Healthy Land / Sand Bath (Ibusuki)

Hello.

I will be visiting Ibusuki in early December from Kagoshima city using public transport, likely on a weekend.

Purpose is to visit Healthy Land and a sand bath.

- Is it better to stop at JR Yamagawa or JR Ibusuki station for Healthy Land ?

- I understand there is a sand bath near Healthy Land.
Is that Yamagawa Natural Sand Bath ?
If so, how far is it from Healthy Land ?

- Should I visit the sand bath first or Healthy Land first ?

- I read that Ibusuki area is famous for the somen noodles.
Is there one near the places above ?

- Is the JR Kyushu rail pass valid on the 'Ibusuki no Tamatebako' train ?

Thank you.

Is it better to stop at JR Yamagawa or JR Ibusuki station for Healthy Land ?

It depends where you are coming from. If you come from Kagoshima, a transfer of trains is usually required at Ibusuki, but the connection is good. But I don't think it makes a big difference. If you have a Kyushu Rail Pass, you could save a few yen by taking the train further. If you come from Ibusuki, then it is more convenient to ride the bus all the way from Ibusuki because the bus does not seem to be timed to train arrivals at Yamagawa Station.

Bus timetable:
http://www.ibusuki.or.jp/img_access/110309_jikoku01.pdf

Train timetable:
http://www.hyperdia.com/

I understand there is a sand bath near Healthy Land.
Is that Yamagawa Natural Sand Bath ?

Yes. Here is the website:
http://sunamushi.com/

If so, how far is it from Healthy Land ?

150 meters:
http://www.seika-spc.co.jp/healthy/?page_id=20

Should I visit the sand bath first or Healthy Land first ?

I don't think it matters.

- Is the JR Kyushu rail pass valid on the 'Ibusuki no Tamatebako' train ?

Yes. But note that a seat reservation is necessary for this train.

Thanks Uji.

On the bus timetable, can you pls point me to the correct table and the correct columns ?
I assume the appropriate tables are the 2nd last and last one ?
(frog1954 did send me the timetable previously but I did not fully understand)

Is the timetable valid for weekends ?

How much is the one way fare ?

Does the bus also go to Yamakawa port/harbour ?

I'd like to look around the town and harbour area and maybe drop by the shop (http://io-kaido.com/).
Is Yamakawa is famous for its bonito ?

Thanks in advance.

I assume the appropriate tables are the 2nd last and last one ?

Yes, that's right.

指宿駅前 is Ibusuki Station
山川駅前 is Yamakawa Station
ヘルシーランド入口 is the closest stop to the Healthy Land

Is the timetable valid for weekends ?

Yes, all the buses run everyday of the week, except that single one that is marked with a black triangle and runs only on weekdays.

How much is the one way fare ?

I don't know the exact fare. But I estimate it to be around 300 yen from Ibusuki Station or around 200 yen from Yamakawa Station.

Does the bus also go to Yamakawa port/harbour ?

Yes, the stop 山川桟橋 is located just next to the port. The location of the bus stops is also shown on the following useful map:
http://www.mapion.co.jp/m/31.19661238704101_130.63078896001247_7/

Is Yamakawa is famous for its bonito ?

I only know that nearby Makurazaki is very famous for bonito. So, I would not be surprised if Yamakawa is also known for it.

Many thanks Uji.

Purpose is to visit Healthy Land and a sand bath.

I have been advised that Healty land is closed from 1st to 7th December.
You may want to reconfirm if your visit is within the above period.

Thanks for the heads up Liem.
We intend to visit Healthy Land on 14 December.
Am I right to say that the open air baths are closed on Thursdays ?
Cheers.