Sakumo Stream Old Street Wears a Japanese Touch – Royal Honeymoon Hot Spring Rooms Open for Soaking

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Li Xinyi

 

Pingtung County’s 2012 Sakumo Stream Tourism Hot Spring Festival will begin on November 17 and continue until January 31 of next year. In addition to excellent hot springs and food, the festival features free shuttles to hot spring areas, free massage services, and the experience of a royal prince’s honeymoon hot spring room, all set against the backdrop of an old street adorned with a Japanese ambiance—making this year’s Sakumo Stream Hot Spring Festival even more atmospheric. Before ascending the throne, Japan’s Emperor Showa once stayed here during a journey, which later led to his younger brother, Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, choosing the location for his honeymoon in 1932 after getting married. The hot spring operators at the time specially built a honeymoon hot spring room for the prince, and it has been preserved to this day. This year, Sakumo Stream Hot Springs also adopts the theme “Love Blooms in Sakumo Stream, Sweetness Reborn,” and has specially opened the former honeymoon hot spring room of Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni and his wife—which was previously only for viewing—to couples who have previously honeymooned here.

For long-married couples who once honeymooned in Sakumo Stream, hot spring operators are offering an unprecedented benefit: as long as they can provide photos from their Sakumo Stream honeymoon and the images are verified, the couple will be offered one free soak in the “Royal Honeymoon Hot Spring Room” and one night’s stay at a guest hotel. The offer is valid from December 1 to December 31, with limited spots available—only one couple per day on weekdays (Monday to Thursday, excluding New Year’s holiday period). Registration for the second honeymoon activity is open from now until November 30. Please send honeymoon photos along with the couple’s names, a copy of their marriage certificate, and any other materials that can prove they honeymooned in Sakumo Stream back then to sweet.onzen@yahoo.com.tw or to “Love Blooms in Sakumo Stream, Sweetness Reborn” event, 24F, No. 366, Bo’ai 1st Rd., Sanchong District, Kaohsiung City.

This year’s hot spring festival sees Pingtung County- collaborating with local industries to roll out the “Herbal Beauty Spring” to welcome guests. Hot spring operators use high-quality locally grown herbal bath powders and essential oil shower bombs produced in Pingtung. More uniquely, the county government has introduced visually impaired massage therapists to serve visitors. Any guest staying at designated hotels can enjoy a free 10-minute stress relief massage. This year, Sakumo Stream is infused with the atmosphere of a hot spring resort, including carp streamers fluttering in the downslope winds, Japanese lanterns hanging along the old street, and street trees adorned with star lights that emit a warm glow at night. During December, street performers are scheduled to sing weekly under the star-lit trees every Saturday, making the old street even more enchanting after dark.

To make it easier for everyone to enjoy Sakumo Stream’s wonderful hot springs, Pingtung County- has also thoughtfully arranged free dedicated hot spring shuttle buses. From Friday to Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., a free shuttle runs every 30 to 40 minutes between Checheng Farmers’ Association and Sakumo Stream Hot Springs. Visitors can take the Chengkenting Express bus from Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station, Kaohsiung Railway Station, or Pingtung Railway Station, get off at Checheng Farmers’ Association, and then transfer to the free shuttle for a relaxing hot spring experience. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there are also two free shuttles each day to Mudan and Xuhai.

 

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