Keep in mind that, as with most resort areas in Japan, Unzen tends to be crowded and sometimes even fully booked during Golden Week and New Year's, and from mid-July to August. The best times of year are late April to June, when Unzen's famous azalea bushes are in glorious bloom, and late October and early November, when the maple leaves turn brilliant reds.

With the exception of one inexpensive lodging at the end of this section, all the ryokan and hotels listed here are within an easy walk of bus stops along the route traversed by the bus from Nagasaki, so I've included the bus stops for each establishment below. You can also tell the bus driver where you're staying, and he'll drop you off at the nearest stop (if you're arriving from Kumamoto, buses go only to the bus terminal).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.