Excursion Noboribetsu hot springs – japanese style experience (onsen bath) tour at Muroran

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

Experience one of the most beautiful and popular spa towns in Hokkaido, and a traditional Japanese onsen, during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion to Noboribetsu.

Muroran, Noboribetsu Town & Hell Valley, Crater, Fumaroles, Mineral Springs, Spectacular Views

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to Noboribetsu, one of most popular spa towns in Hokkaido and Japan. Noboribetsu offers 11 different thermal waters, including those infused with sulphur, alum, and radium. Each water has specific therapeutic properties believed to address a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, arthritis, poor circulation, rheumatism, and digestion. Take a guided walking tour of the Noboribetsu Hell Valley, which lies along the fabled ‘Rim of Fire’ and is one of several areas of intense volcanic activity. Walk to the approximately 1,476-foot-high (about 450-metre-high) crater, and its surrounding fumaroles and mineral springs, and enjoy spectacular views and photo opportunities en route.

Sulphur Springs, Noboribetsu Onsen, Onsen Preparation

Next, re-board your coach and head to the sulphur springs of the Noboribetsu Hell Valley. Milky-white in colour, they feature a very distinct smell, slightly pungent at first, but you quickly grow accustomed to it. Sulphur spring waters enhance general well-being, and are known to help ease chronic bronchitis, hardening of the arteries, and chronic skin irritation. Following the traditional customs of an onsen enhances this authentic experience and shows respect to the other bathers. Prepare for the onsen by taking a Japanese bath before entering the hot springs. Sit on a small stool, and scrub yourself with water and soap to ensure that you are very clean. When it is time to enter the onsen, a small towel may be used for modesty.

Onsen Bath, Hot Springs, Relaxing Soak, Gift Shopping

Traditionally, this towel is placed on your head upon entering the onsem (hot spring), but it is acceptable to set it on a rock beside the bath as well. Never submerge your towel in the onsen (hot spring) or wring it out, as this is considered rude. Upon entering the bath without any clothes or towels, enjoy this wonderful Japanese experience. An onsen is a quiet place for relaxation and contemplation, so it is important to enter the hot spring slowly, without any splashing, and to avoid conversation. As you soak in this serene environment, feel a sense of calm take over and your cares float away. Following your visit, stop by the gift shoppe, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Authentic Japanese onsen (hot springs) baths are enjoyed naked; swimsuits are not permitted. To enhance your onsen experience and out of respect to the other bathers, participating guests are required to follow the traditional customs of a Japanese onsen bath. Prepare for the onsen by taking a Japanese bath before entering the hot springs. Sit on a small stool, and scrub yourself with soap and water to ensure that you are very clean. When it is time to enter the onsen, you are permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area to enhance your privacy whilst out of the water. Traditionally, this towel is placed on your head upon entering the onsen, but it is acceptable to set it on a rock beside the bath as well. Once you have entered the bath, the towel must be kept outside of the water. Never submerge your towel in the onsen or wring it out, as this is considered rude. An onsen is a quiet place for relaxation and contemplation, so it is important to enter the hot spring slowly, without any splashing, and avoid conversation. A bath towel, face towel, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, a hair dryer, and storage are provided at the hot springs’ location. The relaxing room after the onsen experience is Japanese-style (seated on tatami mats on the floor). The onsen bathing area is not exclusive to Silversea guests. The hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only. Guests who have consumed alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the onsen. Guests with tattoos are not permitted inside the onsen. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the onsen, its changing rooms, and/or bathrooms. Guests are advised not to bring valuables, or wear accessories, as the colour may change due to the water from the hot springs.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Noboribetsu Onsen Bath 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 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 moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.87 miles (about 1.4 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 60 steps at the Noboribetsu Hell Valley. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with tattoos, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, towel, change of clothing, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Muroran may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.