Ibusuki Onsen, located in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, was selected as the 7th best hot spring in the 37th (2023) "Top 100 Hot Springs in Japan" by the Tourism Economics Newspaper. At Ibusuki Onsen, you can heal your mind and body in a variety of hot springs, including retro hot spring inns that evoke nostalgia, luxurious time that can only be enjoyed at long-established inns and hotels, "sand bath hot springs" that use hot springs that spring up from the coast, and open-air baths with spectacular views that give you a sense of freedom.

Ibusuki Onsen is most famous for its "sand baths." The style of "bathing" in sand heated by hot spring water that gushes out from the coast is said to have greater health and beauty benefits than regular hot springs. Natural sand baths are extremely rare even around the world, and Ibusuki Onsen is the only place in Japan where you can enjoy them! It's a popular spot that attracts many tourists from all over the country.

Ibusuki Onsen also has a wide range of open-air bath facilities where you can enjoy spectacular views. Tamatebako Onsen in the southern part of Ibusuki City is popular for its open-air baths with spectacular views of the natural panorama. There is a Japanese-style open-air bath overlooking Kaimon-dake and the East China Sea, and a Western-style open-air bath overlooking Takeyama, and the two baths are alternated between men and women on different days. On clear days, you can see Yakushima and Iwo Jima. Tamatebako Onsen is currently closed as of August 1, 2024 due to renovation work. It is scheduled to reopen in May 2025, so please wait a little longer.

Along with Sand Bath Hot Springs and Tamatebako Hot Springs, Ibusuki Onsen's only simple sulfur spring, the ward-run Unagi Onsen, is also famous. Located on the shores of the mysterious crater lake, Unagi Pond, Unagi Onsen is a historic hot spring where it is said that even the late Edo samurai Saigo Takamori stayed for a therapeutic bath, and is popular for its quiet location surrounded by mountains on all sides. The surrounding area still retains its traditional scenery, and the sight of hot spring steam spewing out from all over the city will help you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it a modern healing spot.

At Unagi Onsen, a natural stove called "Sume" that utilizes the steam that gushes out has been used since ancient times, and is widely used in local homes. Sume is also maintained for tourists, and you can bring in vegetables and eggs to experience steaming. Please note that meat and fish are not allowed.

Ibusuki Onsen offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the hot springs. The area is rich in beautiful nature, including Lake Ikeda, the largest in Kyushu, and Mt. Kaimon (Satsuma Fuji), designated as one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains and a great place to enjoy serious mountain climbing. In addition to local produce such as vegetables and fruits grown in the tropical sun, and gourmet food such as local cuisine made using hot springs and geothermal energy, there is also a wide range of other things to enjoy besides the hot springs, such as activities that allow you to feel one with nature and special experiences that expose you to history and culture.

【basic information】
・Address: Kaimonjucho, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 891-0603 ・Website (Ibusuki Tourism Net): https://www.ibusuki.or.jp/tourism/play/kaimonpark/climbing/