TOP > What is a Geopark?

Q1. What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified areas with geological heritage of international significance, managed through a holistic approach to protection, education, and sustainable development.

Q2. What is the difference between a UNESCO Global Geopark and a World Heritage Site?

UNESCO Global Geoparks are areas designated by UNESCO. They are required to protect the geological heritage of international significance in their territories and to utilize it for educational and academic activities as well as tourism promotion and the sustainable development of their local communities. UNESCO Global Geoparks must undergo a revalidation process by UNESCO every four years, with evaluations of their relevance and activities, and they are expected to continuously maintain and enhance their quality.

World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO based on the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage," originating from the "1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment," and their objective is to promote the conservation of cultural, natural, and mixed cultural and natural heritage. Once a site is designated as a World Heritage Site, it is not subject to a revalidation process.

Q3. How many Geoparks are there, and where are they located?

Currently, there are 48 Japanese Geoparks in Japan (as of April 2026), certified by the Japanese Geopark Committee.
There are also 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries (as of March 2026), designated by UNESCO.

The following eleven Japanese Geoparks are designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks:
- Unzen Volcanic Area (in Nagasaki Prefecture)
- Itoigawa (in Niigata Prefecture)
- Toya-Usu (in the Hokkaido Region)
- San'in Kaigan (in Tottori, Hyogo, and Kyoto Prefectures)
- Muroto (in Kochi Prefecture)
- Oki Islands (in Shimane Prefecture)
- Aso (in Kumamoto Prefecture)
- Mt. Apoi (in the Hokkaido Region)
- Izu Peninsula (in Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Hakusan Tedorigawa (in Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Miné-Akiyoshidai (in Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Q4. What is a "Geosite"?

The places of interest in a Geopark are called "Geosites".

In the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark, the Geosites are categorized into three types:
- "Geological Sites" for places of geological interest;
- "Natural Sites" for places of natural and ecological interest;
- "Cultural Sites" for places of historical and cultural interest.

Additionally, places from where you can observe and have a good view of those sites are called "Viewing Spots," and places where you can learn and collect information about those sites, such as museums and visitor centers, are called "Geopark Facilities."

Q5. What is the "Geotourism"?

Geotourism is a form of tourism to enjoy the dramas, processes, or episodes born from the linkages of the earth's activities and people’s lives and culture, often hidden in ordinary landscapes. Most of these dramas, processes, and episodes are not visible, so if you just look at the landscapes, it is difficult to fully enjoy them. If you can learn about the origin of landscapes and the historical episodes found in them through trained guides or interpretive and information panels and materials, you will be able to enjoy them more deeply.

Geoparks promote this kind of geotourism, and visitors can enjoy learning about and experiencing the linkages and interactions between the earth's activities and people’s lives, especially at Geosites, Viewing Spots, and Geopark Facilities.

Q6. What are the requirements to become a UNESCO Global Geopark?

To be designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the following key requirements must be met:

1. It has a number of sites and landscapes of international geological significance, managed in a holistic concept of protection, education, research, and sustainable development.

2. It utilizes geological, natural, and cultural heritages in its area to promote awareness of and cope with key issues facing its local society.

3. It has a management body with legal existence recognized under the national legislation and is appropriately equipped with an adequate budget, staff, infrastructure, and management plans.

4. If it overlaps with the area designated by other UNESCO programs, the added value in synergy with other designations is clearly justified.

5. It involves all sorts of local stakeholders in its Geopark activities.

6. It participates in and contributes to the activities of the Global Geoparks Network.

7. It does not take part in the sale of geological objects such as rocks and minerals and actively discourages unsustainable trade in geological materials.

In order to promote attractive and interesting features of the Geopark to local residents and visitors in enjoyable and precise manners, both hard and soft infrastructures are required.

Specifically, as hard infrastructures, it is necessary to set up gateway signs to make visitors know that they are entering the Geopark, interpretive panels describing the characteristics of Geosites, and directional signage to lead visitors to each site. As soft infrastructures, it is also necessary to prepare leaflets, guidebooks, and posters summarizing information of the Geopark and to produce Geopark goods and souvenirs, as well as to train quality guides who are capable of providing precise interpretations of the Geopark's features and appropriate guiding services to the visitors and local residents.

