Ibusuki Sand Bath and Nagasakibana and Lake Ikeda Course

At the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, Ibusuki is a hot-spring town famous for its natural sand baths. After a gentle sweat buried in warm sand by the sea, head to a cape that looks out to Mount Kaimon and then to a mysterious lake. This laid-back southern course strings together hot springs and grand scenery.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Ibusuki Station Set off from the cheerful rape-blossom-colored station building, heading to the coast by bus or rental car.

10:00 Try the famous sand bath Change into a light robe and let the staff bury your whole body in sand warmed by natural hot-spring heat near the surf. About ten minutes warms you to the core. Municipal sand-bath halls offer day use, with admission around a thousand-plus yen for adults. You use a provided robe and a towel to keep sand off.

11:30 Rinse off and rest Brush off the sand and soak in the indoor bath, then relax with a sea view once you feel refreshed.

12:30 Lunch such as a hot-egg rice bowl Fuel up with a local bowl topped with an egg cooked in hot-spring heat.

14:00 Head to Nagasakibana The southernmost cape of the Satsuma Peninsula, where the graceful cone of Mount Kaimon, known as Satsuma Fuji, rises straight ahead.

15:30 Take in Lake Ikeda The largest caldera lake in Kyushu. On clear days Mount Kaimon reflects across the water.

17:00 Return to Ibusuki Station Head home at an easy pace while watching the sea in the evening light.

Highlights

The sand bath is of course the star. The sensation of being wrapped in the weight and warmth of natural sand is something you can only find here. Seen from Nagasakibana, Mount Kaimon is a splendid peak whose conical ridgeline recalls Mount Fuji, making it perfect for photos.

Practical Travel Notes

• Sand bath: Municipal sand-bath halls offer day-use experiences, with admission around a thousand-plus yen for adults. A robe is provided, but you bring, buy, or rent a towel to keep sand off. There are set hours and cleaning breaks, so check in advance for peace of mind.
• Access: The sights around Ibusuki are spread out, so a rental car lets you cover them efficiently. If you rely on buses, check the sightseeing loop timetable in advance.
• Bathing guide: Around ten minutes is the usual time for a sand bath. Do not stay too long, and finish according to how you feel. You will sweat, so remember to stay hydrated.
• Nagasakibana and Lake Ikeda: Both are outdoor scenic spots that are basically free to enjoy. The view of Mount Kaimon depends on the weather and looks most beautiful on clear days.
• What to wear: Changing clothes after the sand bath is more comfortable. The coast can be windy, so bring a layer to be safe.

A Quick Tip

The sand bath feels easier on a slightly empty stomach than right after a meal. Drink plenty of water first, do not overdo it, and wrap up in around ten minutes. If you have any heart concerns, do not push yourself and consult the staff.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Sand Bath Hall Saraku: Located at 5-25-18 Yunohama, Ibusuki, Kagoshima. Open 8:30-21:00 (last reception 20:00)
• Sand bath fees: 1,500 yen for adults and 800 yen for elementary school children and younger, including a yukata robe. For the indoor bath only it is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for elementary school children and younger
• Towels and rentals: A face towel costs 300 yen, bath towel rental 300 yen, and underwear rental 500 yen
• Amenities: Shampoo, body soap and hairdryers are provided
• Tattoos: Visitors with tattoos may use the facility, but are asked to keep them covered from view during the sand bath
• How long the sand bath takes: You are buried in the sand for about 10 minutes. At busy times you may wait around 20 minutes, so allow an hour in all
• Parking (Saraku): About 90 spaces for ordinary cars, free of charge
• Bus (Nottari Oritari My Plan): Four round trips a day from Ibusuki Station. A one-day pass costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children; a two-day pass costs 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children. You need to buy the pass before boarding, and they are sold at the Kagoshima Kotsu Ibusuki office, the Ibusuki City general tourist information center, and tourist hotels in the city. As the one-way fare from in front of Ibusuki Station to Lake Ikeda alone is 1,170 yen, the one-day pass pays off if you visit two or more places
• Nagasakibana: Ryugu Shrine is at 1581-34 Yamagawa Okachogamizu, Ibusuki. The shrine car park has 16 free spaces and toilets. Goshuin seal stamps are handled by Nishikiya nearby (8:00-17:00)
• Lake Ikeda: About 20 minutes by car from JR Ibusuki Station. Parking is free, with 109 spaces for ordinary cars and 3 for large vehicles
• Fees at Nagasakibana and Lake Ikeda: Both are outdoor scenic spots and free to visit
• In rainy weather: The sand bath takes place in a roofed sand bathing area, so it is little affected by the weather. The view of Mount Kaimon, on the other hand, depends on the weather, so save Nagasakibana and Lake Ikeda for a clear day
• Clothing and footwear: A change of clothes makes you more comfortable after the sand bath. The walking path at Nagasakibana follows the ups and downs of the cape, so wear comfortable shoes. It can be windy by the sea, so something to throw on is reassuring
• Strollers and wheelchairs: The path leading to the lighthouse at Nagasakibana is a cape walking trail, with sections that are hard going with a stroller. The lakeside at Lake Ikeda is flat from the car park to the shore and easy to get around
• Health precautions: In the sand bath the weight of the sand presses on your whole body. Avoid it straight after a meal, drink some water before you go in, and do not overdo it - finish after about 10 minutes. Anyone with heart or other health concerns should speak to a member of staff beforehand
• Budget guide: Around 4,000 to 5,000 yen per person, covering the 1,500 yen one-day pass, the 1,500 yen sand bath and lunch

Information Sources

The opening hours, fees, towel and underwear rental charges, amenities, parking, the length of the sand bath and the policy on tattoos at Sand Bath Hall Saraku are based on the information on the hall's official website. The number of services, ticket prices, tourist sites served and points of sale for the "Nottari Oritari My Plan" were taken from the guidance on Ibusuki Kanko Net. The circumference and depth of Lake Ikeda, its giant eels, its car park and the opening of IKEDAKO PAX, and the enshrined deity, address, car park and goshuin handling of Ryugu Shrine are likewise based on the individual spot introductions on Ibusuki Kanko Net. The rule that ontamaran-don must use onsen eggs made with the source water of the sand bath hot spring is based on the tourism and local gourmet information of the City of Ibusuki. Fees, opening hours and bus services are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.