then you visit Shimabara Castle, a white castle with a museum about local history. The town below has clear spring water flowing in its streets, with koi carp in the water canals.
This is a private tour. Only your group. One van, 1 to 6 people, never shared. Your driver-guide speaks English, and also Hindi and Urdu.
If the Unzen Ropeway is closed or cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead drive to the Nita Pass viewpoint and walk the Unzen Jigoku paths at a slower pace.
DAY 1 Pickup at your Tokyo hotel and drive west to Okayama (about 8 to 9 hours with breaks).
DAY 2 Drive into Kyushu and on to Unzen Onsen in the mountains.
DAY 3 Unzen Jigoku walk, Nita Pass and Unzen Ropeway, then down to Shimabara.
DAY 4 Mt Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall and Shimabara Castle, then drive to Okayama.
DAY 5 Drive back to your Tokyo hotel (about 8 to 9 hours with breaks).
Choose with confidence
Is this the right journey for your group?
Excellent fit if
- Walk among the steaming Unzen Jigoku hot springs
- Ride the Unzen Ropeway up to mountain views
- Learn about the 1991 eruption at the Memorial Hall
- Visit the white keep of Shimabara Castle
- See koi swimming in Shimabara's spring water canals
Said plainly
The ropeway stops in strong wind. The Memorial Hall is a place of remembrance. Please visit calmly. If the Unzen Ropeway is closed or cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead drive to the Nita Pass viewpoint and walk the Unzen Jigoku paths at a slower pace. This tour has long driving days. The van has comfortable seats and we stop every 2 hours or so for rest areas, food and toilets.
Your day
Suggested itinerary
Times are approximate. Your driver-guide adjusts the order for traffic, weather, opening hours and the best light.
Walk among the steaming Unzen Jigoku hot springs
Ride the Unzen Ropeway up to mountain views
Learn about the 1991 eruption at the Memorial Hall
Visit the white keep of Shimabara Castle
See koi swimming in Shimabara's spring water canals
What is covered
What you see is what you pay
Ours — included
- Private van and English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Tokyo
- All parking, fuel and road tolls
- Unzen Ropeway ride
- Mt Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall entry
- Shimabara Castle entry
Yours — paid on the day
- Hotel accommodation (you book your own hotel in Okayama, Unzen and Shimabara)
- Meals and drinks unless listed as included
- Gratuities, which are never expected in Japan
- Optional snacks such as steam-boiled eggs
Good to know
Before you book
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Pickup
Pickup and drop-off at your Tokyo hotel or accommodation (23 wards).
Group and vehicle
Private for up to 6 guests. Enter adults, children, infants and child seats separately at booking.
Dietary and mobility needs
Halal, vegetarian, allergy, walking or other practical requests go in your booking notes and are planned before the day.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can we change the route on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour in our own van, so your driver-guide can skip, extend or add stops where time allows.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for your whole private group of up to 6 people, including the van, fuel, tolls, parking and your driver-guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for an automatic full refund to the original payment method. Within 24 hours, contact us directly so we can help. If a typhoon or official weather warning stops the trip, we offer a new date or a full refund. For a GetYourGuide booking, the terms shown on that booking apply.
Somewhere else in mind?
Any destination in Japan
If this route is not exactly what you need, tell us the destination, dates and group. We confirm the plan and the exact price before any payment is taken.
Plan a custom journeyYour private Japan day
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From¥384,000
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