There's something about being barefoot that does something to the soul. The feeling of tatami underfoot, of a summer's walk through a shallow river bed, of sand between our toes. It's grounding and revitalizing.

Now imagine taking that beach full of sand and not only walking on it but having your entire body buried in it for a relaxation exercise like no other. That's right, it's called sand bathing and the Ibusuki Sand Baths in Kyūshū's Kagoshima Prefecture is where you can do it!

Kyūshū is known as the 'Onsen Island' and for good reason; it has the highest number of hot springs in Japan! It is actually thanks to the onsen water bubbling beneath the coastline (due to nearby volcanoes) that makes this unique experience possible. The onsen water naturally heats the sand and gives all the benefits of hot spring bathing without even needing to get your feet wet!

So what does sand bathing involve exactly?

Firstly, you'll get changed into a light-weight kimono, known as yukata, that you'll be wearing throughout your sand bath. If you're visiting Japan for the first time and a little nervous about your first onsen experience, then this semi-clothed version is a great way to start!

Once you get out to the beach, you'll be welcomed by "burial ladies" (and the occasional man too) whose job it is to bury you up to your neck in sand! Cover your head with the small towel provided and bite down on it to avoid any sand from getting in your mouth. Then essentially lay down in one of the pits and have them shovel the sand on top of you. There's a good reason you're wearing that yukata. The sand is hot, hot, hot and you'll feel the heat and weight of the sand immediately.

Sand bathing has similar, yet more concentrated, health benefits to regular onsen. Some say they are 3-4 times more beneficial than a traditional bath. They improve circulation, rid the body of impurities and increase blood-oxygen levels, and are said to provide relief from and even cure all manner of ailments including arthritis and rheumatism. Some women visit the sand baths purely as a beauty treatment as all that sweating opens up the pores and clears the skin.

Ten minutes in the sand bath is enough to reap the health benefits, while fifteen is said to give "full charge". I lasted thirteen before I wriggled my way out of my little sand cocoon. I emerged like I'd been swimming in my yukata and was thankful for the cooler air temperatures. Fortunately, the sand baths double as a traditional onsen so you can have a rinse and, if you can stand more heat, take a dip in the hot springs as well.

On your next visit to Kyūshū, why not add this very unique bathing experience to your itinerary?