Welcome to the Sand Festival in Minamisatsuma!
Where Art Meets Imagination
The Fukiagehama Sand Festival is one of Japan’s largest sand art events,
held in the scenic coastal city of Minamisatsuma in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Since its launch in 1987, the festival has become a beloved annual tradition
that transforms the city’s central areas into a magical world of sand.
In 2025, the event will feature large-scale sand sculptures inspired by fairy tales,
hands-on activities, food stalls, and much more—perfect for families and travelers of all ages.
2025 Event Information
| Dates | May 3 (Sat) – May 5 (Mon), 2025 *held rain or shine |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM *Hours may vary depending on each event |
| Venue | Central Minamisatsuma City (Shiyakusho Area, Honmachi Area, Fumoto Area) |
| Admission | Free |
Event Areas
The Fukiagehama Sand Festival takes place in three areas of Minamisatsuma City.
Each area is within a 5–10 minute walk.
You can enjoy the scenery and flavors as you stroll through the sand in the city.
City Hall Area
In front of Minamisatsuma City Hall, towering sand sculptures up to 5m tall line the plaza! Enjoy dazzling light-ups at night and exciting stage performances too.
Honmachi Area
The street becomes a festive pedestrian-only zone, lined with food stalls and kitchen cars! Enjoy fun activities for kids, hands-on workshops, and energetic street performances.
Fumoto Area
Stroll through a Japanese Heritage area with historic gates, stone walls, and canals. Discover cultural exhibits, tea experiences, and kimono try-ons at samurai residences.
Fun Tickets are Available On-Site!
At the 2025 Fukiagehama Sand Festival, some experience-based events require a paid “Fun Ticket.”
Tickets are available for purchase (cash only) at the information desks in each event area on the day of the festival.
Ticket prices
- Single ticket: 100 yen
- Set of 6 tickets: 500 yen
*Click here for the number of tickets required for each event.
Ticketed Events (As of April 21)
- 【All areas】
Machinaka Stamp Rally - 【City Hall area】
Fun Bicycles
Balloon Art
Sand Sculpture Experience
Original Tote Bag Making
Mini Sand Bottle Craft
Kujira Bus Tour - 【Fumoto Area】
Yo-yo Fishing, Cutout Games
Lantern Making
Ring Toss
Samurai Armor and Helmet Try-on
Princess Kimono Try-on
Rickshaw Ride
Access Information
Arriving by Car
Using a Car Navigation System or Map App
For car navigation or map apps, search using the venue name or address below.
Address 【Main Venue】
Minamisatsuma City Hall
2648 Kawabata, Kaseda, Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima 897-8501
Estimated Travel Time
- From Kagoshima-Chuo Station: approx. 60 minutes
- From Kagoshima Airport: approx. 70 minutes
- From Taniyama IC (Ibusuki Skyline): approx. 40 minutes
Parking
Free parking (approx. 1,400 spaces) is available near the venue. Please follow staff guidance upon arrival.
Arriving by Bus
To Minamisatsuma City Hall, there are bus routes from Kagoshima City, Hioki City, Minamikyushu City, and Makurazaki City.
For details, please check "Route Bus". *Link to external site (Minamisatsuma City).
Estimated Travel Time
From Kagoshima city
- Kagoshima Chuo Station ⇔ Kaseda Bus Station
approx. 60 minutes
From Hioki city
- Ijyuin ⇔ Kaseda Bus Station
approx. 60 minutes
From Minamikyusyu city
- Chiran ⇔ Kaseda Bus Station
approx. 41 minutes
From Makurazaki city
- Makurazaki ⇔ Kaseda Bus Station
approx. 42 minutes
Nearest stop
The nearest bus stop is the "Kaseda" bus stop (last stop) inside the "Kaseda Bus Station" .
All venues are within walking distance.
Arriving by Air, Shinkansen or Train
We provide access information, including the nearest stations and estimated travel times, for those arriving by airplane, Shinkansen, or train.
For Visitors Arriving by Air
There is no direct JR rail connection from Kagoshima Airport. However, you can access the area by transferring between public transportation services.
Access Route:
- Kagoshima Airport → Kagoshima-Chuo Station (via express bus: approx. 40 minutes)
- Kagoshima-Chuo Station → Kaseda Bus Stop (in Minamisatsuma City) via regular local bus (approx. 90 minutes)
For Visitors Arriving by Kyushu Shinkansen or Train
If you are using the Kyushu Shinkansen, the nearest station is Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
From the East Exit Bus Terminal at Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take a regular local bus bound for Minamisatsuma City.
Access Route:
- Kagoshima-Chuo Station → Kaseda Bus Stop (in Minamisatsuma City) via regular local bus (approx. 90 minutes)
Festival FAQ & Etiquette
Enjoy with Good Manners!
Here are some helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions
to help you enjoy the festival smoothly and respectfully.
Yes, photography is allowed—and even encouraged!
However, please do not touch the sculptures, and be considerate of others when taking photos.
For safety and privacy reasons, drone use is strictly prohibited anywhere within the venue.
No. These sculptures are fragile works of art carefully crafted by skilled artists.
Please enjoy them with your eyes and your camera—hands off, please!
Please use only the designated free parking lots around the venue.
Do not park in front of houses or private properties. Staff will be available to guide you to appropriate parking areas.
Your cooperation is appreciated to avoid disturbing local residents.
Yes, restrooms are available in each festival area.
If there is a line, please wait patiently.
For more information, feel free to ask the local staff or visit the information booth in each area.
We kindly ask you to use designated areas for eating, resting, or disposing of trash.
Please refrain from sitting or gathering in front of homes or businesses.
Let’s enjoy the festival while showing respect to the neighborhood.
Smoking is only permitted in clearly marked designated smoking areas.
Please do not smoke while walking or in public gathering spaces.
This includes heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
Yes. Baby care facilities, including diaper changing tables and nursing spaces, are available at select areas of the venue.
Please check with the information booth on the day of your visit for exact locations.
Unfortunately, coin lockers and luggage storage services are not available at the venue.
We kindly ask visitors to bring only what they can easily carry during the festival.
As the festival takes place in residential areas, please avoid loud noise, music, or gatherings at night.
We kindly ask all visitors to help maintain a peaceful environment for the local community.
Where to Stay in Minamisatsuma
Why not make your visit even more special by staying overnight in Minamisatsuma?
While day trips are possible, staying locally lets you enjoy the festival at a relaxed pace and explore the area's food, nature, and hospitality.
Minamisatsuma offers a variety of accommodations—from traditional inns with delicious local cuisine, to business hotels, cozy guesthouses, and even campgrounds.
Whether you're visiting with family or friends, you'll find a perfect spot to relax after a day of fun.