Ibusuki Onsen Sand Steam Bath

At the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, Ibusuki is a curious spa town where the beach sand itself becomes a natural warmer. You lie down on sand heated by underground geothermal energy, and an attendant gently covers you until a soft weight and warmth wrap your whole body. Listening to the waves while buried in the sand is a special experience found only in Ibusuki.

Highlights

- A rare sand steam bath where your whole body is buried in geothermally heated sand - An open seaside setting looking out over Kinko Bay - A refreshing feeling after bathing as the weight of the sand boosts circulation - The chance to combine the sand bath with a large indoor bath or open air pool

Enjoying the Seasons

Warm Ibusuki lets you enjoy the sand bath throughout the year. Even in winter the sand stays gently warm and heats a chilled body from within. Spring and autumn bring a pleasant sea breeze, and in summer the cooler morning and evening hours are the most comfortable time to visit.

Access and Basic Information

- A few minutes by car or bus from JR Ibusuki Station to the sand bath site - About one hour by car from central Kagoshima City - The water is mainly a chloride spring long valued for warming the body - You change into a light robe before being buried, so you can come empty handed

A Quick Tip

Even ten minutes in the sand is enough to work up a good sweat. Do not stay too long and follow the attendant signals to enjoy it comfortably. Afterward, rinse the sand off in the large bath and rest your body slowly.