Mt. Fugen Hiking Trail: Kunimi Trailhead
This is the path to Shimabara Peninsula’s third-highest peak: Mt. Kunimi (1,347 m). Hikers who brave the steep ascent up volcanic rock will be rewarded with one of the best views within the whole Unzen volcano cluster.
Mt. Kunimi erupted within the Nodake Caldera approximately 25,000 years ago, contributing to the formation of the Myōken Caldera. The narrow path that leads to Mt. Kunimi from Mt. Myōken (1,333 m) follows the rim of this ancient caldera. Along the trail the younger mountains to the east are visible, specifically Mt. Fugen (1,359 m) and Mt. Heisei Shinzan (1,486 m). Chains are embedded in boulders along the trail to help hikers keep their balance.
On a clear day, three prefectures—Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Saga—can be seen from the summit of Mt. Kunimi. On exceptionally clear days, Fukuoka and Kagoshima are also visible. In fact, almost the entirety of the Shimabara Peninsula can be seen from the top of Mt. Kunimi, including the cities of Unzen, Shimabara, and Minami-Shimabara.