Ibusuki Syusuien

The city of Ibusuki in southern Kyushu’s Kagoshima Prefecture has so many hot springs that people say hot waters gush out anywhere you dig. Among the most unique and famous hot springs in Ibusuki are its natural hot steam sand baths, where visitors bathe in sand, a global rarity. Considered even more effective than typical hot spring waters, these baths are highly prized for relieving fatigue and relaxing the body. Ibusuki Syusuien is a traditional Japanese ryokan inn located only about 250 meters from a sand bathing facility where guests can enjoy the natural hot steam sand baths.

Syusuien was originally built as a villa, before later being renovated and expanded into this ryokan inn with 46 guest rooms. Most are Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, creating an authentic Japanese experience for guests during their stay. Guests interested in the experience of sleeping in a futon on tatami mats will want to reserve a Japanese-style room without a bed.

Each guest room has an indoor bath, but many guests will want to relax in the inn’s larger hot spring baths. Syusuien has a large communal bath and an open-air bath supplied by water from Ibusuki Hot Spring. Two private baths with an adjoining relaxation space are also available by reservation. The hot springs at Syusuien help balance the melanin in skin that protects it from UV rays. The water is also believed to refresh and smooth the skin, making it more beautiful. Rather than feeling a chill when leaving the bath, guests will continue to feel pleasantly warm from the inside out. A foot bath and sand foot bath are also available to use in the garden space in front of the lobby.

Dining is one of the best parts of travel. Syusuien has been awarded first place for 40 consecutive years in the cuisine category of “100 Japanese Hotels and Ryokans Selected by Professionals,” and it has also been recognized as a five-star accommodation in “The Top 250 Most Popular Onsen Ryokan Hotels.” For dinner, guests can enjoy luxurious kaiseki cuisine featuring delectable Japanese dashi broth with locally caught fresh seafood, renowned Kagoshima-brand Kurobuta Berkshire Pork, and the local Kagoshima delicacy, satsuma-age fried fishcake. For dinner, several alternative courses are available for a separate fee. For breakfast, guests can start their day off right with a healthy breakfast featuring freshly cooked rice, seasonal side dishes, and satsuma-jiru miso soup.

Direct buses from Kagoshima Airport reach Ibusuki Station in approximately 95 minutes. If traveling by train, take an 80-minute ride on the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station before transferring to the special express train on the JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line to reach Ibusuki Station in 55 minutes. Ibusuki is located away from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where international flights arrive, but the journey here is another part of the adventure. Make a reservation for Ibusuki Syusuien when you visit Kagoshima Prefecture.

Details