Tamatebako Onsen in Ibusuki: Bath Rotation, Prices and Access
Check Tamatebako Onsen’s odd/even bath rotation, holiday prices, hours and bus access before travelling for its open-air sea and mountain views.
Tamatebako Onsen is an outdoor bath near the southern edge of Ibusuki, separate from the area’s sand-bathing facilities. Check the calendar before you go: the two baths change gender assignments on odd- and even-numbered dates, and Thursday is normally the weekly closing day.
The bath assignment changes with the date
| Bath | Style and view | Odd-numbered dates | Even-numbered dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| West bath | Japanese style; Mt Kaimondake | Women | Men |
| East bath | Western style; Mt Take | Men | Women |
Both baths are outdoors. The distant islands may be visible in clear conditions, but the operator does not guarantee a particular view. Check the date, not just the photos, if you have a preference for one side.
Hours and prices, including the year-end exception
| Detail | Standard schedule |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; last entry 7 p.m. |
| Weekly closure | Thursday; moves to the following day when Thursday is a public holiday |
| Other possible closures | New Year, Golden Week and Obon; check the operator’s notice |
| Admission | Standard price | Listed special-period price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥900 | ¥1,500 |
| Child through elementary-school age | ¥450 | ¥700 |
| Under age 3 | Free | Check the facility’s current notice |
The special-period adult price includes a ¥100 bathing tax, and common tickets are not sold then. The next listed special period is December 29, 2026–January 3, 2027.
| Special date | Hours / child-price note |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve | Closes at 6 p.m. |
| January 1 | Opens at 6:30 a.m. |
| Children under three during special periods | No separate price published; confirm before relying on the standard free-entry rule |
The source is a strong sodium-chloride spring at 100.4°C. That is the source temperature, not the pool temperature. The operator says the water is diluted and continuously flowing, but does not publish a fixed bathing-pool temperature. Bring a towel or rent one for ¥300; a souvenir face towel also costs ¥300. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers and lockers are available. The site lists a café, shop and parking for 70 regular cars.
Getting there: check which bus you mean
From JR Yamakawa Station, the ride is about 10 minutes by car or 14 minutes by bus to the Tamatebako Onsen stop. The stop resumed service on November 22, 2025. Kagoshima Kotsu also lists a separate direct route from Kinseicho; check that route’s April 1, 2026 timetable for your date.
The city-loop bus information is inconsistent: the tourism association’s route overview and its pass detail page give different daily trip counts. The adult one-day city pass is ¥1,500 and the child pass is ¥750, but do not assume it covers every Kagoshima-direct service. Confirm the operator, route and return departure before you set out. For other south-Ibusuki options, see the Ibusuki day-trip and overnight guide or the Sayuri sand-bath guide.
The public facility page does not settle tattoo, photography or full accessibility rules. Ask the operator directly if any of those affects your visit. Weather can also affect operations.
Sources
- [Ibusuki Tourism Association: Tamatebako Onsen hours, prices, bath assignments and access](https://www.ibusuki.or.jp/spa/open/tamatebako/) - [Ibusuki City: route-bus stop restored at Tamatebako Onsen](https://www.city.ibusuki.lg.jp/main/machi/syakaikiban/kotsu/page002659.html) - [Ibusuki Tourism Association: city-loop bus routes](https://www.ibusuki.or.jp/access/city/) - [Ibusuki Tourism Association: one-day city pass details](https://www.ibusuki.or.jp/access/city/plan/) - [Kagoshima Kotsu: route 100 timetable, effective April 1, 2026](https://www.iwasaki-corp.com/kagoshima_kotsu/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/05/100_260401.pdf)Tags: Tamatebako Onsen, Ibusuki onsen, Ibusuki hot springs, Ibusuki day trip, open-air onsen, Kagoshima onsen, onsen bath rotation, Japanese hot springs, Mt Kaimondake, Mt Take, Ibusuki bus, Ibusuki access, onsen prices, day-use onsen, Japan travel guide
