Ibusuki

Thanks to its position on the Kirishima volcanic belt, which runs through Kyushu, Ibusuki has a wealth of outdoor hot springs offering scenic views of the coastline. Its most famous variety is the sand bath, which is heated naturally by geothermal water running under the beach. The experience is not only relaxing and invigorating; it improves circulation and beautifies the skin.  

Bathe while appreciating a spectacular view.
Tamatebako Onsen is home to two luxurious open-air hot springs that will boost your wellness and leave you feeling truly pampered. The onsen water contains sodium chloride, which is particularly beneficial for the symptoms of rheumatism, neuralgia and joint pain, and great for overall health.

The Japanese-style outdoor onsen offers stunning views of Mount Kaimon and the East China Sea. In fine weather, you can even see all the way to Yakushima Island, one of the prefecture’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Soaking in the Western-style outdoor onsen, meanwhile, you can enjoy the sight of Mount Takeyama. This peak is known locally as Snoopy Mountain as it resembles the Peanuts character lying on his back. See if you can spot the resemblance!

No matter the onsen, you are sure to enjoy the experience of relaxing in the tub in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings. Tamatebako Onsen was ranked No. 1 Best Day Trip to a Spa or Hot Spring by Trip Advisor in 2017!

The hot springs are rotated so men and women can enjoy both. The Japanese-style onsen is open to women on odd-numbered dates (1st, 3rd, 5th etc.) and to men on even-numbered dates (2nd, 4th, 6th etc.). The Western-style bath is open to women on even-numbered dates and to men on odd-numbered dates.

*Both hot springs are managed by Healthy Land. This resort also includes Yamakawa Natural Sand Bath Sayuri, which is a five-minute walk from Tamatebako Onsen. Healthy Land sells a discounted ticket valid for both Sayuri and Tamatebako.

Nature lovers are sure to appreciate Ibusuki. The foot of Mount Kaimon is blanketed with yellow rape blossoms every January, while the shores of Lake Ikeda come alive with varieties of plants and flowers throughout the year. For a mysterious sight, travel to Chiringashima, an uninhabited island only accessible via a 800-meter sandbar that appears during low tide from March to October. 

Mt. Kaimon and Kyushu's largest lake
This is Kyushu's largest lake with a maximum depth of 233m and a circumference of 15km. From late December, rapeseed blossoms are in full bloom by the lake. Japan's largest eel, which has a length of 1.8m and a circumference of 60cm, inhabit the lake.

Bridge of sand appears at low tide
An uninhabited island 3km round floating in Kinko Bay. Although it is 800m away from the shore, it can be reached on foot at low tide when the sandy path appears.

Cape Nagasaki, or Nagasakibana, is located at the southernmost point of the Satsuma peninsula. There is a lighthouse surrounded by the East China Sea that offers wonderful panoramic views. 

A park at the southernmost tip of Satsuma Peninsula
This excellent park is located in the southernmost tip of Satsuma Peninsula and subtropical plants grow abundantly there. The flamingo show is also popular (refer to the Reference Materials for details)

Japan's largest floral theme park
The largest floral theme park in Japan where approximately 2,400 species and 400,000 plants, mostly subtropical, are grown on the expansive 36.5ha grounds (refer to the Reference Materials for details)

Summer is the perfect time to eat soumen noodles.
Enjoy somen noodles that rotate in a cold stream of groundwater in circles

Somen noodles are chilled in pure water that wells up from under ground. Diners scoop the noodles from the stream and dip in soy sauce flavored sauce to eat. The unique table developed for flowing somen noodles has a tube running through it in which fresh groundwater is circulated. Enjoy eating somen noodles at your own pace.

●Chojuan: +81-993-32-3155
●Municipal Operation: +81-993-32-2143

First in Japan to grow herbs
The scent of herbs wafts through the air in the gardens. There is a garden shop selling perfumes, fragrances, and colognes, in which there is a corner dedicated to selling seedlings of rare herbs and a sample garden where about 100 types of herbs, are grown (refer to the Reference Materials for details).