Train, sea and sand
Ibusuki, once a popular destination with plenty of resorts. Now just a handful of resorts remain. It is a forgotten town, however, it still has its charm. The scenic route of the sea on a specialty train by JR West, the view towards Kaimondake, the most southern station of JR and most importantly the hot sand bath. Its all about escaping the stressful momentum of the city and just slow everything down and relax ourselves.
Here is my two day trip to Ibusuki:
Boarding the train at Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
Ibutama (or Ibusuki no Tamatebako). The Specialty train by JR West. Note we board on the black side, and we'll get off on the white side. The train is a refurbished diesel train.
Interior of Ibutama. Bar table seats on the right for sea view
Ibusuki Onsen Cider
After a brief stop at Kiiri station, we soon approach Ibusuki station
We board on the black side, get off on the white side
Syusuien, a Ryokan for the night
The entrance
A garden within the premises
The hotel room can sleep up to 8 people
We headed towards the beach for a hot sand bath at the Saraku
Taking a break at the lobby facing towards the sea, enjoying cold milk after sand bath
After a relaxing hot sand bath, we had soft cream just across the sand bath
A delicate dinner prepared by the hotel. The restaurant within the hotel is well known for its quality.
Futon already prepared for us as we return from dinner
Breakfast time
We took the normal train back to Kagoshima-Chuo station. We didn't have time, or else we would take the train to the most southern JR station in Japan which is just a few stations away.
Sea view as we return to the city.
In my previous post, I said Kagoshima is a hidden treasure. That was an understatement. There's so much more when I get to spend time exploring, walking around the town. It felt really welcoming, from a group of farmers waving towards the train as it enters the town (which is organised by Ibusuki's tourism board), to basically everyone in town and those old couple who stayed at the same hotel as we did. There's nothing I can complain about my trip to Ibusuki and I will definitely go again. This time, I will visit the nearby island and perhaps reach the Kaimondake.
Sharing some of my travelling and working experiences.