Silversea Luxury Cruises A BEPPU (Kyushu Island)

Beppu is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resort areas, offering an unmatched range of baths & "hells" to be enjoyed. Many baths are said to be beneficial for illnesses like rheumatism, fatigue, neuralgia and a host of others. One highlight is to stroll in Jigokus, meaning "Hells" in Japanese. Due to spewing gases, thermal mud, and boiling water for over 1000 years, local people have called it "hell." There are 8 Jigokus in total and today you will visit the two most popular ones - "blood pond hell - Chinoike Jigoku", that is only 20-minute drive away from the port and the "cobalt blue sea hell - Umi Jigoku" that is a little further away. There is a small foot spa at Umi Jigoku, feel free to soak your feet in the hot spring.

Next, a short drive will take you to visit the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center where you will learn of the history and important role this craft played in the region. In 1979 the craft was designated a 'Traditional Craft' by the Japanese Government. The center houses a collection of traditional crafts of national importance including: traditional utensils, furniture, clothing etc. Having learnt about the bamboo craft, you will have the opportunity to also get some 'hands-on' knowledge. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, you will experience an element of bamboo making by decorating a bamboo bell made of five colored bamboo sticks.

Leaving the Crafts Center, it is on to a nearby local restaurant offering interesting Japanese set-menu lunch. For centuries, locals have been using the naturally hot steam for cooking their food. These dishes are called "Hell Steam Cuisine" and are very healthy due to the additive-free cooking method. The steam is also said to bring out the natural flavors of the food. Assisted by staff-members, you will have an opportunity to cook selected ingredients for your very own 'hell meal'. Fully replenished, re-board your coach for the short transfer to your ship as you reminisce on your trip to Beppu Hell.

A highlight in Beppu is to stroll in Jigokus, meaning "Hells" in Japanese. Due to Spewing gas, thermal mud, and boiling water for over 1000 years, this area has come to be known by people as "hell." There are 8 Jigokus in Beppu including the deep-red blood pond hell "Chi-no Ike Jigoku" and the cobalt blue ocean hell - "Umijigoku".

Depart the pier and travel approximately 20-30 minutes to visit these two famous "Jigoku". "Chinoike Jigoku" is Japan's oldest natural hot spring. Its high concentration of iron oxide, magnesium oxide, and other minerals, give the water a characteristic vivid red color, resembling blood, therefore its name translated as "Blood Pond Hell". Its extremely high temperature makes it not suitable for full body bath and visitors rather enjoy the scenic views around it.

From the red "Blood Pond Hell" a short drive will take you to "Umi Jigoku". This hot spring is known as "Sea Hell", due to its amazing cobalt blue boiling waters. Enjoy the exuberant vegetation in the garden around not only the blue pond, but also a smaller one colored in orange. There is also another one with clear waters full of lotus flowers from August to early November, whose enormous leaves can support the weight of a small child. There is a small foot spa at Umi Jigoku, feel free to soak your feet into the hot springs.

Next, re-board your coach and travel about 20-minute to the "Jumonjibara Lookout", located in the northern part of Beppu City. It offers splendid views over the city, the bay & other parts of Oita Prefecture like the Kunisaki Peninsula weather permitting. Enjoy the chance for unforgettable pictures during our brief stop here.

It is then on to the Hot Spring Village "Myoban Yunosato", the last stop of the tour. Onsen hot spring waters have different mineral components, at Yunosato one can find cloudy color sulfur springs, a mineral is known for its power to remove sebum and dirt from the skin. Myoban Yunosato is renowned not only by its healing waters, but also for its Yu-no-Hana Bath Salts, the production of which dates back to the Edo Period and therefore is considered an Intangible National Folk-Cultural Asset. You can get a close glimpse of the manufacturing process inside the so-called "yunohana-goya" or "small hut".

After this stop re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the port and to you awaiting ship.

(Please acknowledge the 'Important Note' section reported down below)

This tour allows you to explore the famous onsen town "Kannawa", which offers much more than only beautiful hot springs landscapes. Your guide will explain how the locals have learned how to make the best use of nature's power. Hot springs waters are also used to cook (steam or boil) a variety of food, among which the "Onsen Tamago" (hot spring water boiled egg) or "steamed pudding" are very popular. Speaking of hot springs spots, you have probably heard about hot spring water foot bath, which consists of soaking only your feet in hot spring water. Here you can also experience a slightly different relaxation therapy for your feet, this is called "foot steaming", although this one is quite hot in comparison to footbaths. Some free time will be afforded for you to get the perfect souvenir before you immerse yourself in the warm relaxing waters of a Japanese onsen.

Changed and ready, you will be given instructions on how to best enjoy the opportunity to have some peaceful and relaxing time in the hot springs. Onsen "Hot Springs" is believed to be good for health or the recovering of injury, so from ancient times Japanese were fond of taking Onsen bath and it is one of the most popular recreation for Japanese. In addition to soaking yourself in the hot water, you can also experience relaxation therapy - the steam bath to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. After your bath, enjoy a tasty treat of locally made "steamed" sweets paired with hot tea before returning to the ship.

