Ibusuki City, located on the southern end of Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, is famous for its “Sand Steam Hot Springs”, where one buries themselves in sand to warm their body. Visitors have been coming to these sand baths for over 300 years in order to cure various ailments. What secret effects to these unique baths have?
This time, we will travel from Kagoshima City to Ibusuki City by riding on the “Special Rapid Ibusuki Tamate Car”, and learn about the best sand bath spots from the locals. Make sure to check out the following Kagoshima Sightseeing Tips!
What are the famous “Sand Hot Springs” of Ibusuki and Kagoshima?
Warming One’s Entire Body In the Sand Bath
The Proud 300 Year History of the Sand Hot Springs
Ibusuki is a famous area for sand baths in Kagoshima. The “suna mushi onsen” (sand steam hot springs) found here are famous throughout Japan, and are quite different from normal “onsen” (hot springs). Sand Steam Hot Springs, as the name goes, are baths that use the steam generated from the sand. The scene of rows of visitors, “bathing”, or burying themselves in the sand, leaves quite an impact.
These sand hot springs have been popular recently on social media, but they have a history dating back over 300 years. Throughout those 300 years, locals and visiting bathers fell in love with not only the improved circulation and anti-aging effects of the hot springs, but also the marked relaxation felt from “suna ni nesoberu”, lying in the sand.
Widely Beloved By Locals and Sightseers
How Did The Sand Hot Springs Take Root in Ibusuki?
Japan, a land with many volcanoes, has many hot springs throughout the country. Due to being surrounded by water on all sides, the coasts are also rich with sand. So how did Ibusuki become famous through this combination of “sand + hot springs”?
Sadly, the reason for why sand hot springs began 300 years ago, and have continued to this day, is still unknown. At the very least, there is no doubt that the hot springs that bubble under the beaches of Ibusuki allow for a fun and pleasant bathing experience by burying oneself in the sand.
The Gushing Underground Water is Used for Many Purposes Outside of Sand Bathing
How To Enter the Sand Hot Spring And Safety Tips
The ways one enters a typical hot spring versus a sand hot spring is quite different. Make sure to remember these tips regarding entering the bath and safety to ensure you have a fun and safe time at the sand hot spring.
Keep A Close Eye On The Time When Entering the Sand Hot Spring
At the sand hot spring, first put on your yukata or bathrobe, and lie in the sand facing upwards. A staff member will then apply sand over your entire body with a shovel, until you are covered with sand up to the neck. All you need to do afterwards is lie still, and allow your body to warm up, as if you are in a sauna.
The normal time spent before leaving the sand bath is around 10 to 15 minutes, but this will vary depending on the person and condition their body is in. Overstaying in the sand bath has the danger of leaving minor burns on your body. Self-management is important once you have been buried in the sand, so make sure to check the clock on the pillar or wall near you to be sure of the correct timing for yourself.
Ride The “Special Rapid Ibusuki no Tamatebako” to Ibusuki
The Rare and Eye-Catching “Vertical” Two-Tone Color Car
What is the “Special Rapid Ibusuki no Tamatebako?”
If you’re heading from Kagoshima City to Ibusuki City to enjoy Ibusuki’s hot springs, definitely try riding the pride of JR Kyushu, “Special Rapid Ibusuki no Tamatebako”. The railroad car, created by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, is noted for using natural wood for the interior, and is overflowing with a playful spirit. The car is so popular that a train making three trips a day quickly fills up with reservations.
The body of the “Special Rapid Ibusuki no Tamatebako” is a two-tone white and black. Rather than being on the top and bottom, the two-tone color flows left and right, something that is not seen on most other train cars.
The origin of this unique color comes from “The Legend of the Dragon Palace”, which has a deep connection with Ibusuki. In an episode of “The Legend of the Dragon Palace”, Taro Urashima brings back the “tamatebako” (treasure chest) from the Dragon Palace, and the smoke that emanates from it changes his hair from black to white - the colors of the train car refer to this story.
