I didn't mention that Takegawara onsen is most famous for its suna yu (sand bath). The staff have you put on a cotton bathrobe, lie down on hot, moist sand, and then pack it all around you. The weight of the sand emanates warmth into every joint and aching muscle. Indescribably...aaaah.
Beppu-shi also has an outdoor sand bath (Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath) along the bay. JQS and I visited once and were buried side by side in the sand like tourists at the beach. Afterwards, we removed the bathrobes, showered off, then soaked in a tub.
Posted by M Sinclair Stevens
November 13, 2002
Comments
The first time I went to Kagoshima, I had the same one also. It was in late November. Just nice with the weather. I missed it.
Comment by: Ken Loo. Posted November 13, 2002 10:44 PM.
Every time I see someone bathing in the sand on TV, I feel like "I want to go there" or "I should go there".
It is really far from here, though...
Comment by: Eri. Posted November 16, 2002 01:02 AM.
There is a tourists' spot called "suna-yu" on the shore of Lake Kussharo, near my town. You dig into the sand, and hot spring gradually comes out. It's like kids' play in the sand.
Every time I see the sand bath in Kyushu, I want to experience it too. It's really way too far from here! ;)
Comment by: Kiyo. Posted November 19, 2002 07:31 AM.
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JQS is buried in hot sand.