Saraku Sand Bath Hall: Hot Spring By The Beach Where You Get Buried In Warm Sand

Saraku Sand Bath Hall

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If you can’t decide whether to visit the beach or the hot springs, Saraku Sand Bath Hall will help resolve that dilemma by providing both.

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Control the amount of sand that’s shovelled onto your body

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Rain or shine, Saraku Sand Bath Hall offers an unconventional hot spring experience that buries you in sand that’s infused with natural underground water. 

We know what you’re thinking – a sand bath doesn’t sound like the cleanest way to get recharged, and you might worry about going home looking like you haven’t bathed for days after. But fret not. The sand bath package includes an onsen pass.

Image credit: @鈴木克俊

While the staff will help tuck you in by shovelling warm sand over your entire body, except for your face, feel free to voice out at any point in time if you’re uncomfortable with the heat. 

Despite how it looks, the sand isn’t too restrictive either, making free limb movement possible.

Image credit: @Gordon Ho

There’s a clock hung on every pillar to help you keep track of the time and get up before getting overheated. The recommended duration is 10 minutes, but you can wiggle your way our earlier or later, depending on your preference. Just make sure that you don’t overheat yourself.

Image adapted from: @KOJI 039

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Choose to be buried beside a companion

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Since you’ll be required to wear a yukata and buried in sand, your modesty will be more easily protected here compared to at a regular onsen. 

Image adapted from: @Budi_Wibowo_Halim

Those coming in groups can also enjoy a sand-bathing experience together free of any potential embarrassment about being naked in public.

Additionally, the beautiful sea view, coupled with the soothing white noise of the waves crashing, makes it all the more relaxing.

Image adapted from: @Motohiro Yoshikawa

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Open all year round

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Saraku Sand Bath Hall is open all year round, catering to various schedules. Just keep in mind the bath hall’s regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to avoid disappointment. 

Besides one-day tickets, there are special packages for tour groups and frequent visitors. Do remember to bring a towel along for the sand bath, or be prepared to fork out an extra ¥200 (~USD1.50) to rent one. 

If you’re not the most savvy with directions, look out for the prominent stairway of the building that leads you right to the entrance of the bath hall. Alternatively, you can take the escalator at the side of the structure.

Image adapted from: @れいれい 

Before leaving, remember to take a photo at this cut-out for a cheesy travel memento.

Image credit: @渡辺裕之 

The words ojattamonse (おじゃったもんせ) at the top of the photo are written in Kagoshima dialect. It is the equivalent of irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ), which means “Welcome”.

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Getting to Saraku Sand Bath Hall

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Saraku Sand Bath Hall is a 3-minute car ride from Ibusuki Station and a 5-minute bus ride by Kagoshima city bus to Sunamashi Kaikanmae bus stop.

Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a stroll, the bath hall is a 15 to 20-minute walk from Ibusuki Station.

Admission (sand bath and onsen, fee inclusive yukata): ¥1,100 (~USD8.26)/middle school students and older, ¥600 (~USD4.50)/persons with disabilities | ¥600 (~USD4.50)/elementary school students and younger, ¥360 (~USD2.71)/persons with disabilities
Admission (onsen only): ¥620 (~USD4.65)/middle school students and older, ¥310 (~USD2.33)/persons with disabilities | ¥310 (~USD2.33)/elementary school students and younger, ¥150 (~USD1.13)/persons with disabilities
Address: 5 Chōme-25-18 Yunohama, Ibusuki, 891-0406 Kagoshima
Opening hours: 8.30am-9pm, Daily (Last admission at 8.30pm) (Closed on weekdays for cleaning from 12pm-1pm) (Regular maintenance in July & December)
Contact: 0993-23-3900 | Saraku Sand Bath Hall website

Also check out:

• Teddy bear hot pot
• Basic etiquette in onsens
• Japanese Capybara wins onsen competition
• 9 bathhouses that give a unique experience
• Japanese girl proposes to Godzilla by the beach

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Cover image adapted from: @れいれい, @Gordon Ho, @Motohiro Yoshikawa