(雲仙岳) Mt. Unzen Hike

A very active volcano, this might have some rich history but at this point I am just looking for a hike in Nagasaki.

Budget: JPY3,300 (~USD29) from Nagasaki Station

JPY3,300. Bus, Nagasaki Station < > Unzen.
Bus pass available, JPY2,500, 1 day or JPY3,500 2days. It requires a train to Isahaya Station, then a bus from Isahaya Station to Unzen. This is much more recommended, since there are way more buses (earlier ones too) from Isahaya Station.

Hike Date / Difficulty (Elevation: 1,483m / 4,865ft)

December 25, 2021
Difficulty: 2 out of 5
Route below is;

w/ shuttle to Nitatouge : around 5.4kilometers, with an elevation change of ▲731m/ ▽733m (4h35m)
w/o shuttle to Nitatouge : around 10.8kilometers, with an elevation change of ▲1140m/ ▽1142m (6h45m)

Map Link

When to Go
Throughout the year. I can see logs all over, and I think the bus also runs throughout the year.

Special Notes

Summit also called Mt. Fugen (普賢岳).

If you zoom in on the maps, there are a LOT of warning signs on the loop. I think it's because of the volcanic activities, and not at all due to the technicality of the trail.
Because of the narrow portions of the trail, the loop around the summit is done clockwise. In cases of an emergency, rushing back counterclockwise is ok.

Weather forecast: English / Japanese.
Trailheads.

Nitatouge (仁田峠). Google maps link.

Bus, Nagasaki Station (長崎駅前) to Unzen (雲仙営業所). JPY1,850 one way, JPY3,300 round trip. No reservations needed. Google maps link.

Bus schedule navitime, website.
Take note - there are more buses coming from Isahaya Station, so I went to Isahaya Station and took the bus to Unzen from there. Bus schedule here.

Shuttle, Unzen (雲仙営業所) to Nitatouge. Ideally JPY430 one way, reservations needed. Call via 0957-73-2010.

No official dates that the shuttle schedule. When I called for my December hike, they said that the shuttle is not available and they have ended the service for the year (around Oct? I forgot), but I can call them and they'll run a regular taxi for me.
Since I am cheap, I decided to walk - it's 2.7km with elev gain of 401m.

Ropeway. Optional and will save about 30 mins of hiking. JPY1,290 roundtrip, JPY650 one way.

Mountain huts.

Paid. None. But the trailhead is at an onsen town.
Free. None.
Camping. None.

Itinerary

09:10am. Bus, Nagasaki Station to Unzen.
10:51am. ETA: Unzen. Start walking to Nitatouge.
12:00pm. ETA: Nitatouge. Start hike.
05:45pm. Back at the Unzen Bus Stop.

Since the last bus is at 4:10pm, this is not a feasible dayhike from Nagasaki Station.

Actual Log
I changed my mind last minute as I found an earlier bus from Isahaya Station. Also, I decided to stay one night in Unzen area. I did not get the bus pass, since I was already in Isahaya Bus Terminal when I was informed of the pass, and the two day pass is NOT cheaper compared to a roundtrip bus (Isahaya <> Unzen)

06:39am. Train, Nagasaki to Isehaya Station.
07:05am. Arrived at Isehaya Station, took the East Gate, exited, cross the overpass to the bus terminal.
07:20am. Bus, Isehaya Station to Unzen.
08:50am. Arrived at Unzen area, dropped my bags at the hostel.
09:14am. Officially started my hike! Which means walking up the road to get to Nitatouge.
10:24am. Arrived at Nitatouge. Start hike.
12:18pm. Summit! Flew my drone and had my break.
12:46am. Started heading down.
02:52pm. Back in town, and ate my champon here. I then went to Unzen Hells, did my onsen, and then went back to my hostel to rest.