Kyushu · Ibusuki, Kagoshima

♨ Ibusuki – Sand Bath (Saraku)

Get buried in naturally heated sand by the sea.

Quick facts

Location: Ibusuki, Kagoshima (Kyushu region)
Water type: Chloride (salt) spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

About Ibusuki – Sand Bath (Saraku)

A one-of-a-kind onsen by the sea at Japan's southern tip: in a yukata, you're buried in sand naturally heated by hot springs, then rinse off in a regular bath. Saraku is the town's main sand-bath hall. It's about 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from JR Ibusuki Station, or take a local bus to the Sunamushi Kaikan-mae stop.

The water

Mainly sodium chloride springs: hot (about 82°C at the source) and salty. The hot water seeps through the beach sand and heats it naturally. Being buried in the warm sand is traditionally said to warm you deep inside.

History

Sand bathing in Ibusuki goes back at least to the late Edo period: the 'Sangoku Meisho Zue', a regional guidebook from that era, describes 'sand steaming' here as popular. It has been a local tradition for at least 300 years.

Getting there

From: Kagoshima
Route: JR Limited Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako from Kagoshima-Chuo
Time: about 50 min
JR Pass: Covered.

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Kagoshima kurobuta (food): Berkshire black pork
Satsuma-imo (food): Kagoshima sweet potato, also used for shochu
Satsuma-age (food): fried fish cakes

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Ibusuki

Find Ibusuki tours on GetYourGuide

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