• About Trudy
  • Contact
True Wind Healing Travel
Live & Travel Well for a Healing Journey...
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Healing Travel
  • Wellness
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • 0
Tag:

kagoshimajapan

    Kagoshima Japan Sakurajima Volcano
    JapanTravel Wellness Trips

    A Healing Experience at Kagoshima’s Unique, Geothermal Sand Spas

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    One of the most unique experiences of my life was getting buried in the Kagoshima sand spas. And yes, thankfully my head was not included. It’s believed that the geothermal-heated sands provide mineral-rich, healing properties. Kagoshima prefecture is a geothermal hotspot with many islands and volcanoes, including the most active in Japan, Mt Sakurajima. I had an adventurous day leaving the cruise port, close to the smoldering Mt Sakurajima, on a scenic hour-long journey to Ibusuki, where I experienced the sand spa and hot springs.

    Kagoshima is abundant with Mother Nature’s splendor to inspire all visitors, as the southernmost area of mainland Japan in a subtropical zone. Overall, its natural setting animates the essence of Feng Shui as an ideal balance of the elements, such as, volcanic fire, oceans sparkling waters, fertile soils for mandarin oranges, sweet potatoes, cherry blossoms, wood for magnolia and cedar trees, and metal in Satsuma-yaki pottery, a pioneer of Japonism (Japanese influence in the arts).

    Mt. Kaimon on Lake Ikeda
    Mt. Kaimon on Lake Ikeda

    Mount Kaimon on Lake Ikeda & “Issie”

    The scenic drive to Ibusuki introduced me to Kagoshima’s beautiful landscapes and culture, all narrated by an informative guide. We traveled along the island shores with colorful arrays of plant life, such as, yellow rapeseed fields, white magnolias, green tea plantations, orange orchards, red hibiscus, and cedar trees all under a bright blue sky. Overall, Japan has 111 volcanoes, including the most active on this island (Mt. Sakurajima), as part of the Pacific Ridge’s Ring of Fire.

    Issie
    Issie

    We stopped at Lake Ikeda, a crater lake, 233 meters deep and home to rare creatures such as big eels. Plus, at a shop, I saw an eel almost 2 meters long lurking alone in an aquarium. Lake Ikeda is also home to an Unidentified Mysterious Animal named “Issie,” depicted with 2 humps that are a metaphor for the 2 underwater volcanoes in the lake. As a backdrop to this mysterious lake is the majestic Mt. Kaimon, at 977 meters high, referred to as the “Mt. Fuji of the area” with its stereotypical conical shape.

    After Lake Ikeda, we passed a Shinto Shrine, where we made a wish according to this Japanese tradition. Shinto is the ancient shamanism of Japan, worshiping all living beings as sacred through animism. The God of this shrine is the nearby Mt. Kaimon. Thus, while passing by, we did the ritual: bow 2 times, then clap 2 times and make a wish.

    Mt Sakurajima
    Mt. Sakurjaima

    Geothermal Sand Spas in Kagoshima

    Our final destination was the Ibusuki Iwasaki Hotel. It attracts people worldwide for Geothermal Sand Spas in Kagoshima. Sand Spas are known for their therapeutic abilities to increase circulation, detoxify the body and give pain relief. First, we went to a locker room to undress and slip on a cotton kimono. Then we entered the sand spa underneath a tent. (There are also options in the open air next to the ocean). There were about 30-40 sand beds, shallowly dug out for us.

    Sand Spa
    Geothermal Sand Spa – The Ultimate Selfie Experience for a Laugh!!

    Then, I laid down in it on my back. Immediately, I relaxed into the warmth as my back molded to the warm black sand. This was the best part for me, with the warm penetration for the back and spine. As instructed, I brought my arms close to my side as the assistant covered me with sand. We were advised to not exceed 20-30 minutes in the sand, to avoid dehydration.

    I fully absorbed every second of the experience for 20 minutes. Even though this appeared somewhat macabre, like a horror movie being buried alive, it also inspired my sense of humor. Altogether our group of 30 settled into a relaxed state with some bonding in conversation while others delved into solitary silence. Also, the assistants were glad to take our pictures with our cellphones for the ultimate selfie.

    Finally, Hot Spring in a Kimono

    20190301_122722

    After 20 minutes in the warm, geothermal sand, I lifted my hands out of the sand. The sand crumbled aside and then lifted my knees and legs, breaking free into the cool air. Reluctantly, I arose from this comfortable place in my damp, hanging kimono.

