Ibusuki City is located on the southern end of the Satsuma Peninsula and is approximately an hour train ride from Kagoshima City. The beautiful, expansive beach looks onto the East China Sea from the Kinko Bay. The Kirishima Volcano runs through the city and is known across Japan for its abundant volume of onsen water, and the extremely rare “Natural Sand Steam Bath”, which attracts tourists from around the globe.
The sand steam bath utilizes the onsen waters on the beach and people bury their entire body in the sand. Relaxing in the sand steam bath while listening to the sound of waves on the beach creates a comfortable feeling of being embraced by the earth. There are many inns along the beach. Some of these inns have sand steam baths and allow non-overnight guests to experience their baths.
Ibusuki Onsen is a salt spring, which is most notable for retaining heat. It is also has an effective detox effect, and research conducted by a university found that the health benefits of a sand steam bath is three to four times higher than the effects of a conventional onsen. Ibusuki’s residents likely owe their health to these steam sand baths and are active enough to host various sporting events at such as the “Nanohana Marathon”. Enjoy the promising detoxing effects for the body and soul.

Ibusuki City Overview
http://youkoso-ibusuki.com/top/foreign/eng

RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS

Hannah Shepherd

United Kingdom

Ibusuki was my first experience of a sunaburo (“sand bath”) and it was a pretty unique sensation, being buried in sand by adorable Japanese oba-san (grannies) who smiled as they shoveled the hot sand over you! The location, just south of Kagoshima, on the beach, was beautiful. Afterwards I felt very relaxed!

APPEAL POINTS

Service／IBUSUKI CITY FREE Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi has been implemented at ten primary tourism hotspots within Ibusuki City at the Ibusuki Station Square, Sunamushi-no-Sato Exchange Square, and municipal Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi, among others. No need for a membership subscription, enjoy stress f

Gourmet／Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi (Flowing Somen Noodles)

Ibusuki is the birthplace of somen nagashi (flowing somen noodles). Tosenkyo is a valley in Ibusuki City where the Tosenkyo Kyoden Yusui springs 100,000 tons of water daily and has been designated as a “Heisei Period’s 100 Exquisite Waters”. Somen nagashi

Service／Multi-Language Guidebooks

Guidebooks are available in five languages—English, Chinese (simplified, traditional), Korean, and Thai. The guidebook provides easy to understand explanations on how to enter an onsen and enjoy a sand bath as well as introducing gourmet, tourist hotspots