Ibusuki is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, a region rich in volcanic hot springs and adjacent to the active Sakurajima volcano. Underwater hot springs warm the sandy beaches, making the sand itself comfortably heated. This unique geographical environment gives Ibusuki its one-of-a-kind sand steam bath experience. At the boundary between sea and sand, billowing steam rises, and simply walking on the warm sand is refreshing.
Change into a special yukata for the sand steam bath, lie down in a sand pit, and staff will gently bury you in the sand, leaving only your head exposed. Feel the geothermal heat slowly transmitted through the heavy, fine sand, while a cool sea breeze brushes your cheeks. Lie in the sand and quietly listen to the sound of ocean waves—it’s extraordinarily soothing. After the sand steam bath, soak in a hot spring to wash off the remaining sand, and feel your energy revitalized.
The sand steam bath is not only comfortable, but its health benefits are three to four times that of regular hot springs, effective for neuralgia, cold intolerance, rheumatism, and back pain.
The Specialty Sightseeing Train to Ibusuki — The Ibusuki Tamatebako
When it comes to transportation to Ibusuki, you have to mention this train with a beautiful legend — the Ibusuki Tamatebako. Departing from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, the black-and-white design of the train’s exterior is inspired by the Japanese folktale of Urashima Taro and the Dragon Palace. Urashima Taro saved a turtle in the sea and was taken to the Dragon Palace, where he was hosted by the dragon king’s daughter. When it was time to leave, the princess gave him a jeweled box and warned him never to open it. When Taro returned home, he found everyone he knew had vanished. He opened the box, and white smoke poured out, turning him into an old man. The train’s black-and-white colors symbolize Taro’s hair turning from black to white. As the train stops at stations, the Ibusuki Tamatebako releases gentle white smoke from above the doors, recreating the legendary scene of Urashima Taro opening the jeweled box.
The black cars face the mountains, while the white cars face the sea. The interior design is equally distinctive, with cedar wood from southern Kyushu adorning the entire car, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The seats on the seaward side are designed as observation seats facing the ocean view, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the vast sea and the majestic nearby Sakurajima. The train is stocked with books on local folklore and mythology for passengers to browse freely. Along the journey, the dynamic beauty of the mountains and sea, along with the vivid local culture, leaves a deep impression on every traveler.
The entire train has only two cars, all reserved seating, and requires advance booking, which is usually fully booked. Small but well-equipped, the tiny cars include thoughtful child seats, and even families with young children have a dedicated play area. The train also provides commemorative punch cards for souvenirs, so beautiful memories are not just kept in mind but also preserved as lovely keepsakes.
Hop aboard the Ibusuki Tamatebako and experience the unique “burial-style” sand steam bath — are you tempted?
Ibusuki Tamatebako Operating Information:
Operating Schedule: Three round trips daily, with a one-way trip taking 51 minutes. For specific schedules, please refer to the official JR Kyushu Rail Pass website.
Stations Served: Kagoshima-Chuo Station – Kii Station – Ibusuki Station
Seating: Both cars are entirely reserved seating with no non-reserved options.
Fare: Kagoshima-Chuo Station ~ Ibusuki Station: 2,130 yen (adult one-way reserved seat ticket, half price for children)
※ With a JR Kyushu Rail Pass, simply reserve a reserved seat in advance; no separate ticket purchase is required.
How to Travel Around Kyushu by Rail?
As a small city in Kagoshima Prefecture, the main way to reach Ibusuki is by taking a JR train from Kagoshima-Chuo Station. As the most developed station in the Kagoshima area, Kagoshima-Chuo Station offers direct access to famous travel destinations in Kyushu such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto. Kagoshima itself is also long renowned for its hot springs and the scenery of Sakurajima. Since you’re already in Kyushu, why not stay a little longer and explore every scenic spot here? The JR Kyushu railway network cleverly connects various tourist spots in Kyushu, and there are even more sightseeing trains designed specifically for travelers, turning the journey itself into part of the trip. JR Kyushu has also created a convenient rail pass for foreign tourists — the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, which allows unlimited rides on JR Kyushu trains (reserved seats require advance booking) for 3–5 days. To explore Kyushu, just plan your route and bring a JR Kyushu Rail Pass to get started. Follow JR Kyushu to discover more hidden gems in Kyushu!
JR Kyushu Rail Pass Introduction:
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass (railway pass) is a discounted JR line ticket designed for foreigners traveling to Kyushu. With the pass, you can ride JR Kyushu’s Shinkansen, sightseeing trains, limited express, and local trains (excluding the Sanyo Shinkansen, including the Hakata–Kokura section) unlimited times within the validity period, with the freedom to choose between free seats and reserved seats (reserved seats must be booked in advance at the ticket window). Before your trip, purchase an exchange voucher in your home country, then exchange it for the JR Kyushu Rail Pass at a green window or JR Kyushu Travel Service Center upon arrival in Kyushu. You can also directly purchase the pass at major JR stations in Kyushu, which is very convenient.
Tickets are divided into North Kyushu and All Kyushu regions, with options for 3-day and 5-day passes.
Major areas in North Kyushu: Shimonoseki, Mojiko, Kokura, Hakata, Yufuin, Beppu, Oita, Kumamoto, Aso, Saga, Nagasaki, Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo
All Kyushu areas covered: North Kyushu regions, Mitsugasaki, Hitoyoshi, Yoshimatsu, Kagoshima-Chuo, Kirishima, Ibusuki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki Airport
Fares:
North Kyushu Region: 3-day pass 8,500 yen; 5-day pass 10,000 yen
All Kyushu Region: 3-day pass 15,000 yen; 5-day pass 18,000 yen
Domestic Purchase Method:
Generally, you can now purchase an “exchange voucher” from travel agencies in China. Upon arrival in Kyushu, exchange the “exchange voucher” and your passport at designated locations to get the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
* The “exchange voucher” is valid for 3 months
* The “exchange voucher” must be exchanged for the “JR Kyushu Rail Pass” at the following windows in Japan.
First, take your passport to the websites or service counters of local Chinese agencies such as Shanghai Jinjiang, Ctrip, Tuniu, Lvmama, Shanghai Donghu, Japan Window, Shanghai Airlines International, Shanghai Airlines Holidays, Spring Travel Service, Japan Airlines, JTB Japan, Kinki Nippon Tourist, or H.I.S to fill out an application form and purchase an “exchange voucher.” Upon arrival in Japan, you can exchange the “exchange voucher” for a “JR Kyushu Railway Pass” at designated JR Kyushu stations and start using it.
JR Kyushu Railway Pass Exchange Locations
Kyushu Stations: Hakata Station, Kokura Station, Mojiko Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Sasebo Station, Beppu Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Miyazaki Station, and Miyazaki Airport Station.
JR Kyushu Travel Branches:
Hakata Branch, Kokura Branch, Saga Branch, Nagasaki Branch, Oita Branch, Kumamoto Branch, Kagoshima Branch, and Miyazaki Branch.
*The northern Kyushu version of the JR Kyushu Railway Pass is not available for exchange at Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki Airport Station, JR Kyushu Travel Kagoshima Branch, or JR Kyushu Travel Miyazaki Branch.