Sand Bath, Seasonal Harvest & Lunch in Ibusuki (Kagoshima)

Located on the southern tip of mainland Japan, Ibusuki is a small city by the sea with extensive volcanic activity and unique attractions. In this wellness and farm-to-table experience at Ibusuki, you will go sand bathing, harvest and sample seasonal vegetables, and enjoy a lunch with local delicacies.

First on the itinerary is sand bathing: you will change into a yukata (a light cotton kimono), lay on the ground, and get covered to your neck in warm, dark volcanic sand. This unique and relaxing practice is said to have beautifying and healing properties, like promoting blood circulation. But rejuvenation is not only for your body: you'll also wear a sheet face mask made with the extract of one of Japan's superfoods. Okra, a long, bright-green Japanese vegetable rich in vitamins and antioxidants, grows extensively in Ibusuki. Although it might resemble a chili pepper, okra actually has an earthy and mild taste. You will get to try it for yourself: an okra smoothie will be waiting for you as a refreshment after the warm sand bath is over!

Next, you'll harvest seasonal vegetables and steam them by placing them in a natural steaming pocket. Then, you'll take your produce to a local restaurant where they will use it to prepare a lunch with eel, another local delicacy. After lunch, as you walk around the village with your host, feel free to ask them for local recommendations before they drop you off at the station.

There are several ways to reach Ibusuki. If you're in for a scenic ride, consider taking the sightseeing limited express train Ibusuki no Tamatebako from Kagoshima City. This reservation-only train makes three roundtrips a day and has amazing seaside views and a lovely interior. You can ride it to reach this experience's meeting point (Ibusuki Station) in less than one hour from Kagoshima Chuo Station (not included in the experience price).