Kagoshima, with its volcanic island Sakurajima, is also a place famous for its hot springs. The most famous are the sandbaths at Ibusuki Hot Springs. Getting buried in the hot sand is not an experience you can have just anywhere, so it’s definitely worth trying. There are also hot springs on the outlying islands, Yakushima and Tanegashima.
Ibusuki Hot Springs
Ibusuki Onsen is famous for not only its normal hot springs but its sand baths on the beach. After changing into a light cotton kimono, the staff shovels hot sand warmed by the geothermal heat up to your neck. The process is said to cleanse the blood.
| Address | Yunohama, Ibusuki-shi, Kagoshima |
| Access | A 15 min. walk from JR Ibusuki Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki line |
| Website | https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/hotspri/ibusukionsen.html |
Kirishima Hot Springs
Kirishima Hot Springs is located on the slopes near the base of the Kirishima Mountains. From there you can see Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima in the distance. It is one of the famous hot springs in Japan. The hot springs are of high quality with a sulfuric content. Kirishima Onsen is made up of several separate hot springs and Maruo Onsen is the largest with many “ryokan” or Japanese inns and hotels to choose from.
| Address | Takachiho, Makizonocho, Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima |
| Access | Approx. 35 - 40 min. by bus from JR Kirishima Onsen Station or Kagoshima airport to Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel |
| Website | https://www.welcomekyushu.com/event/?mode=detail&id=9999900052180&isSpot=1&isEvent= |
Myoken Hot Springs
Myoken Onsen is located in the Kirishima area of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is a small quaint town with a few open air baths on the Amorigawa River. This is a secluded place not ideal for tourism but rather for people who want to try a hot springs off the beaten path. If you buy a "Yuro" which is like a ticket for the baths, you can try 2 out of the 7 hot springs at Myoken Onsen at a reasonable price.
| Address | Hayatocho/Makizonocho, Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima |
| Access | About 15 min. by taxi from Kagoshima airport |
| Website | https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/kyushu_okinawa/kirishima/kanko/1349/ |
Yakushima Hot Springs
Yakushima Island has several natural hot springs. The temperatures these onsen vary from 30℃ at the seaside baths and a steaming 46℃ at the hottest Onsen facility, Onoaida Onsen. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you should try the open air baths located right on the seaside.
| Address | Depends on the particular facility |
| Access | To Yakushima island, take the plane from either Kagoshima airport, Fukuoka airport, or Itami airport. Rental cars, taxis, buses are the mode of transportation on the island |
| Website | http://www.yesyakushima.com/yakushima-activities/yakushima-onsen-hot-springs/ |
Tanegashima Hot Springs
You can visit the Tanegashima Araki Hotel to try Tanegashima Onsen. It is a sodium bicarbonate hot springs that makes your skin smooth by getting rid of dead skin cells. That is the reason why the hot springs is said to have a beautifying effect.
| Address | Minami Tanecho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima |
| Access | To Tanegashima island, take the airplane from Kagoshima airport (30 min.) or take the ferry (1.5 h) / high speed ferry from (3.5 h) Kagoshima port. Rental car is the best mode of transportation on the island. |
| Website | http://araki-hotel.co.jp/language/arakihotel_en.html#s01 |