Important Note:

Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked. Swimming suits are not allowed. It's permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area, with which you can enhance your privacy while outside of the water. Once entered the bath, the towel must be kept out of the water. Shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face towel, and bath towel will be provided at the hot springs location. The hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only but are not privately reserved for Silversea Guests. We suggest guests not to bring valuables or wear accessories as the colour may be changed due to the hot springs water. The relaxing room after the hot springs experience is Japanese style i.e. sitting on Tatami Mats (on the floor). The use of the bath is forbidden after the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's also forbidden for women who are pregnant or during their menstruation period. Tattoos are also prohibited. Photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the hot springs.

Explore Beppu at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Beppu at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Beppu at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Beppu at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Departing from the port, an approximately 60-minute drive will take you to "Usa Jingu", a shrine located in the Kunisaki Peninsula of Oita Prefecture.

Usa Jingu Shrine

Usa Jingu is the main shrine across Japan and consists of an upper shrine complex, a lower shrine complex, a treasure hall, some ponds and several auxiliary shrine buildings. The shrine is devoted to Hachiman, the God of Archery and War and one of the 7 Lucky Gods of Japan, which is also usually linked to Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan. Hachiman is a highly worshiped god, also called "the protector of Japan" for having sent the Kamikaze (divine wind) preventing Japan from been invaded.

Kumano Magaibutsu Stone Buddha Temple

Travel in Japanese culture from Shinto to Buddhism, as your next visit will be "The Kumano Magaibutsu Stone Buddha", found on top of a steep flight made of stone steps. This is one of the largest Buddhas carved in stone across the country. It is estimated to have been constructed sometime in the late Heian or early Kamakura Period - (1180-1190). Surrounded by exuberant nature, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

After enjoying the fresh air in open nature, re-board your coach for the approximately 60-minute drive back to the pier.

Depart the port for approximately one-hour drive to witness the Usuki Stone Buddhas, the most famous & largest such collection in Japan. There are over 60 figures and each Buddha have its own unique expression. It is believed they were made between the Heian Period (797-1192) and the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). These figures of Buddha called Magaibutsu are carved into the rock and cannot be moved. They were the first historical artifacts in Kyushu to be designated as National Treasures. They have also garnered international recognition due to their beauty & remarkable carving techniques used despite the solid rock.

It is then on to the eastern part of the city to visit the ruins of Usuki Castle which was built by Yoshishige Ootomo in 1562. The castle tower was destroyed in the early Meiji Era. Now the Castle ruins along with a few buildings and some stone walls have become a park. In addition to guided tours of both the castle ruins & the historical samurai district, enjoy some free time to stroll around to further experience the nostalgic olden days.

After this stop re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the port and to you awaiting ship.

(Please acknowledge the 'Important Note' section reported down below)

Depart Beppu Port for the hot springs village of Yufuin. After, an about 60-minute journey first, we will make a stop at "Lake Kinrin", a natural lake blessed with spectacular views around it. It is particularly famous for its pristine waters that bubble up from the bottom of the lake in a combination of hot and cold springs. This phenomenon creates a floating mist over the surface of the lake, in the cold autumn and winter mornings. The legend tells that once around sunset, a Confucian scholar spotted a gold-scaled fish in the waters and that is the story behind the origin of the lake's name. The Torii Gate emerging from the lake was moved here from the Bussanji Temple under the Shinbutsu Hanzen (Shinto and Buddhist Separation) Order back in the Meiji Period.

Near the lake is Yufuin Village. Accompanied by your guide, explore "Yunotsubo Kaido", a popular street that appears to stretch out to the very foot of Mt. Yufu. The street resembles an old Edo Town, nowadays full of shops where visitors can find a variety of souvenirs of popular local products, like the "Yuzu kosho" (also called Yuzu gosho) which is a type of condiment that is made by seasoning a paste of chili and yuzu citrus peel with salt and then matured. Following the guided walk, you will have approximately 30min free time to further explore the main street as you seek that special souvenir in one of the many shops offering items/crafts unique to the area.

After a tasty, traditional Japanese set-menu lunch in a local restaurant, we want you to enjoy a very special relaxing experience - Japanese Onsen. Yufuin area is well-known for its hot springs surrounded by beautiful nature. Onsen "Hot Springs" is believed to be good for health or the recovering of injury. From ancient times Japanese were fond of taking Onsen baths and it is one of the most popular recreations for locals. Enjoy a relaxing moment in an "Onsen Hot Springs Spa" and forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.

After this authentic experience and on the way back to Beppu Port, another breath-taking spot awaits you - "Sagiridai Observatory". Here you will be afforded spectacular views of the hot springs village of Yufuin being embraced by Mt. Yufu.

Important Note:

Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked. Swimming suits are not allowed. It's permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area, with which you can enhance your privacy while outside of the water. Once entered the bath, the towel must be kept out of the water. Shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face towel, and bath towel will be provided at the hot springs location. The hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only but are not privately reserved for Silversea Guests. We suggest guests not to bring valuables or wear accessories as the colour may be changed due to the hot springs water. The relaxing room after the hot springs experience is Japanese style i.e. sitting on Tatami Mats (on the floor). The use of the bath is forbidden after the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's also forbidden for women who are pregnant or during their menstruation period. Tattoos are also prohibited. Photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the hot springs.