Smoke Billowing From Above The Door
At each stop the train makes, white smoke will billow from above the car door, just like the “tamatebako”. Worry not - this smoke will not turn your hair white.
Counter Seats Allow For a Perfect Seaside View
Similar to other sightseeing special rapid trains, counter seats are set up inside the train car to allow for great views while the train is traveling - especially the seaside scenery. If you would like to kick back and relax while watching the sea go by, a counter seat reservation is a must.
Relaxing Sofa Seats, Perfect For Solo Travelers
Inside the train car, there are shelves full of books about the sea and different legends, as well as cabinets stuffed with folk arts and crafts. Comfortable sofa seats are also set up in this space. This study-like space is great for those who would like to enjoy their journey in peace and quiet. Feel the sway of the train as you continue your journey on the coast of Kagoshima.
Playful Children Chairs
There are also children’s seats set up neatly in front of the counter, designed to fill both parents and children with joy.
Stamp Your Commemorative Train Book To Remember Your Trip
Light meals and original snacks are on sale inside the train car of the “Special Rapid Ibusuki no Tamatebako”, but all riders receive a special free souvenir as well: the original “Commemorative Train Book”. The front of the book has an illustration of the train car, while the back has a stamp mat attached to it. Use the original stamp from inside the train to stamp your book and remember your journey.
The original in-train menu will be sure to enliven the mood of your journey and deserves your attention. The snacks and sweets available in the train, such as the black and white two-tone “Ibutama Pudding” and “Kamelon Pan”, are made in the image of the “Special Rapid Ibusuki no TamateBako” and can only be found onboard the train. While gazing upon Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima from the train window, why not try the original menu made to accompany your journey?
The “Special Rapid Ibusuki no TamateBako” only has designated seating and thus requires a seat ticket purchase before boarding. Please click here for information regarding pricing and other details.
Learn From The Locals! Sand Hot Spring Spots
Next, a local writer living in Kagoshima Prefecture will introduce three recommended sand hot spring spots (sand baths) in Ibusuki. All of these spots have free shuttle buses from Ibusuki Station or can be accessed directly via public transportation. Facilities where you can make your body happy by either sweating it out in a sand hot spring or entering a natural hot spring are here as well. Make sure to check out the information below and use it for your journey!
1. Kyukamura Ibusuki
The Spacious Entrance of Kyukamura Ibusuki
”Kyukamura Ibusuki” is a facility where one can enjoy Ibusuki’s nature and hot springs. A taxi or bus ride from Ibusuki Station will have you arrive in approximately 10 minutes.
Kyukamura’s Sand Hot Spring Can Be Used In All Forms of Weather
Kyukamura Ibusuki’s sand hot spring is located in a room that is available in all forms of weather. Many visitors come by to bathe when the weather turns for the worse, as they will have a great experience even in the rain. This building does not accept reservations - go to the front desk after arriving and proceed to the hot spring grounds. After getting your fill of the sand hot spring, not only can you shower off all of your sweat, but you can also enter the on-premises hot spring as well!
Open Air Hot Spring Baths Are Available For Reservation
We recommend not only the sand hot spring, but the half-open air bath “YuYu”, which allows you to gaze out upon Kagoshima Bay as you immerse yourself in the hot waters. You can see the entirety of Kagoshima Bay via the expansive window placed in the open-air bath. This facility requires a reservation beforehand.
Store Selling Ibusuki and Kagoshima Souvenirs
After bathing, check out items like Yam Shochu, or the Kagoshima snack “Karukan”, that are lined up inside the souvenir store. You may see something you can only find in Ibusuki.
