Traveling is a great opportunity to step away from your day-to-day life, follow untrodden paths, and let go of the building stress of daily obligations. Pause the nonstop chatter of the modern age and reconnect with nature, tranquility, and your inner self in Nansatsu.
Resting in southern Kagoshima—one of Japan’s southernmost prefectures—Nansatsu is a breathtaking region shaped by its volcanic landscape, hot springs, and coastal scenery. Nansatsu’s alluring nature, natural steam sand baths, open-air hot springs, temple retreats, and fresh local produce make it a growing wellness destination where you can swap bustling city streets and crowded tourist spots for a reset of the mind and body.
The slow pace, clean air, and quiet ambience will gently guide you on your wellness journey and encourage you to explore the unknown.
Steam sand baths
Feel the Earth’s warm embrace with a natural steam sand bath at Sunamushi Onsen in Ibusuki. Steam sand bathing, or sunamushi in Japanese, is a traditional, over 300-year-old practice primarily found in Ibusuki. Immerse yourself in this age-old wellness experience at Saraku Sand Bath Hall.
After dressing in a light cotton yukata, you will lie down in a shallow depression beside the ocean. A staff member will then gently bury you in geothermally heated sand, warmed to roughly 50 to 55℃ (122 to 131℉). The toasty sand will cause you to sweat, which is said to eliminate toxins and impurities from the skin, as well as stimulate blood circulation and help the body absorb minerals in the sand. The regional practice facilitates deep relaxation and leaves you with radiant, healthier, and exfoliated skin. As your tense muscles unwind, the ocean’s rhythmic melody will further lull your mind into a state of utter bliss.
Hot springs and bedrock bathing at Hakusuikan
Indulge in a restorative stay at Hakusuikan Ryokan, also located in Ibusuki. Overlooking Kagoshima Bay, this traditional Japanese inn offers a wellness experience steeped in Japanese hospitality. Here, you can submerge yourself in hot spring baths, detox your mind and body in a steam sand bath, stroll through a traditional garden, leisurely enjoy an attached craft and art museum, and so much more. It is a wellness retreat with a side of luxury.
Starting with the hot springs, the ryokan’s extensive spa includes a stylish indoor bath inspired by the Edo period (1603–1868), an open-air bath encircled by greenery, and an indoor observation bath that overlooks the garden. The hot spring water leaves your skin moisturized and glowing. In addition to steam sand baths, the ryokan also has a unique bedrock bath, which, despite its name, does not feature water. The floors are made of black ore from Hokkaido Prefecture that has been praised for its healing properties since ancient times, and the room is kept at a hot 40℃ (104℉). Lying on the stone floor is said to warm the body from its core and improve blood circulation.
Hakusuikan’s spa offerings, coupled with its nourishing cuisine and cozy guest rooms, are guaranteed to leave you feeling brand new.
Meditation and sutra copying at Seiryuji Temple
Surrounded by forests and nestled in the hills, Seiryuji Temple in Ibusuki provides a peaceful realm where Buddhist architecture and an expansive Japanese garden ground you in the beauty of the present. Much like the flowers that paint the surroundings in new colors each season, you will feel yourself blossom anew with mindful activities at Seiryuji. Simply wandering through the garden, adorned with stone lanterns, boulders, moss, and vegetation, will slow your mind. The Zen temple is also a perfect place for zazen meditation, yoga, and quiet reflection.
To further relinquish the buzzing in your head, join a sutra-copying experience, which has you intently focus on copying Japanese characters. As your concentration sharpens, you will find that your mind quiets—lightening any thoughts that have been weighing you down. Afterwards, treat yourself to an invigorating cup of Japanese matcha as you gaze out contently at Seiryuji’s garden and Konjiki-do (Golden Hall).
Walking, cycling, and hiking in Nansatsu
Connect with nature’s healing aura in Nansatsu—from its mountains and hiking trails to its lakes and coastlines.
Mount Kaimon, situated on the tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, is nicknamed “Satsuma Fuji” thanks to its resemblance to the iconic Japanese mountain. While not nearly as tall as Mount Fuji—at 924 meters—Mount Kaimon still offers invigorating day hikes with moderately challenging, clearly marked trails. The round-trip hike to the summit typically takes about five to six hours and rewards you with panoramic views of the gorgeous scenery. For more relaxed walks or cycling, the nearby Lake Ikeda offers a calm, waterside environment for you to explore.
Nansatsu’s lush landscapes are also ideal for shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. This Japanese form of ecotherapy is about mindfully immersing yourself in nature, including deep breathing, walking slowly, and intentionally noticing the area’s sights, sounds, and smells. The relaxing wooded trails are wonderful for this meditative practice.
Moving closer to the ocean, Nansatsu’s scenic coastal roads are perfect for seaside cycling, and with almost no traffic, they provide stress-free rides. At the day’s end, enjoy a well-deserved soak in an onsen or steam sand bath to complete the rejuvenating getaway.
Peaceful driving through southern Kagoshima
Driving across southern Kagoshima is an excellent way to explore the region's scattered scenic spots and natural beauty. Take in the views while listening to your favorite tunes and embrace a moment solely for yourself, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Car travel in Japan equals freedom, and Nansatsu’s uncrowded roads are a joy to explore by car. With unrestricted access, traverse the peaceful countryside and explore sweeping coastal drives, all while stopping at local cafes, hot springs, and scenic viewpoints. It is a deeply immersive way to experience slow, restorative travel in Japan’s rural south.
If you choose to stay at Hakusuikan ryokan, be sure to check out Kamegaoka, a 1.5-hour drive on the Minamisatsuma Panorama Line. With a 387-meter-tall summit that resembles a turtle, Kamegaoka offers unparalleled nature views. From the 360-degree observation deck, you can admire Fukiagehamma (one of Japan’s three largest sand dunes), Bozu’s ria coast, and the stunning interactions between land and sea. As the sun dips to meet the horizon, sunset colors the area golden, and at night, the sky blooms with countless stars.
Steamed seasonal cuisine at Shunshun Terrace
Sit down for a nourishing meal at Shunshun Terrace, a popular lunch spot in Chiran that specializes in dishes steamed in bamboo steamers. This cooking technique preserves the ingredients’ nutrients and brings out the natural sweetness of produce grown in Kagoshima’s rich volcanic soil. The menu features freshly harvested vegetables, Kagoshima’s black-haired wagyu beef, Kagoshima Kurobuta pork, young chicken, and tofu. In addition, the chawanmushi (a savory egg custard dish) and miso soup feature bonito broth from Makurazaki, known for its rich umami flavor.
When you lift the lid of your meal, the simple, yet heavenly aromas of the prefecture’s bounty will envelop you. The meals are accompanied with dipping sauces, so you can try a variety of flavor combinations. Pair your dish with local green tea to complete the healthy set. Afterwards, if you are craving a sweet treat, be sure to try some of the eatery’s steamed cakes and pudding. Your body will feel enriched, and the meal will provide peace of mind, as each bite supports local producers. Wellness meets sustainable travel.
Find your bliss in Nansatsu
Escape the crowds of the cities and create moments of peace in Nansatsu, a place for wellness where nature and seasonal cuisine meet mindful moments. Bathe in sand, relax in hot springs and bedrock baths, wander around lakes, hike up a mountain, or cruise along coastal roads to new destinations. The possibilities for mental and physical rejuvenation are endless in Nansatsu.
