Ibusuki Travel Tips

6 of 5 in Kagoshima Prefecture

Ibusuki (指宿) is a coastal onsen town at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, best known for its unique sand baths. At the popular Saraku Sand Bath Hall, just one kilometer from Ibusuki Station, visitors slip into yukata robes and are gently buried in naturally heated sand by staff. After 10–20 minutes of warmth and relaxation, guests rinse off and soak in soothing hot spring baths for a full wellness experience.

Beyond sand baths, Ibusuki offers much more. Explore local culture and pottery at the Satsuma Denshokan Museum or unwind at the open-air baths of Healthy Land. For scenic views, head to Cape Nagasakibana at the southern tip of the city, where you'll find a lookout with sweeping ocean panoramas and a perfect view of Mount Kaimondake, also known as “Satsuma Fuji.” Whether you're into wellness, culture, or coastal beauty, Ibusuki is the perfect relaxing escape.

Getting around

Ibusuki is easy to explore with short walks, bus rides, or quick taxis. The Saraku Sand Bath Hall is just a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride (160 yen) from Ibusuki Station. For a bit of local culture, the Satsuma Denshokan Museum is only 5–10 minutes away by taxi.

To visit the open-air baths at Healthy Land, take a bus from Ibusuki or Yamakawa Station bound for Kaimon Station and get off at the Healthyland stop. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk. The same bus also goes to Flower Park Kagoshima and Cape Nagasakibana, making it easy to enjoy Ibusuki’s best sights in one route.