Ibusuki sand bath guide: Saraku prices, hours and special periods

Plan an Ibusuki Saraku sand bath visit with official opening hours, sand versus regular bathing prices, higher fees during holiday periods, and walking or bus access from Ibusuki Station.

Last checked:

  • Kagoshima
  • Hot springs
  • Day trips

Ibusuki’s () sand-bathing hot springs () are a distinctive Kagoshima experience: lying in sand heated by natural hot spring heat. The best-known facility is Saraku Sand Bath Hall (). This article uses official Ibusuki Tourism Association information on prices, hours and special periods. For Kagoshima transport, see Transport from Fukuoka to Kagoshima.

Key points

  • Open 8:30 to 21:00, last reception 20:00; reception pauses 12:00 to 13:00 on weekdays.
  • Sand bath: 1,500 yen for adults (junior high school and above); regular bathing only costs 800 yen.
  • Higher prices during special periods: adult sand bath costs 2,000 yen.
  • About 20 minutes on foot from Ibusuki Station or about 5 minutes by bus to Sunamushi Kaikan-mae.

Prices (including yukata)

Visitor Sand bath Regular bath only
Adults (junior high school and above) 1,500 yen 800 yen
Children (elementary school and younger) 800 yen 400 yen
Groups of 20 or more Adults 1,200 yen; children 600 yen Not listed on the official page
Disability certificate holders Adults 750 yen; children 400 yen Adults 400 yen; children 200 yen
  • Souvenir hand towel 300 yen (purchase); bath towel 300 yen (rental).
  • Various cashless payments are accepted, including QR codes, credit cards, electronic money and transport IC cards.

Special periods

Prices are higher during special periods:

Visitor Sand bath Regular bath only
Adults 2,000 yen 1,000 yen
Children 1,000 yen 500 yen

Special periods in the 2026 fiscal year:

Period Dates
Golden Week 29 April to 6 May 2026
Obon 11 to 16 August 2026
Silver Week 19 to 23 September 2026
New Year 29 December 2026 to 3 January 2027

Opening and closures

  • Open year-round, although the official description mentions maintenance closures in July and December.
  • Last reception is at 20:00.
  • Reception pauses from 12:00 to 13:00 on weekdays.
  • The official page does not list on-site waiting times.

Transport

Mode Official information
Walking About 20 minutes from Ibusuki Station
Bus About 5 minutes to Sunamushi Kaikan-mae, directly in front of the facility
Car About 3 minutes from Ibusuki Station; 90 free parking spaces

Pets cannot enter (guide dogs may be accommodated within the facility).

Checks before departure

  1. Check whether your visit falls during a special period.
  2. Check for maintenance closures in July and December.
  3. On weekdays, avoid the 12:00 to 13:00 reception break.

For more Kagoshima attractions, see the Sakurajima guide. For a regional overview, see the Kyushu travel guide.

Sources