Since the activities of Geopark cover a wide range of fields, it does not work well if government or private organizations solely promote it. It is essential that the whole community comes together to appreciate having the Geopark, and each actor shows a positive attitude to make the best of its status as being a member of the Geopark.

Q7. How are local specialties, culture, and history connected to the Geopark?

Geoparks are not limited to landscapes and geological features alone.
Locally produced agricultural and marine products, as well as local gastronomy made from those products, are notable components of the Geopark. This is because these products are directly or indirectly linked to the soils formed by the earth over a long period of time, the climatic conditions (temperature and rainfall), and the terrain unique to the area.

Furthermore, local folktales, history, and dialects are also important parts of the Geopark, since they transmit, from one generation to the next, the ways of living in which people harnessed and expressed the climatic features and the workings of nature in their land.
However, it is not easy to convey that "what you can see" (e.g., foods and customs) is connected to "what you cannot directly see" (e.g., the origins of the land). Therefore, it requires some ingenuity, such as creating simple stories to explain their connections.

Q8. How can you enjoy the Geopark?

Geoparks are not limited to landscapes and geological features. They also reflect the lives of people, including their culture, history, gastronomy, and much more.

Many stories of the earth and of the people are hidden in the landscapes around you, just waiting for you to explore and discover them. You can admire its fascinating scenery, listen to the sounds of nature and birdsong, smell the fresh air, touch its soil and rocks, and taste its delicious cuisine. Use all your senses and experience the wonders of the Geopark with your whole body and mind.

Q9. Are there any guidelines for visitors in the Geopark?

In most areas of the Geopark, landscapes, natural environments, rocks, and other features are protected by laws such as the Natural Parks Act and the Cultural Properties Protection Act. There are also established systems to ensure that everyone can enjoy the treasures of these areas in a sustainable way.

For the sustainable use of nature, visitors are requested to refrain from collecting plants, animals, rocks, or other items that may significantly affect the environment. In some areas, it is even prohibited to move such items from their original locations.
As part of efforts to achieve regional development through the Geopark framework, it is essential that local heritage is properly protected.

To maintain the beautiful natural environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do, visitors are strongly requested to avoid any actions that may cause damage.

The sale of rocks, minerals, and fossils as souvenirs is not permitted in the Geopark, even if the items are from other regions.

Q10. What are the benefits of being designated as a Geopark?

The Geopark aims to energize local communities by making the best use of its status and to build a society in which the next generation can live happily.

To achieve this aim, the following four actions need to be taken in a balanced manner:

1. recognizing the academic significance of local resources through research activities by researchers;

2. improving the framework of educational activities for local residents to promote and raise awareness of the significance of local resources;

3. promoting geotourism to utilize valuable local resources in sustainable ways and to stimulate the local economy; and

4. protecting local resources legally and practically.
Since key roles in these actions are played by various actors, including municipalities; prefectural and national governments; as well as community groups, private entities, and individual business owners, being designated as a Geopark has a positive effect in strengthening mutual collaboration among local stakeholders. In particular, the establishment of an educational program framework is an important benefit.

In a country like Japan, with frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and climatic hazards, it is inevitable to coexist with natural disasters in order to protect people’s lives.

For those who live on ever-changing land, it is very important to promote community education for disaster prevention, using the Geopark framework to learn about local natural environments and past disasters and to pass on these lessons to future generations.
Furthermore, the Geopark program plays a significant role in spreading a proper understanding of the effects of climate change and in encouraging people to take action to change their behavior and their local societies.

Q1. Where is the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark located?

The Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark covers the entire Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture.
It consists of three municipalities: Shimabara City, Unzen City, and Minamishimabara City.
Approximately 120,000 residents live in the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark.

Q2. What are the unique features of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark, and how is it different from other Geoparks?

The biggest feature of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark is that it has both the risks and the benefits of an active volcano.

You can see the traces of disasters caused by the world-renowned active volcano, Mt. Unzen, while also enjoying the benefits of the rich natural environment created by it.

A Geopark that features an active volcano is quite unique in the world. A volcano brings disasters from time to time; however, it also provides valuable benefits.

"Coexistence of People and the Volcano" is the main feature of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark.
Every Geopark has its own unique features. How about checking out Geoparks across the world?

Q3. What are the main attractions of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark?

