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

Good points to know

●The public baths for washing up after the steam sand bath experience are gender-segregated.

●Bathers take the steam sand bath while dressed in yukata, in a mixed-gender sand pit.

●Towels are sold at the facilities, so you may come as you wish.
Tips to better enjoy the sand baths

●Protect your mobile phone, camera, etc. from the sand by putting them in a plastic bag.

●Request for more sand to be heaped on body parts that are bothering you.

●As sand baths improve blood circulation, avoid indigestion by taking the sand bath before a meal.

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.