Japanese-style charm fills Sichongxi Old Street as the Prince’s Honeymoon Hot Spring House opens for bathing

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Li Xinyi

Pingtung County’s 2012 Sichongxi Tourism Hot Spring Festival will kick off on November 17 and run until January 31 of next year. In addition to great hot springs and delicious food, the festival offers free shuttle buses to hot spring areas, complimentary massages, and the chance to experience a Japanese prince’s honeymoon hot spring house. Coupled with old street scenery decorations full of Japanese ambiance, this year’s Sichongxi Hot Spring Festival feels even more special. Before ascending the throne, Japan’s Emperor Showa once stayed here during a visit, which later led to his younger brother, Prince Nobuhito, coming here for his honeymoon in 1932 after his marriage. The hot spring operators at the time specially built a honeymoon hot spring room for the prince, which has been preserved to this day. This year, Sichongxi Hot Springs also adopts the theme “Love Blossoms in Sichongxi, Sweetness Revisited,” and specially opens the former honeymoon hot spring house of Prince Nobuhito and his wife—which was previously only for viewing—to couples who have previously had their honeymoon in Sichongxi.

For long-time married couples who once had their honeymoon in Sichongxi, hot spring operators are offering an unprecedented benefit: as long as they can provide photos of their honeymoon in Sichongxi and the photos are verified as authentic, the couple will be offered one free soak in the “Prince’s Honeymoon Hot Spring House” and one night’s accommodation at a guest hotel. The offer period is from December 1 to December 31, and the number of spots is limited—with only one couple per day allowed on weekdays (Monday to Thursday, excluding New Year’s holiday). Applications for the second honeymoon activity are accepted from now until November 30. Please send honeymoon photos along with the names of the couple, a copy of the marriage certificate, and any other materials that can prove they had their honeymoon in Sichongxi back then to sweet.onzen@yahoo.com.tw or to “Love Blossoms in Sichongxi, Sweetness Revisited” event c/o 24F, No. 366, Bo’ai 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City.

This year, the hot spring festival sees Pingtung County Government teaming up with local industries to welcome guests with “Herb Beauty Spring.” Hot spring operators use high-quality locally grown Pingtung herbs for bath powders and essential oil bath balls. More uniquely, the county government has brought in visually impaired massage therapists to serve visitors. Any guests staying at designated hotels can enjoy a free 10-minute stress relief massage. This year, Sichongxi is filled with the ambiance of a hot spring resort, including carp-shaped flags fluttering in the downslope winds, Japanese lanterns hung along the old street, and street trees adorned with star lights, emitting a warm glow at night. During December, street performers are scheduled every Saturday to sing under the star-lit trees, making the old street even more enchanting after dark.

To make it easier for everyone to enjoy Sichongxi’s wonderful hot springs, the Pingtung County Government has also thoughtfully arranged free dedicated hot spring shuttle buses. From Friday to Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., there is a free shuttle bus every 30 to 40 minutes between Checheng Farmers’ Association and Sichongxi 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 bus to easily enjoy a hot spring bath. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there are also two free shuttle buses each day to Mudan and Xuhai.

● Read more: Guanziling Mud Hot Spring Festival Begins, Celebration Events Last for 2 Months

http://goo.gl/CpAIf