    Then, I go outside to the warm hot springs close to the ocean shores with the rest of our group. In comparison, it was a nice complement, absorbing the therapeutic minerals of the geothermal hot springs, while cleaning off the leftover sand.

    Lastly, I showered and changed into a fresh, dry kimono. My overall experience felt like a steady flow, until the end. I had no opportunity to sit and relax with a tea or juice for integration. This is the unfortunate reality of doing tours and feeling rushed. However, overall, I’m grateful for my day at the Sand Spas, because it was rejuvenating. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the world to offer this unique healing experience, harnessing the geothermal powers from the Ring of Fire.


    Read More!
    An Emotional Day at Nagasaki Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
    My Life-Changing Cherry Blossoms Tour in Japan & Correspondences with Buddhism

    April 10, 2025 0 comments
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Load More Posts

About

About

Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

Join my Community

Join True Wind Healing Travel to receive the latest wellness & travel guides.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Pinterest

@truewindhealingtravel

truewindtravel

Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 100+ Countries & Counting
📹 YT: TrueWindHealingTravel
Travel/Wellness Content:

As the “City of Music and “City of Dreams” V As the “City of Music and “City of Dreams” Vienna is in itself a masterpiece. Mozart, Beethoven and Freud resonate throughout this entire vibrant culture. The grand architecture, art and 600 coffee house take you back in time. I recently spent 5 glorious days here and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover 21 Vienna Austria top attractions. 

Check out my Vienna travel blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/vienna-austria-top-attractions/

#vienna #viennaaustria #austria #habsburg #classicalmusicians #mozart #beethoven #europetravels #europedestinations #travelbloggers #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #europeanhistory #architecturelovers #artmuseum #internationaltravel
Devin Castle Ruins is near Bratislava the capital Devin Castle Ruins is near Bratislava the capital city of Slovakia. Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Devin Castle Ruins stand on a crag, overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia. 

For more info, check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/bratislava-slovakia-top-attractions/

#slovakia #slovakianature #bratislava #danube #moravariver #devincastle #slovakiatravel #europetravels #travelblog #confluence #ruins #travelingram #archeology #solotravel
Fun Fact: The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur Fun Fact: The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur was the tallest building in the world until Taipei 101 was built in 2004!

#malaysia #petronas #petronastowers #southeastasia #kualalumpur #twintowers #malaysiatravel
Budapest is the crowning jewel of the Danube River Budapest is the crowning jewel of the Danube River. The city lights up the banks with historic treasures from its architecture, bridges and culture. Even more, Budapest is known as the “World’s Spa Capital,” offering 100 local thermal springs. The flow of the river takes you through time and the many layers of the Budapest Hungary top attractions.

During my 5-week tour in Central Europe and the Balkans, I experienced 5 days in Budapest. I visited all these 20 attractions in 5 days. All this time was needed to fully enjoy the sites. Budapest’s World Heritage Sites include the Buda Castle Quarter, Banks of Danube and Andrassy Avenue. I love sharing tips and recommendations. 

Pictures: Chain Bridge, Shoes on the Danube Monument, New York Cafe, Gellert Spa and Hotel, Central Market, Liberty Bridge, Matthias Fountain

Check out my blog on Budapest:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/budapest-hungary-top-attractions/

#budapest
The Langkawi archipelago is a pristine paradise wi The Langkawi archipelago is a pristine paradise with a biodiversity of beauty. Its mountains, rainforests, mangroves and beaches are a nice refuge for travelers. Even more the islands offer amenities with its restaurants, hotels, spas and tourist destinations. 

The duty-free island and archipelago, Langkawi, lies in the Strait of Malacca. Overall, it consists of about 104 islands about 30 km off the coast of Malaysia. Inhabits live on only 4 of the islands. The name Langkawi has many interpretations. One of the most popular being reddish-brown eagle as a symbol of the islands. Mountains and forest-covered hills cover almost two-thirds of the islands. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/langkawi-malaysia-day-tour/

#langkawi #langkawiisland #langkawiisland🌴 #malaysia #malaysiatravel #southeastasia #southeastasiatravel #southeastasiacruise #cruise #beaches
Follow on Instagram

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Flickr
  • Youtube
Footer Logo

© 2025 True Wind Healing Travel / All Rights Reserved

True Wind Healing Travel
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Healing Travel
  • Wellness
  • Resources
  • Shop

Shopping Cart

Close

No products in the cart.

Close