About this Stay
Here, I will share photos of my stay and meals at Unzen Kanko Hotel.
I stayed on a half-board plan, which includes both dinner and breakfast. For dinner, guests may choose between Western and Japanese cuisine, and I opted for the full French course dinner.
Unzen Kanko Hotel is a Western-style classic hotel that opened on October 10, 1935, at 10 a.m. It was during a period when Japan was aiming to host the Olympic Games—the first ever to be held in Asia—and Western-style hotels were needed to attract foreign travelers and earn foreign currency. Unzen, designated as Japan’s first national park, was close to Nagasaki, where the once-thriving Shanghai route operated, making it a popular summer retreat for foreign visitors.
The hotel offers a space where you can feel the charm of the pre-war era, interior designs showcasing the craftsmanship of past artisans, large communal baths with Unzen’s signature milky-white sulfur hot spring, a full-course French dinner, a Western-style full-service breakfast, and warm hospitality from the staff. Everything is quiet, refined, and serene, allowing me to enjoy a truly blissful stay.
Table of Contents
Check-in
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Hotel Entrance ①: View from the Driveway
You approach the Unzen Kanko Hotel along an avenue lined with juniper trees.
Hotel Entrance ②: Main Entrance
The exterior, reminiscent of a European mountain lodge, has an irresistible charm.
Hotel Entrance ③: Just Before Entering
The door exudes a sense of solidity and warmth with its natural wood texture.
Hotel Lobby
The pillars, beams, and furnishings shine with age, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere. Since the owner of Unzen Kanko Hotel—Dojima Building—originated as a shipping company, the interior was designed to resemble a luxurious passenger ship.
Welcome Tea
Upon check-in, I was served a cup of welcome tea.
Room
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Bedroom & Living Room
The room has a historic atmosphere throughout, highlighted by its wooden pillars and overall classic interior.
Living Room
The reddish-brown wallpaper features a design by William Morris, a renowned British designer of the 19th century, creating a warm and gentle ambiance.
Welcome Snacks
The room faces the Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell), allowing you to enjoy the impressive rising steam. Stepping out onto the terrace, you are soothed by the natural air and the fragrance of the hot springs.
Three-sided Mirror & Tea Set
The left side features a three-sided mirror, while the right side includes a tea set, electric kettle, and refrigerator.
Tea Set
You can enjoy a relaxing tea time in your room.
Bathroom
The bathroom features a Western-style bathtub. Hot spring water is not available in the guest rooms, but you can enjoy Unzen’s milky-white sulfur hot springs in the large public bath.
View from the Room: Day of Check-in
Relax while enjoying the scenery of Unzen town and the rising steam from the hot springs.
View from the Room: Next Morning
The next morning was beautifully clear.
Library & More
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Library ①: Overall View
The library exudes a calm and elegant atmosphere, with shelves lined with numerous books.
Library ②: View from Another Angle
The inviting sofas make it a place where you could easily settle in and stay for a while.
Billiard Room
The billiard table and equipment carry a sense of history.
Inside the Hotel
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Corridor to Guest Rooms
This charming corridor retains a dignified atmosphere. Because the hotel originally catered mainly to foreign guests, the doorknobs are positioned slightly higher.
Staircase ①: View from the Second Floor
You can feel the ambience of the hotel’s early days in many places. The carpet is thick and plush, making it pleasant to walk on.
Staircase ②: Mezzanine
As this wooden structure was built before the war, it is presumed that no elevator was installed. Rather than altering the structural integrity supported by wooden pillars and beams to add an elevator, I hope the craftsmanship of our predecessors will be preserved and handed down as faithfully as possible. Chairs for resting are placed at several landings along the staircase.
Corridor Leading to the Large Public Bath
The white sulfur hot spring in the large public bath is excellent. The spring water is sourced directly from Unzen Jigoku and flows continuously. As the source temperature exceeds 90°C, cold water is added to adjust it, but even so, it is still hot and highly effective. The open-air bath is small, suitable for about two people.
Unzen’s sulfur springs are strongly acidic and have powerful antibacterial properties. They are said to be effective for skin conditions such as eczema, chilblains, and minor cuts. They also offer beautifying effects and are considered beneficial for chronic rheumatism, diabetes, neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery, and overall health promotion.
Grand Piano in Front of the Bar Room
A grand piano is placed at the entrance of the bar room.
Historical Travel Guides and More
Travel guides and materials from the hotel’s early days are on display.
Dinner
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Dining Room: Overview
At dinnertime, a gong beside the dining room door is struck to signal the start. Since the owner of Unzen Kanko Hotel, the Dojima Building Group, originally operated a shipping company, this gong reflects the concept of those used on passenger ships at departure—a tradition that continues today.
The dining room is very spacious, with high ceilings that create a sense of openness. Near the center, a bar counter displays champagne and wine served with the course meal.
The staff provided thoughtful, perfectly balanced service—attentive yet unobtrusive.
The gentle glow of candlelight creates a soothing atmosphere.
Table Setting
The tableware and cutlery are beautifully arranged and visually delightful.
Champagne
The extensive wine list, along with a variety of other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, is very appealing.
Amuse-bouche
This French course fully incorporates local ingredients from Unzen and Shimabara. You can enjoy “Unzen Cuisine,” a fusion of traditional French techniques and carefully selected local produce.
The meal begins with amuse-bouches such as small cream puffs.
Appetizer
Smoked Nagasaki herb chicken and foie gras. Warm bread and butter are also served.
Soup
A turnip-based soup.
Fish Dish
Meunière-style fish with burdock root sauce.
Meat Dish
Unzen venison steak.
Cheese
A selection of aged cheeses.
Avant Dessert
The first dessert: a lemon-inspired creation.
Dessert Collection
The next dessert is a selection of pastries presented on a dessert wagon. You can request what you like, and it will be plated right in front of you. It feels like receiving world-class service abroad.
Dessert
In addition to the lemon dessert, the plate includes colorful cakes, berry sorbet, and matcha ice cream.
Petit Fours
The final petit fours bring the dining experience to a blissful conclusion.
Breakfast
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Table Setting
This is the table setting at the moment of being seated — a moment that raises anticipation for breakfast.
Appetizers & Salad
A plate of pâté, cheese, marinated salmon, and a fresh salad.
Appetizers, Salad, Yogurt, Soup, Bread, etc.
In addition to the appetizer plate and salad, yogurt, soup, and a smoothie are served.
Assortment of Bread
Crispy toast, croissant, and sesame roll. They are served with strawberry jam, honey, butter, and olive oil.
Main Dish: Egg Dish
The main dish is prepared in your preferred egg style: scrambled, omelet, or fried eggs. I chose the scrambled eggs. On certain days, French toast is also available.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs made with Unzen local chicken eggs, served with Unzen ham and warm vegetables.
Fruits
Fresh fruits served after the meal.
Bar Room
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Bar Room View
This is a charming old bar with soothing jazz playing in the background. It’s perfect for enjoying some quiet personal time or for engaging in lively conversation with your travel companions.
Bar Room View from Another Angle
With the drink voucher provided at check-in, I enjoyed one of the hotel’s original cocktails.
