DAY1
The first half of this journey is here.
CONTENTS
Arrival at the accommodation
The base for this trip is the area around Obama Onsen. Located on the western side of the Shimabara Peninsula, facing Tachibana Bay, it is about a 40-minute drive from Shimabara City, where Pesceco is located.
This area is known for having the highest source water temperature in Japan, with a charming townscape characterized by abundant hot spring water and rising steam. Along the coast, there are various hot spring facilities and steam baths, and the area offers local specialties like “hell-steamed” dishes and fresh seafood at gourmet spots.
The hot spring town also features foot baths and observation spots, where you can enjoy the benefits of the hot springs while relaxing and spending a leisurely time. In recent years, restaurants that take advantage of the bountiful local resources of the Shimabara Peninsula have been opening, and gastronomy with a focus on local ingredients is becoming more prominent. The area has also gained attention as a gourmet destination, with Michelin and Tabelog Award-winning restaurants.
Yuyado Jōkika (Steam House)
Upon arriving in Obama, the first stop is to check in at the accommodation for the trip.
Details of Yuyado Jōkika (Steam House) can be found here.
To the restaurant I reserved
Locanda del Campo
It is convenient to travel from Yuyado Jōkika to Locanda del Campo via the partnered onsen taxi. The distance is about 10 kilometers, and it takes approximately 20 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views of the beautiful coastline of Tachibanawan and the majestic mountains of Unzendake, offering picturesque scenery unique to Nagasaki Prefecture.
Details of Locanda del Campo here
After enjoying a delicious dinner at Locanda del Campo, we return to the inn by onsen taxi. The atmosphere in the hot spring town at night is calm and tranquil, allowing you to relax and enjoy the afterglow of the meal at a leisurely pace.
Once back at the inn, it’s recommended to enjoy a good soak in the hot spring and unwind from the day’s activities. After the bath, you can relax in your room while tasting local specialties from Obama, or enjoy a bottle of wine you brought along.
ince the nearest convenience store is a bit far, it’s recommended to purchase any necessities in advance. Stocking up on drinks, light snacks, or small appetizers will make your evening more comfortable.
Note: It is important to be cautious about entering the bath after drinking too much. The strain on your body can increase, so it’s important to rest and enjoy the experience in moderation.
DAY2
Purchasing breakfast ingredients
Tanaka Fish Shop
For the ingredients for breakfast, I purchased them from Tanaka Fish Shop, which is about a 5-minute walk from the inn. This fish shop is located along the main street of Obama Onsen and offers a wide variety of fresh local seafood. It is a trusted fish shop where popular local restaurants like Locanda del Campo and BEARD also source their ingredients.
The fish I purchased was cleaned on-site, including gutting and scaling, making it very easy to cook when I returned to the inn.
Hell Steamed Cooking
When I asked about the day’s recommendation, I was told it was the vibrant-colored Itoyoridai (a type of fish), so I chose that. Additionally, I saw Watarigani, also known as Gane in the Shimabara Peninsula, so I bought one of those as well. One of Obama’s specialties, Etari no Shio-kara (salted fermented fish), is a favorite of mine that I first learned about during a meal at BEARD, and I make sure to purchase it every time I visit.
Simple cooking with hell steam The Itoyoridai was placed in the steamer for about 15 minutes, and the Watarigani(crab) took about 20 minutes to steam. In the inn’s kitchen, there’s a guide with the recommended cooking times for hell steam, so I was able to cook with confidence even as a first-timer.
Fish cooked slowly with the steam from the hot spring turns out tender, with its umami concentrated. When cracking open the crab shell, the sweet and juicy meat was abundant!
Simple yet delicious, the seafood cooked in the steam of the hot spring really brought out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and I thoroughly enjoyed the one-of-a-kind hot spring-steamed breakfast that is unique to Obama.
Obama Onsen’s Famous Sweet – Yusenpei
On my way to Tanaka Fish Shop, I was unexpectedly approached by a local grandmother, and I received some Yusenpeias a kind gesture. This warm interaction, typical of an onsen town, made me feel a sense of comfort.
Yusenpei is a local specialty of Obama Onsen, made with hot spring water. It has a crispy, light texture and a simple sweetness, with a slightly salty flavor that makes it wonderfully addictive.
Yusenpei Honpo Shindo Senpei Shop
Among the options, Yusenpei Honpo Shindo Senpei Shop has been around for over 100 years and bakes the Yusenpeiusing traditional methods. It is a classic souvenir item from Obama. This unexpected encounter allowed me to once again experience the warmth of Obama Onsen.
A Trip to Obama & Chijiishi with Locanda del Campo as the Destination
This trip was not just sightseeing but rather a “healing journey” for both the mind and body.
Obama Onsen is not only a place to relax in hot springs but also a destination where you can enjoy gourmet dishes made from local ingredients. While savoring fresh seafood and local specialties, you can also indulge in the blessings of the hot springs, making for a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.
This journey is recommended for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in a time that satisfies all five senses. I’m already looking forward to returning during a different season to enjoy the unique landscapes of the Shimabara Peninsula at that time.