One of the main attractions of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark is Mt. Heisei Shinzan, the newest volcano in Japan, along with the reconstruction process following the disasters caused by its eruption from 1990 to 1995.

We also recommend the dynamic shape of the Chijiwa Fault, created as the land sank due to the movement of normal faults, which is rarely found in Japan.

Other attractions of historical importance include the Shimabara Rebellion, fought around Hara Castle in 1637–1638, and the stories of recovery from the disasters caused by the collapse of the Mt. Mayuyama lava dome and the tsunami, which are well known as the Shimabara Catastrophe of 1792.

Of course, you cannot miss the different types of hot springs in Obama, Unzen, and Shimabara, as well as abundant freshwater springs and plenty of delicious local cuisine prepared using these natural resources.

You can enjoy feeling the volcano, observing various kinds of rocks, strolling around historical and geological sites, and tasting superb local geo-foods.

There are many different ways to enjoy the Geopark, and that is one of the great things about it.For more details, please refer to the pages on Geosites and Recommended Routes.

Q4. What kinds of events are held in the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark?

A variety of Geopark-related events are held at facilities such as the Gamadas Dome (Mt. Unzen Volcano Museum), the Mt. Unzen Visitor Center, the Heisei Shinzan Nature Center, and the Mt. Unzen Suwanoike Visitor Center.

One of the most popular activities is the "Geo-Tour," a short guided tour to Geosites led by certified Geopark guides and Geopark experts.

In addition, many events are designed to help visitors experience and enjoy the Geopark, including nature observation programs, star-watching events, and various hands-on activities organized by the Shimabara Tourism Board and other local tourism associations.

For more information, please visit the websites of these organizations via the "Links" page.

Q5. Do I have to pay any fees to enter the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark?

No, entry to the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark is free. However, some facilities within the Geopark charge admission fees.

Q6. How do I get to the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark?

Please refer to the "How to Get Here" page for more details.

From Nagasaki Airport, bus and train services are available. It is recommended to take the yellow Shimatetsu Railway for a relaxed journey on a local train from JR Isahaya Station.

From Fukuoka City, the following two routes are recommended:
A) From Hakata Station to Omuta Station by Nishitetsu Railway, then from Omuta Station to Miike Port by bus, followed by a high-speed vessel to Shimabara Port.
B) From Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station by Kyushu Shinkansen, then from Kumamoto Station to Kumamoto Port by bus, followed by a ferry to Shimabara Port.
A highway bus for direct travel from Fukuoka City to Shimabara City is also available.

By car, take the Kyushu Expressway to the Isahaya Interchange, or use ferry services such as the Ariake Ferry, Kyushu Ferry, Kumamoto Ferry, or Shimatetsu Ferry.

Q7. Where should I start when exploring the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark?

When visiting the Geopark for the first time, you may wonder where to start and what to see.

We recommend that you first visit the "Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark Information Space," located in the free admission area of the Gamadas Dome (Mt. Unzen Volcano Museum). Here, you can pick up a leaflet introducing the Geopark. It includes recommended travel routes as well as information on history, culture, hot springs, local cuisine, and souvenirs. We encourage you to explore the Geosites with this leaflet in hand.

At the Information Space, you can also watch a promotional video of the Geopark and obtain leaflets for Geoparks across Japan.

Next to the Information Space, you will find the Secretariat Office of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark. The staff there will be happy to assist you with more detailed information and help you choose travel routes. You can also get additional information on spots not listed in the leaflets, as well as recommendations for reasonably priced local restaurants and seasonal events. Please feel free to stop by the Secretariat Office!

Q8. Do you have a booklet or leaflet of the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark, or a guidebook for enjoying your geopark? Where can I get them?

The PDF file of the leaflets in 5 languages (English, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese) are available for download in "Pamphlets & Videos" page of this Website.

For the paper copy of the leaflet and other information materials, you can obtain at the "Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark Information Space", located in the "Gamadas Dome (Mt. Unzen Volcano Museum)", as well as at the "Mt. Unzen Visitor Center" and the "Heisei Shinzan Nature Center".

For the general travel information across the Shimabara Peninsula, you can get them at the entrance of the "Shimabara Tourism Board" in the Gamadas Dome and other tourism associations of the 3 cities (Shimabara City, Unzen City, Minamishimabara City) in the Shimabara Peninsula. Please check the websites of those tourism organizations from the "Links" page of this Website.

