• Steam Sand Baths-0
  • Steam Sand Baths-1

Steam Sand Baths

A rare and unusual way of bathing by buring yourself in sand on the beach

Natural geothermal hot springs

In Ibusuki City in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, you can enjoy unique natural steam sand baths on geothermally heated beaches. Words cannot fully describe how comfortable the experience of listening to the sound of lapping waves while enveloped in warm sand is. You've got to come and try it for yourself.

 

About steam sand baths

On the geothermally heated sandy coasts of Ibusuki and Yamakawa, you can experience unique and natural steam sand baths. To take a sand bath, borrow a yukata, get into a sand pit and let the attendant heap sand over you. The heated sand will warm your whole body, and its weight also aids in improving blood circulation. It has been said that the benefits of a steam sand bath are 3 to 4 times greater than that of a hot spring bath. There are facilities with steam sand baths located right by the sea, and it is relaxing listening to the sound of lapping waves.

 

Volcanic blessings

Japan is known for its many volcanoes, and in the areas of Ibusuki and Yamakawa, where numerous volcanic landforms can be found, the abundant geothermal energy is harnessed to generate electricity. White plumes of steam rise here and there in the hot spring area, and even now some dishes are still prepared using "sume" - a traditional stove that utilizes the natural steam.

 

How to take a Sandbath

Map of facilities with steam sand baths

Facility Telephone Opening hours Official website
Kyukason Ibusuki 0993-22-3211 11:00~20:00 website
Ibusuki Hakusuikan 0993-22-3131 15:00~18:00
*Fixed admission to both steam
sand bath and hot spring
website
Ibusuki Seaside Hotel 0993-23-3111   website
Ibusuki Sand Bath Hall 'Saraku' 0993-23-3900 8:30~20:30
Open all year
website
Ibusuki Kaijyo Hotel 0993-22-2221 15:00~1:30/4:30~10:00 website
Ibusuki Phoenix Hotel 0993-23-4111 16:00~19:00
20:30~22:00
website
Yamakawa Hot Sand Bath 'Sayuri'
*Temporarily closed due to construction, and plannning to re-open on April 2024.
0993-35-2669 9:00~17:30 (Sep-Jun)
9:00~18:00 (Jul, Aug)
Open all year
website
Ibusuki Iwasaki Hotel 0993-22-2131 5:30~23:00 website


 

Getting to Ibusuki

Public transport is convenient for getting from Kagoshima city center to Ibusuki. While not frequent, jetfoils also stop at Ibusuki Port, and stopping by Ibusuki for a night on the way back from Yakushima Island is recommended.

Notice
Please note that jetfoils from Kagoshima City, Tanegashima Island and Yakushima Island to Ibusuki are not frequent.

 

Getting to Ibusuki by trains/buses

*Prices serve as a guideline only

 

Getting to Ibusuki by jetfoil

*Prices serve as a guideline only

 

Nearby attractions

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