Excursion Ibusuki sand bath - japanese style hot springs experience tour at Kagoshima

(Please acknowledge the 'Important Note' section reported down below)

Ibusuki is an onsen town located in southern Kagoshima Prefecture. Unlike other onsen towns in Kyushu, Ibusuki is famous for its sand baths.

Scenic drive & photo stop at Lake Ikeda

Before heading to Sand Bath, make a memorable photo stop at Lake Ikeda which is the biggest volcanic lake in Kyushu, with a circumference of 15 kilometers and a surface area of 11 square km, and a depth of up to 233 meters. The almost round shaped lake is a caldera lake formed more than 6400 years ago because of volcanic activity in the area. Being a caldera lake, there are no rivers flowing in or out of the lake, and is entirely dependent on rainfall to maintain its water level. From Lake Ikeda you can see Mt. Kaimondake, a mountain rising 924 meters above sea level. It is commonly known as the "Fuji of Satsuma".

Ibusuki, Sand bath Experience & Hot Springs

The Sand Bath Experience is the most unique hot springs in the world, as "bathers" are buried in sand, rather than submerged in water. The heat and weight of the sand have an oddly refreshing and cleansing effect.

Upon arrival after the approximately one-hour scenic drive, receive your light Japanese robes „Yukata" and instructions to lie in the volcanic black sand. All but your head will then be covered with steaming sand, which is naturally heated from the underground hot springs. The benefits of being covered in hot sand may include improved blood circulation, detoxification, increased blood-oxygen levels throughout the body and highly valued beauty treatment for the skin. Be prepared to sweat much like you would in a sauna or steam bath, as your pores will quickly open up in the hot sand. Sessions typically last about 15 minutes, after which you will be helped out of the sand and shown to the hot springs to wash off and enjoy the outer bath.

Afterwards, commence your approximately one-hour drive back to the ship.

Important Note:

Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked. Swimming suits are not allowed. It's permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area, with which you can enhance your privacy while outside of the water. Once entered the bath, the towel must be kept out of the water. During the sand bath Guests will wear their Yukata only (light Japanese robes) that is provided together with shampoo, conditioner, body soap. The sanding bath area as well as the hot springs are not privately reserved for Silversea Guests only. The sand bathing area is mixed while the hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only. The use of the Sand Bath is forbidden after the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's also forbidden for women who are pregnant or during their menstruation period. Photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the sand bath and hot springs. Tattoos are not permitted in the facility, however if they can be covered by a sticker or by yukata robe, you will be able to enjoy the Sand Bath.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lake Ikeda, Ibusuki, Sand Bath Experience & Hot Springs Important Note: Japanese hot springs are enjoyed naked. Swimming suits are not allowed. It's permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area, with which you can enhance your privacy while outside of the water. Once entered the bath, the towel must be kept out of the water. During the sand bath Guests will wear their Yukata only (light Japanese robes) that is provided together with shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face towel, and bath towel. The sand bathing area as well as the hot springs are not privately reserved for Silversea Guests only. The sand bathing area is mixed while the hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only. The use of the Sand Bath is forbidden after the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's also forbidden for women who are pregnant or during their menstruation period. Photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the sand bath and hot springs. Tattoos are not permitted in the facility, however if they can be covered by a sticker or by yukata robe, you will be able to enjoy the Sand Bath.

Note

This tour involves a minimal amount of walking with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 20 steps at the sand bath. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Elevators are not available at the site. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the docking position.