Q9. I want to stay overnight in the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark. Which accommodations do you recommend?

We highly recommend that you stay overnight in one of the hot spring areas in the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark.

There are three types of volcanic hot springs, namely Obama, Unzen, and Shimabara, each with different water qualities and temperatures. These areas offer a wide range of excellent accommodations.

For information on the Obama and Unzen hot spring areas, please contact the UNZEN Destination Service or the Unzen City Office.

For information on the Shimabara hot spring area, please contact the Shimabara Tourism Bureau Co., Ltd. or the Shimabara City Office.

For information on Minamishimabara City, please contact the Minamishimabara City Tourist Association or the Minamishimabara City Office.

(Please refer to the "Links" page of this website for the websites of these organizations.)

In addition to these volcanic hot springs, there are also non-volcanic hot springs with different water qualities, such as Hara Castle Hot Spring, Futsu Hot Spring, and Kuchinotsu Hot Spring. Each area has public bathhouses and spa facilities, allowing you to enjoy visiting multiple hot springs during your stay.

Q10. Where can I buy Geopark souvenirs?

Original Geopark goods, such as polo shirts, pin badges, and stationery featuring the Geopark logo, are mainly available at the museum shop in the Gamadas Dome (Mt. Unzen Volcano Museum).

You can also find a variety of Geo-products at local shops, including:

・Mt. Unzen-Fugendake Roasted Coffee, made using lava rocks
・Volcano Kid Geo-kun Biscuits, featuring the Geopark mascot
・Geo Sweets, baked confectionery inspired by local Geosites

These items are available at several locations, such as Kitada Bussan, Okashi no Grandpa, Seiryu-tei (in Shimabara City), and Irie-Seikaho (Patisserie IRIE) in Minamishimabara City.

In addition, some products have been developed in collaboration with local high school students and businesses, including Rokube de Castella, Soup Ginger Noodles, and Soup Spinach Somen Noodles. These can be purchased at locations such as the Chijiwa Tourist Center (Unzen City) and Men-no-Yamaichi (Minamishimabara City).

At these shops, you can also find a wide variety of local specialties and souvenirs, as well as enjoy regional foods such as handmade somen noodles.

For shop locations, please refer to the following Google Maps below:

"Gamadas Dome (Mt. Unzen Volcano Museum)" https://goo.gl/maps/HJAcrYBmhqo59Sjr7
"Kitada Bussan" https://goo.gl/maps/awiZJBw6ciZRMBzP8
"Okashi no Grandpa" https://goo.gl/maps/xFY7nFwXQFQKnBSx9
"Seiryu-tei" https://goo.gl/maps/LyaPdL5X1QCkac589
"Irie-Seikaho (Patisserie IRIE)" https://goo.gl/maps/sB8LHFozrxuNKS2D6
"Chijiwa Tourist Center" https://goo.gl/maps/ggxuTbmLF8Ky6QvZ7
"Men-no-Yamaichi" https://goo.gl/maps/USdAR8FkpFrq8hpdA

Q1. What is the difference between a national park and a “geopark”?

The Shimabara Peninsula is unusual in that it contains two different but related types of protected areas. One is the Unzen-Amakusa National Park, established in 1934 as one of the first national parks in Japan. It was created to protect the ecological, cultural, and historical resources of the Unzen volcano group and the scenic coastline of the Amakusa Islands.

The other is the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark, established in 2009 as one of the first Geoparks in Japan. Geoparks differ from national parks in that they focus on geological heritage of international significance and promote its conservation through education and sustainable development. They are designated under a UNESCO programme.

As of April 2026, there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries.

Q2. Is there a mountain named “Mt. Unzen”?

No, the name “Unzen” does not refer to a single mountain, but instead refers to a group of mountains and peaks (such as those ending in “-yama,” “-san,” “-zan,” or “-dake”) at the center of the Shimabara Peninsula.

Q3. Why is the Shimabara Peninsula so volcanically active?

Deep beneath Tachibana Bay, off the coast of the town of Obama, there is a large reservoir of magma originating from the Earth’s mantle. This magma moves underground at an upward angle from west to east, releasing gas and heating groundwater.　The movement of magma causes the northern and southern parts of the Shimabara Peninsula to pull apart, creating favorable conditions for volcanic activity such as that seen in the Unzen area.

