A bath with Banpeiyu pomelos was shown to the media on Dec. 6 at Hinagu hot springs in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, before it was opened to the public on Dec. 10. Local residents were invited by the Hinagu association of inns to enjoy the fresh fragrance in the hot water.
Banpeiyu pomelos, the local specialty of the city, are one of the world’s largest citrus fruits with an average size of around 20 cm in diameter. The member hotels and inns of the association have organized Banpeiyu baths every winter since 2000. This year, the association purchased from a local farm cooperative JA Yatsushiro roughly 300 pomelos unsuitable for sale in the market. Some 10 Banpeiyus will be floated in each of the baths in 11 local hotels and inns every day.
Kumamoto Prefecture was hit by massive earthquakes in April. “We could organize the event again this year despite the earthquakes,” said Keisuke Matsumoto, 36, head of the association. “We also hope to heal those who suffered from the disaster with Banpeiyus and hot springs.” The event will run through the end of January.