Silversea Expedition Cruises A Beppu

Explore one of the most famous onsen (hot springs) in Beppu during this picturesque sightseeing excursion to Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell and Tornado Hell.

Sea Hell

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to Sea Hell. The "hells" of Beppu are seven spectacular hot springs for viewing rather than bathing. Sea hell is a vast hot-water pond made about 1,200 years ago from the explosion of Tsurumidake. The colors of the hot springs range from red to light blue and cobalt blue.

Blood Pond Hell

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to Blood Pond Hell which is the most historical "nature hell" in Japan, and has it's red color due to its underground chemistry. Time permitting you may enjoy a foot bath with hot water directly from "hell" or explore the gift shop afterwards.

Tornado Hell

Afterwards the tour proceeds to Tornado Hell with a 5 minute walk. Regarded as a natural treasure of Beppu, Tatsumaki is one of Japan's few geysers. Erupting every half an hour or so for up to 10 minutes, its spout can reach 50 meters without the stone plate that is used to block it off. At a fiendish 150 C, Tatsumaki also has the hottest water of all the hells and emits hot sulfurous gases.

Afterwards, re-board your coach for the approximate 30minutes return drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately one kilometer (0.62 miles), with approximately 40 steps to negotiate at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. We recommend that guests wishing to have a foot bath at the hot springs, bring a towel from the ship. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Although a minimum number of participants are required to operate this tour, space is limited. We suggest that you book this excursion in advance to avoid any disappointment

Explore the beautiful landscape and Buddhism culture during this half day excursion to the Beppu Ropeway and the Stone Buddha.

Beppu Ropeway

Depart the pier for an approximate 30-minute drive to Beppu Ropeway. You will reach the top of Tsurumi Mountain using the Beppu Ropeway. The view from this 1,375 meters high mountain is very impressive. It allows you to see the Kuju Mountains, Chugoku and Shikoku areas.

Stone Buddha

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to see some of the Stone Buddhas. The beautiful statues are estimated to have been created around the late Heian Period (794-1185) Sculpted into the walls of cliffs they are Japan's national treasures for it's uniqueness.

Afterwards, re-board your coach and commence the approximate 70-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately one kilometer (0.62 miles), with approximately 80 steps to negotiate at the cable car station and approximately 70 steps at the Stone Buddha. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Although a minimum number of participants are required to operate this tour, space is limited. We suggest you book this excursion in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Explore the sites of this historical building and beautiful landscapes during this half day excursion to Nakatsu Castle and Blue Cave.

Nakatsu Castle

Depart the pier for the approximate 75-minute drive to Nakatsu Castle. The daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka, who governed this region in 1587, began the construction of Nakatsu Castle (Nakatsu-jo). It was then completed by the daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki, who subsequently came to govern this region. The total area of the castle grounds was about 78,000 sq m, and the shape of the whole castle grounds resembles an open fan. The entire castle was destroyed by fire in the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. The present five-tiered donjon was built in 1964, and heirlooms of families that governed this region in the past are exhibited inside the donjon.

Blue Cave

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Blue Cave. In Edo-era, the water level of the Yamakuni river rised closing a path and rerouting people and horses through a dangerous path where several of them got killed. Monk Zenkai decided to build a safer path through a stone wall making caves as an alternative route. When Zenkai started the work, the village did not believe it would be possible to do such work. It took approximately 30 years for him to complete the cave with a lengh of 342 meter. It was completed in 1746.You can still see some parts of the cave today.

Yabakei Bridge and Yabakei Dam Lake

Drive back to the ship with a panoramic sightseeing passing by the site of Yabakei Bridge and Yabakei Dam Lake. Yabakei Bridge is the longest arch bridge in Japan. Yabakei Dam Lake is a man-made lake but it has rich natural landscapes during all four seasons.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately one kilometer (0.62 miles), with approximately 90 steps to negotiate at the Nakatsu Castle. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Although a minimum number of participants are required to operate this tour, space is limited. We suggest that you book this excursion in advance to avoid any disappointment.