Q4. Why does the Shimabara Peninsula experience so many earthquakes?

The Shimabara Peninsula is crisscrossed by deep cracks in the Earth’s crust called “faults.” Faults are where different sections of the crust move against, over, or beneath each other. This tectonic movement is the main cause of earthquakes.

However, some earthquakes in Shimabara are caused not by movement along faults, but by volcanic activity. The central part of the peninsula, between the Chijiwa Fault in the north and the Kanahama Fault in the south, is slowly sinking as the crust on either side moves away from each other.

This type of sunken area between two faults is called a “graben,” from the German word meaning “trench.” As the Unzen Graben sinks, magma rises toward the surface, contributing to the formation of new volcanoes.

Q5. When was the last time a volcano erupted on the Shimabara Peninsula?

From 1990 to 1995, Mt. Fugendake erupted repeatedly, forming lava domes that later collapsed and sent debris and hot ash into the valleys below. The mountain formed by these eruptions, Mt. Heisei Shinzan, is now the highest peak in Nagasaki Prefecture.

Q6. Is it safe to visit the mountains?

Yes. Since the eruptions ended in 1995, the volcano has been closely monitored using advanced systems, and infrastructure improvements have helped reduce the risks associated with future eruptions.

Q7. What historical events happened on the Shimabara Peninsula?

People have been living on the Shimabara Peninsula for thousands of years. For a very long time, however, Shimabara was a relatively remote area, far removed from major centers of power.

That changed in the eighth century, when the Unzen volcano cluster became an important location for the worship and study of Buddhism. By the late sixteenth century, Nagasaki had become an international port city, and Shimabara had some of the highest numbers of Christian converts.

In 1614, however, Christianity was outlawed, and during the winter of 1637–1638, the peninsula was the site of a major conflict between Christians and the Tokugawa shogunate.

In 1792, a combination of an earthquake and tsunami killed around 15,000 people living on the peninsula.

In 1853, after Japan opened to the West, it became a tourist destination for Western residents in East Asia until the early 1900s.

Q8. What was the Shimabara Rebellion?

Christianity was outlawed by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1614, but a large number of Christians remained in western Kyushu. Around that time, the shogunate removed Shimabara’s Christian lord and replaced him with a new ruler who persecuted local Christians and imposed heavy taxes.

The rebellion began in the winter of 1637, when Christians in Shimabara and Amakusa rose up against this rule. About 37,000 rebels took control of Hara Castle and held it until April 1638, when the shogunate’s army of more than 125,000 soldiers overran them.

After the castle fell, around 30,000 people were executed. The Shimabara Rebellion is considered one of the largest uprisings of the early Edo period (1603–1867).

Following the rebellion, the shogunate blamed foreign influence, particularly from the Portuguese, and tightened restrictions on Christianity. Japan then remained largely isolated from the outside world for more than 200 years.

Q9. What was the greatest natural disaster in the history of the peninsula?

On May 21, 1792, after months of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions across the peninsula, part of Mt. Mayuyama collapsed, triggering a landslide of debris that destroyed much of Shimabara.

When the landslide reached the coast, it generated a tsunami that swept across the Ariake Sea, inundating the area of Higo in present-day Kumamoto Prefecture before rebounding toward Shimabara. The disaster ultimately killed more than 15,000 people.

Simulations of the landslide and resulting tsunami suggest that the entire event may have lasted only about three minutes. The disaster is now often referred to as “Shimabara Taihen, Higo Meiwaku,” meaning “Shimabara’s Catastrophe, Higo’s Cataclysm.” Numerous documents and drawings created shortly after the event help us understand how people at the time experienced and responded to it.

Ｑ10. What was the Battle of Okitanawate?

It was a battle fought in 1584 between the Ryuzoji clan and the combined forces of the Arima clan (from the Shimabara Peninsula) and the Shimazu clan (from Satsuma).

Despite facing a much larger Ryuzoji army of tens of thousands, the allied Arima–Shimazu forces, numbering about 8,000 soldiers, used the terrain to their advantage. They feigned a retreat, luring the enemy into a narrow area of rice paddies, and then launched a coordinated attack from both sides.

This strategy led to the defeat of the Ryuzoji army, including the death of its leader, Takanobu, along with many of his senior retainers. As a result, the balance of power in the Kyushu region changed significantly.