Sakura Fragrance in Sichongxi Old Street; Royal Honeymoon Hot Spring Rooms Open for Soaking

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

 

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 relaxing hot springs and delicious food, the festival offers free shuttle buses to hot spring areas, complimentary massages, and the experience of a Japanese royal prince’s honeymoon hot spring room. Coupled with the old street’s Japanese-style decorations, this year’s Sichongxi Hot Spring Festival feels even more special. Before ascending the throne, Emperor Showa of Japan once stayed here during a visit, which later led to his younger brother, Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, spending his honeymoon here in 1932 after getting married. 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 Locked in Sichongxi, 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 in Sichongxi.

For long-time married couples who once honeymooned in Sichongxi, hot spring operators are offering an unprecedented perk: as long as they can provide photos of their honeymoon in Sichongxi and the photos are verified, the couple will be treated to one free soak in the “Royal Honeymoon Hot Spring Room” and one night’s accommodation at a partner hotel. The offer is valid from December 1 to December 31, and spots are limited—only one couple per day on weekdays (Monday to Thursday, excluding New Year’s holiday). 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 Sichongxi to sweet.onzen@yahoo.com.tw or to “Love Locked in Sichongxi, Sweetness Reborn” event c/o 24F, No. 366, Bo’ai 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City.

This year, the Pingtung County Government has collaborated with local industries to roll out the “Herbal Beauty Spring” to welcome visitors. Hot spring operators use high-quality locally grown Pingtung herbal bath powders and essential oil shower bombs. More uniquely, the county government has brought in visually impaired massage therapists to serve visitors. Any guest staying at designated hotels can enjoy a free 10-minute stress-relief massage. This year, Sichongxi is infused with the ambiance 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 under the star-lit trees every Saturday, 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. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a free shuttle bus runs every 30 to 40 minutes between Checheng Farmers’ Association and Sichongxi Hot Springs. Visitors can take the Cheng-Chunghsing 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 for a relaxing hot spring experience. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there are also two free shuttle buses each day to Mudan and Shoufeng.

 

● Read more: Guanziling Mud Hot Spring Festival Kicks Off, Celebration Events Last for Two Months

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