2. Yamakawa Sand Hot Spring - Sayuri
Come On Inside Sayuri - the ”Sand Steam Health Facility”
”Yamakawa Sand Hot Spring - Sayuri” is a beloved health facility that specializes in sand steam baths. Mostly locals came to bathe at the facility when it opened over 30 years ago, but now it is not rare to see foreign travelers as well. It is a 15 minute trip by car from Ibusuki Station, and is located in a corner of “Healthy Land”, a location that includes restaurants and open-air baths with perfect views for you to enjoy.
You can also access “Healthy Land” via the Kagoshima Public Transportation Bus, and a free shuttle runs between the open-air baths and sand hot springs in “Healthy Land”, allowing easy access even without a car.
Feel Liberated With The Outdoor Sand Hot Spring”
The Staff Lays On The Sand
When one thinks of Ibusuki Sand Steam Baths, an image of rows of people buried in sand comes to mind. Sayuri’s Sand Hot Spring fully lives up to that image.
This sand hot spring uses the heat from a natural hot spring called “Fukami Onsen” to warm the sand. The water from the Fukami Onsen is effective for treating nerve pain, rheumatism, anemia, and sensitivity to cold. One effect that women also enjoy is the improvement of the skin of the body. The fine sand packed over your whole body will warm you up all the way to your core.
Watch the Waves From the South China Sea Roll In From This Ideal Location
Sayuri is located in “Yamakawa”, an area slightly separated from the center of Ibusuki. From here, can see the waves from the South China Sea wash ashore. Being able to hear the sound of the waves while immersing yourself in the sand will only increase the healing effects.
Try the Eggs and Sweet Potatoes Cooked By The Steam Of the Hot Spring
At the entrance of Sayuri, you can find eggs and sweet potatoes being steamed by the vapour created at the hot spring. The price is only 50 Yen for each item. Drop a coin in the box nearby and help yourself to one of these treats.
3 .Sand Hot Spring - Ibusuki Hakusuikan
The Eye-Popping Entrance of “Ibusuki Hakusuikan”
“Ibusuki Hakusuikan”, a seven minute taxi ride from Ibusuki Station, is a luxury ryokan, surrounded by the abundant nature of the Kagoshima Bay and pine tree forests. Inside the spacious Japanese garden-style grounds, one can find a bridal facility and museum alongside the guest room building.
The All-Weather Sand Hot Spring Can Be Used By Large Numbers Of People
The sand hot spring available at the facility can be used in all forms of weather, and allows guests to gaze upon the vivid lawn and garden, as well as the ocean that extends beyond it. The sand here is periodically rotated out, so you should have no concerns about hygiene here. Refresh your body and mind in the sand bath while enjoying the surroundings of this refined space.
The “Genroku Huro”, Overflowing With Japanese Style
Visitors cannot make a day trip to this facility to only use the steam bath, but one can use the set of both the sand steam bath and the indoor bath, “Genroku Huro”.
The “Genroku Huro”, which is connected to the hot spring, is a 35,000 square foot bath, styled in the image of Edo-period bath culture. Inside this Edo-style bath area, enjoy the personality “pomegranate”, “barrel”, and “stove” baths.
Sampling Imo Shochu After Your Bath
At the “Shochu Dojo”, located directly underneath the hot spring facility, one can sample the shochu, usually served with meals or on sale at the store, for free. Ibusuki happens to be the home of the Riemon Maeda, who brought sweet potatoes, an ingredient in imo shochu, back from the Ryukyu Kingdom. Ibusuki has an undying connection to this imo shochu. Try sampling some of the premium shochu available at the “Shochu Dojo”, such as “Moriizou”.
Access is available via taxi or a free shuttle bus. Make sure to check it out!
Enjoy Unique Hot Springs Via A Unique Sightseeing Train
The “Special Rapid Ibusuki no Tamatebako”, based on motifs of legend, and the “Sand Hot Springs”, with centuries of history behind them, are perfect ways to experience sightseeing in Ibusuki. If you’re visiting Kagoshima Prefecture, stretch your legs and make the trip to Ibusuki in order to cure yourself of the stresses of everyday life.
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