The Mount Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall (雲仙岳災害記念館) is a museum located in Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The museum was opened in 2002 and is dedicated to commemorating the victims of the 1991-1996 Mount Unzen volcanic eruptions, one of Japan’s deadliest natural disasters of the 20th century.
The museum’s exhibits include displays of artifacts and photographs related to the eruption, as well as extensive information about the history, geology, and mechanisms of volcanoes. The museum also offers a 3D theater experience where visitors can witness the intensity of the Heisei eruption, as well as a traditional Kabuki-style theater depicting the devastating 1792 eruption and tsunami.
The Mount Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall also features a memorial garden with a monument dedicated to the victims of the eruption, as well as a reconstruction of a traditional Japanese house destroyed by the debris flow. Additionally, the museum has a free zone with a café, shop, and information about the Unzen Volcanic Area Geopark. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Mount Unzen and the Ariake Sea from the observation area.
The museum is open daily except for Wednesdays and some holidays, and admission fees vary depending on age and the type of ticket purchased. The museum is located near the site of the eruption and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Getting there
By Bus
From central Shimabara City:
- Take a bus bound for Katsusa (加津佐)
- Get off at the Fukko Arena Iriguchi bus stop (復興アリーナ入口)
- Walk 5-10 minutes to the museum
Details:
- Travel time from Shimabara Station: about 20 minutes
- Bus fare: 250 yen
- Frequency: approximately one bus per hour
By Car
The museum is located south of Shimabara Port off Route 251, directly opposite Shimabara Fukko Arena.
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Reception closes at 5:00 PM. |
| Admission | Adults: 1,050 yen Junior high school and high school students: 740 yen Elementary school students: 530 yen |
| Phone | +81 957-65-5555 |
| Address | 1-1 Heiseimachi, Shimabara, Nagasaki 855-0879 |
| Official Website | https://udmh.jp/ |