여정 팁 : 이부 스키

Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Ibusuki is famous for its dark sandy beaches, unspoiled nature and onsen, and the scenic train ride to get there is an experience in itself.

Ibusuki is a popular day trip from Kagoshima city, but can easily be visited from anywhere in Kyushu using the JR Pass. A visit should include the dark sandy beach, where it is customary to take a sand bath and relax. There’s plenty else to do as well, like nature hiking, visiting Cape Nagasakibana and Flower Park Kagoshima. Then finish the day with a visit to a local onsen.

The trip to Ibusuki

They say the journey is as important as the destination, and that could not be more true with a visit to Ibusuki. Depending on where you are coming from, the first step is getting down to Kagoshima using the Kyushu Shinkansen. A high speed train ride with good views along the way of the Kyushu inland mountains and country side, before arriving at Kagoshima-chuo station.

Here’s where the fun really begins boarding the “Limited Express
 Ibusuki no Tamatebako” a special designed train for the journey to Ibusuki. The outside is painted black on the land facing side and white on the sea facing side. While the interior has an industrial wooden design, with turnable seats that can directly face to seaside windows to enjoy the ocean view.

The ride takes around 50 minutes, with 3 return trips each day (at the time of writing, the first train leaves Kagoshima-Chuo at around 10am and the last train back leaves Ibusuki mid-afternoon, so it makes for an easy day trip). All seats are reserved, and reservations can be made for free at any JR Ticket window with your JR Pass. We suggest making reservations a couple of days in advance, to secure your seating. If you miss the limited express, a slower local train also runs between Kagoshima-Chuo and Ibusuki and is covered by the JR Pass. Timetables change from time to time, so check the current times with JR Kyushu before you go.

Have a look around the train using Google Maps.

What to do in Ibusuki

Take a sand bath

 Upon arrival, the first stop we suggest is to experience the sand bath. The sand is naturally heated and is said to be healthy as it relaxes the muscles, has a detoxing effect and stimulates blood circulation. Staff at the bathhouse bury you in the warm sand for around 10–20 minutes, after which you’ll want to take about 20 minutes to relax. One of the best-known places to try it is the Saraku Sand Bath Hall, which also has regular hot spring baths to rinse off in afterwards. Opening hours and prices can change, so check the latest details before you visit.

Hiking along the sea coast

Ibusuki is a small town and the area can be explored on foot. If you’re up for a longer walk, a 4-5 hour hike from Ibusuki station to Irono station will take you past the local lakes of Ikeda and Unagi, along the coast line and around the Kaimon-dake volcano.

Cape Nagasakibana 

 A very scenic spot, Cape Nagasakibana looks out over the ocean. On one side you’ll see Kaimon-dake volcano and Kagoshima bay on the other. There’s also a small botanical garden and shrine to visit.

Flower Park Kagoshima

 A large and colourful flower park along the coastline with a good variety of flowers from all over the world. There is both an indoor and outdoor section, with nearly 3 km of walking trails. During the winter months the park also hosts a spectacular light-up. The park is a short bus ride from Ibusuki Station (around 35 minutes at last check), so check the current bus times before you set off.

Onsen

 There are around 500 onsen around the Ibusuki area, both with public and private baths. Many also offer accommodation. If you’d like to soak with a sea view, Healthy Land is a popular coastal bathing complex, but it has a weekly closing day, so check before you go.

Tips for visiting Ibusuki

• Start the day early, most attractions will close around 16.30. Try to be on the first ltd. express train to get the most out of your day.
• If you have time, then consider staying the night in one of the local Ryokan and experience a private onsen.
• The Ibusuki Makurazaki Line between Kagoshima – Ibusuki and Makurazaki is a very quiet railway line, be sure to check the time tables beforehand.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get from Kagoshima to Ibusuki by train?

The limited express "Ibusuki no Tamatebako" takes around 50 minutes from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, with three round trips a day and all seats reserved. A slower local train takes roughly 70–80 minutes. Both are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

2. Is the Ibusuki no Tamatebako covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes, the limited express services between Kagoshima-Chuo and Ibusuki are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Because all seats on the Tamatebako are reserved, make a free seat reservation at a JR ticket office a few days ahead.

3. Can I visit Ibusuki as a day trip from Kagoshima?

Yes, Ibusuki is a popular day trip from Kagoshima. With the limited express taking about 50 minutes each way, you can fit in a sand bath, Cape Nagasakibana and an onsen, though it's worth starting early because most attractions close in the late afternoon.

4. What is a sand bath in Ibusuki like?

You lie down while staff bury you in naturally heated volcanic sand for about 10–20 minutes. The warmth is said to relax the muscles and stimulate circulation. Afterwards you rinse off and relax in a regular hot spring bath. Saraku Sand Bath Hall is one of the best-known places to try it.

5. What else is there to do in Ibusuki besides the sand bath?

You can visit Cape Nagasakibana for views of Kaimon-dake volcano and Kagoshima Bay, explore Flower Park Kagoshima, hike along the coast, and finish with one of the area's many onsen. If you have time, stay the night in a local ryokan with a private onsen.