Excursion Garden & onsen experience - japanese style hot springs tour at Akita

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

Shenshu Park

Start the day with a 30 min drive to Shenshu Park. Built in 1603 on castle grounds, Senshu Park impress with its serene landscape and historical value. The wooden gate and old guard post remain from the old citadel as a reminder of ancient times. Stroll around the lake and admire the lotuses blooming on its surface. Famous for its valley of 800 cherry trees, the park hosts and annual spring festival when in bloom. Other enchanting spectacles offered by the gardens include blooming azalea shrubs framing Kogetsu Pond from mid to late May, lotus flowers floating on the water of Otemon moat in July, and later scarlet autumn leaves that turns into a picturesque scene covered in snowy winter scenes. Most of the retro-looking wooden structures around are reconstructed buildings, with the exception of the remaining original - the "Omonogashiragobansho". It is believed to have been completed in around 1758 and served as accommodation for a headman in charge of security and fire extinguishing in the area.

Onsen Experience - Japanese Style Hot Springs

After exploring the tranquil scenery of Shenshu Park, re-board the coach for a 15 min transfer to the Japanese Onsen (hot spring). The custom of bathing in hot springs have been part of the Japanese culture for centuries. This is more than cleaning yourself, in Akita the water quality features salt springs and leaving your skin smooth as silk and also provides warm comfort for weary muscles. Not only relaxing, but these natural waters that spring from Mother Earth are also said to provide numerous health and beauty-related benefits. Enjoy this relaxing moment and experiencing a part of a Japanese century old culture before being transferred back to the pier.

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 might be 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.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Senshu Nature Park, Traditional Bathing - Japanese Onsen (Hot Springs) Experience 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 might be 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.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves a little amount of walking (total of approximately 1.0km or 0.6miles) over uneven, paved and also some slippery surfaces therefore it is not recommended for guests with mobility concerns as onsen area may be slippery. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise.