Kaimondake | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Plans never keep up with changes. I had planned to visit Saraku Sand Bath Hall, but it was unexpectedly closed. Fortunately, a fellow traveler I met on the bus recommended Yamagawa Sunamushi Onsen Sayuri (Fushime Onsen), and we decided to go together. This unexpected detour became my most unforgettable memory of Ibusuki. Since I'd come all this way, I couldn't miss this natural steam sand bath, a rarity found in only a few places worldwide.

After getting off the bus, we had to walk a long stretch of rolling hills. The slight soreness in my legs made the warmth enveloping my entire body when I later lay in the black sand heated by geothermal steam feel even more soothing.

Supplies and yukata can be rented on-site, which is very convenient. After sweating and fully unwinding to the sound of the waves, I bought a bottle of cold, rich coffee milk in the lounge and drank it down. I felt refreshed from head to toe, bringing this serendipitous hot spring experience to a perfect close.

Cape Nagasakibana is a beautiful cape in Kagoshima, with a white lighthouse and a spectacular view of Mount Kaimon, known as “Satsuma Fuji.” The seaside Ryugu Shrine has a mythical atmosphere, with its vermilion torii gate beautifully set against the blue sea and sky.

Since buses run very infrequently, travelers without a car should make sure to pick up a timetable at the tourist information center at Ibusuki Station and plan carefully so they don't miss the bus. Fortunately, buses in Japan are very punctual. On this trip, I happened to meet a backpacker who also preferred quiet, secluded places, and we chatted all the way in the sea breeze. The warmth of this once-in-a-lifetime encounter felt especially precious. Highly recommended for travelers who love avoiding crowds and enjoying peace and quiet at a deeper level.

As a fan of Kyushu's specialty trains, of course I couldn't miss this one. Boarding the black-and-white Ibusuki no Tamatebako sightseeing train felt like instantly stepping into the legend of Urashima Taro.

Clouds of white mist spray out when the doors open, perfectly recreating the classic moment when the treasure box from the Dragon Palace is opened. The interior is made with warm southern Kyushu cedar and is full of details: swivel sofas facing the sea, charming bookshelves, and illustrations of schools of fish and the underwater world. Everywhere, there are clever touches inspired by the Dragon Palace legend we heard as children. Although the cars show some signs of age, that only adds a calm, nostalgic warmth.

Even on a rainy day, the scenery along the route looked like a painting from the window. During the ride, don't forget to ask for the postcard exclusive to each train and stamp it yourself with each train's limited-edition stamp, preserving forever the wonderful memory of this journey through legends, mountains, and sea.