Guided in Japanese: Kaike Onsen & Local Cuisine

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

A trip to an Onsen is one of the most popular pastimes in Japan. Now it's your turn to enjoy the luxury of this time-honored tradition at Kaike-Onsen, an inviting place to soak in a natural mineral-rich hot spring with stunning sights inside and out! This enticing full-day excursion also includes the screening of a historic Japanese ballad movie, a bounteous buffet lunch, and a visit to Miho Shrine & Miho lighthouse.
Meet your knowledgeable guide at your ship in Sakaiminato and enjoy the scenic drive to Yonago, a castle town during the Edo Period with a long history of commerce. Take in the white sand coastline and the green pine forests of Mt. Daisen National Park. On a corner of the Kaike Onsen town, protected by pine woods, quietly stands the Kaike Onsen Shrine, the local Shinto deity of the Kaike Onsen area. The name Kaike is composed of the two Chinese characters for 'everyone' and 'life', and hence people have historically travelled here to pray for longevity and the happiness of their families.
The history of Kaike Onsen dates back to 1900 when a fisherman first discovered an active hot spring in the sea. The sodium and calcium chloride infused waters flow from the earth at an abundant 4,456.5 liters per minute at a temperature reaching between 63 to 82 degrees Celsius. The water is considered effective mainly for neuralgia, rheumatism, chronic skin diseases, and chronic women's diseases. A recent survey identified a skin purifying effect of the hot spring water making this a popular haunt for many women. You will be completely relaxed in the salted natural hot spring from the sea in the large bathing area, 'Some ga yu' and 'Kumo ga yu'. A large bathroom connects to the open-air bath. The serene courtyard can be enjoyed from a corridor that encircles a beautiful Japanese-style garden.
After your 30-minute soak in the hot spring (bring a large bath towel with you) there will be a delightful buffet lunch. Then you will visit Miho Shrine, surrounded by ocean. It is said that people here live with god and the ocean gives energy to the people. Therefor this town is believed to be a place of power. The Miho Lighthouse was built in 1898 and is considered cultural & historical heritage, being a remnant of the Meiji era. The views from this location are truly magnificent.
Then return to the pier by a comfortable coach.

Special Notes:

Kaike Onsen: Flat and well paved.
Lighthouse is not accessible.
Bathing suits or wearing any kind of clothes is not allowed at the hot spring.
People with tattoo are not allowed to use hot springs. In case there is a guest with a tattoo, he/she needs to cover it up with medical taping or such thing.
Please bring a large towel, umbrella, raincoat, sunscreen, water & hat. Wear hiking shoes.