Ming Sheng Travel Agency:: Summer Arrives Early in Japan’s Hawaii – Enjoy Natural Sand Baths

Located in southern Japan, Kyushu is the first region in the country to feel the arrival of spring and offers the charm of both urban and rural sightseeing. From cities to countryside, whether you love natural scenery, hot springs, theme parks, or shopping, its endless charm suits visitors of all ages, making it a favorite among Taiwanese travelers in recent years.

Last year, boosted by the popular Japanese dramas “Dochi” and “Ryoma-den,” travel to Kyushu once again became a huge trend. To offer Taiwanese travelers a fresh experience, travel agencies have significantly diversified their tour packages. In addition to the must-visit Huis Ten Bosch theme park, the itinerary now includes the “sand bath” at Ibusuki Hot Springs at the southern tip of Kagoshima, as well as Lake Kussharo—the largest volcanic crater lake in Kyushu. With its naturally blessed island landscapes, world heritage sites rich in history, every scene allows visitors to fully experience Kyushu’s abundant tourism resources and leave with unforgettable memories.

Ming Sheng Travel Agency:: EVA Air Lucky Deer Ibusuki Sand Bath Chapter [Strolling through Satsuma, Remembering Dochi]
 

Day 1
[Itinerary] Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport) → Kyushu (Fukuoka Airport) → Asahi Beer Factory Tour → Asia’s Largest Leisure Resort Theme Park Huis Ten Bosch [Popular attractions from "Aichi Expo" including the Huis Ten Bosch IFX Theater Kirara (moved intact from the Expo venue at great expense), Magic Labyrinth, Children's Playground, Ever Café Show] → Huis Ten Bosch Palace, Laser Light & Fireworks Show
[Dinner] Each person is given a ¥2500 meal voucher to freely choose and enjoy food within the park

Day 2
[Itinerary] Huis Ten Bosch (Flood Adventure Museum, Decorative Glass Museum, Teddy Bear Kingdom, Music Box Fantasy, etc.) → Traditional Boatman Singing Along the River ~ Yanagawa River Cruise → Visit a Little Kyoto ~ Bonus Visit to Yanagawa Doll Festival (held annually from mid-February to early April) → Aso Hot Springs
[Accommodation] Aso Farm Land - Happy Momo House or similar
[Lunch] For your convenience during the day’s activities, please arrange your own meals within the park
[Dinner] Hotel’s 80-varieties natural and healthy buffet

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Huis Ten Bosch
With its elegant European-style red-brick walls and sloping tile roofs, it feels like you’ve traveled back in time to Europe. No doubt about it—this is Huis Ten Bosch. Entering its 15th year in spring 2007, Huis Ten Bosch started as reclaimed land and achieved a series of seemingly impossible feats, including seawater desalination, soil improvement, afforestation, and more. The development also involved town-planning experts who created the most beautiful scenic park in Kyushu, from palaces and castles to hotels. The Brouckelen area serves as the gateway to Huis Ten Bosch. Upon entering the gate, you’ll see a 13th-century castle, and on the second floor is the extremely popular “Teddy Bear Kingdom,” showcasing about 1,500 teddy bears of various styles...Click to view all attraction information

Day 3
[Itinerary] Aso Hot Springs → Hitoyoshi Revolving Bridge → Satsuma Confectionery Factory Tour → Villa of the Satsuma Domain Lord Shimazu Family ~ Sengan-en → Lake Ikeda (Our special arrangement includes unlimited enjoyment of traditional Japanese flowing noodles) → The seaside where the young Dochi loved to visit ~ Japan’s only natural sand bath hot spring destination ~ Ibusuki Sand Bath Hall → Ferry → Scenic view of Dochi’s unforgettable hometown ~ Sakurajima Volcano → Kagoshima Hot Springs [Accommodation] Kyocera Onsen Hotel or similar
[Lunch] Japanese-style flowing noodles set meal
[Dinner] Hotel’s European-Japanese style buffet

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Sengan-en
Kagoshima’s prosperity is inseparable from the Shimazu family. Built in 1658, Sengan-en is known as the “Famous Garden Under Heaven” and was the villa of the 19th-generation Shimazu lord, Shimazu Mitsuhisa. The garden’s design, which incorporates views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, is its most distinctive feature. The Shimazu family’s immense wealth is evident here, including the ruins of Japan’s second ironworks furnace from 150 years ago, where 1,200 people once manufactured ships and cannons. Moreover, 150 years ago, this garden already had 28 gas lamps, making it one of Japan’s earliest...Click to view all attraction information

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Lake Ikeda
Located on the eastern side of the Satsuma Peninsula, Lake Ikeda is the largest lake in Kyushu. Formed 5,500 years ago by volcanic activity, it also gave rise to areas such as Yamagawa Bay and Narukawa Basin. Known since ancient times as the “Lake of the Gods,” the lake’s breathtakingly beautiful azure waters, with a depth of 233 meters, captivate visitors. The lakeside is adorned with blooming flowers—rapeseed in spring and colorful cosmos in summer—and you can also admire Mount Kaimon, known as the “Fuji of Satsuma.”Click to view all attraction information

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Sand Bath Hall Sand Rakku
While there are five or six places offering sand baths in the area, only one facility, called “Sand Rakku,” is a genuine natural sand bath site. Operated under municipal contract, it differs from others that transport sand into hotels and heat it artificially. Taking a sand bath isn’t like a regular hot spring—you don’t need to be naked; instead, you bathe wearing a yukata. It turns out that if you’re naked, your sweat can’t escape, so the blood circulation benefits are lost. Aside from the clothing, another key point: you typically stay in the sand until you start sweating profusely, for about 10 to 20 minutes, and...Click to view all attraction information