While most travelers are familiar with traditional Japanese onsens, where you relax in hot spring water, there's a lesser-known but equally fascinating experience: the Sunamushi Onsen (砂むし温泉), or "hot sand bath." This unique practice offers visitors deep relaxation while being buried in sand naturally heated by underground hot springs.
Primarily found on the southern island of Kyūshū, one of the best places to try it is at Saraku in the town of Ibusuki.
What is Sunamushi Onsen?
Sunamushi Onsen is a traditional form of therapy where you lie in hot sand warmed by thermal springs beneath the surface. The process is simple yet incredibly relaxing: dressed in a yukata (a light kimono), you are covered in warm sand by staff members.
This type of onsen is mainly concentrated in Kyūshū. On these beaches, you’ll notice steam rising from the ground, creating an almost surreal sight as columns of vapor emerge from the sand.
Why is Sunamushi Onsen good for your health?
The health benefits of a sand bath are said to be three to four times more effective than those of traditional onsens. Locals have been enjoying this practice for nearly 300 years due to its numerous advantages, such as regulating blood pressure, purifying the body through sweating, and rejuvenating both body and mind.
The hot sand works like a natural sauna, boosting your metabolism and leaving you feeling detoxified after just ten minutes of immersion.
What to expect during a Sunamushi Onsen session?
Here’s what a typical session at Saraku in Ibusuki looks like:
1. Arrival at Saraku
When you arrive at Saraku, located right on the beach, you'll immediately notice steam rising from the sand. You might also see visitors in yukatas carrying colorful parasols, something you'll soon be a part of yourself.
Head to the reception area on the first floor, where you'll have several price options. The classic package for 1,500 yen (~10 €) is ideal if you don’t have your own gear. This includes:
- Hot sand bath
- Traditional onsen after the sand bath
- Yukata rental
- A white towel to protect your face from the sand
- A blue towel for use after the sand bath
2. Changing rooms
After checking in, head to the separate men’s and women’s changing rooms where you’ll:
- Take off your shoes and place them in a plastic bag
- Choose a locker and change into the provided yukata (underwear is not worn underneath, but can be rented if necessary)
- Take only the white towel and locker key with you
3. Off to the beach!
Once you're ready, slip on the provided plastic sandals and grab one of the colorful parasols (if the weather permits).
You’ll exit the building and follow the marked path down to the beach. There, a staff member will direct you to a spot to lie down.
4. The sand batch
Une fois allongé, l'employé vous installera la serviette blanche autour de votre tête puis vous recouvrira de sable chaud !
Once lying down, the staff will wrap the white towel around your head and proceed to cover you with hot sand! The sensation of being buried is surprisingly soothing. You'll feel the heat gradually rise, accompanied by the calming sound of the waves. The recommended time to stay in the sand is a maximum of 10 minutes. There’s a clock nearby to keep track, but no one will tell you when to get up.
5. Shower time
After your 10 minutes of sweating in the sand, head back inside for a hot (or cold!) shower. Leave your sandals at the entrance and drop your yukata in the designated basket. Rinse off all the sand and sweat.
6. Enjoy a traditional onsen
Once you're clean, you can relax in a classic onsen. This one is rich in sodium chloride, which is great for relieving joint pain and improving blood circulation.
7. End of the expérience
Your Sunamushi Onsen experience concludes with a return to the changing room, where you'll dry off with the blue towel, get dressed, and collect your shoes.
Saraku's restaurant
If you’re feeling hungry, the ramen restaurant on the second floor of Saraku is a convenient spot for a quick bite. The restaurant features traditional low Japanese tables, which might be uncomfortable for some Western visitors.
While the food isn’t extraordinary, it’s affordable. The town itself doesn’t have many dining options, especially outside the tourist season.
How to get to Sunamushi Onsen Saraku?
Saraku is located in Ibusuki at the southern tip of Kyūshū, not far from the city of Kagoshima. To get there, take the JR Ibusukimakurazaki Line from Kagoshima for about an hour, then stop at Ibusuki Station. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) to Saraku.
If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot with space for 100 cars.
While locals frequent the area during holiday periods, Ibusuki remains relatively peaceful outside these times.
