Quirky and Offbeat Japan

IBUSUKI, KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN - 2017/08/02: Ibusuki Sand Baths -Japan is well known for its many hot springs but most people dont know that you can experience the benefits of thermal baths without even getting your feet wet. At both Ibusuki Beach near Kagoshima and Shinjuku Beach in Beppu, visitors can roast in hot sand baths by being literally buried in the sand. Reaching temperatures up to 50°C, bathers slowly steam themselves in the sand. Volcanoes in the region gave us these unusual thermal cures which are called sunamushi. Kagoshima University Faculty of Medicine investigated this and found that the baths improve blood circulation, encourage the expulsion of body waste and reduce inflammatory substances in the body. Sounds good but it does take time and care to remove all the particles of sand from all your orifices afterwards. Make sure to take a bath, after your bath. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)