On 21 November 2010 we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of our Sister City friendship with Ibusuki in Japan. What a rich history of friendship we have shared and enjoyed together over the years!
During their visit to the Rockhampton Region for the Sister Cities Australia National Conference that we hosted in 2010, we enjoyed meeting and getting to know the new Mayor of Ibusuki, Mr Etsuo Toyodome and the new Chairman of Ibusuki Council, Mr Kikuo Matsushita. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the ties of friendship between our regions.
Ibusuki City lies on the Kirishima Volcanic Zone and is famous for its Sunamushi Onsen, natural hot sand baths which attract 3.3 million tourists each year. Hot springs percolate through the sand on the beaches and staff, armed with shovels, can help to bury you in "hot sand."
- Established: Ibusuki was founded on April 1, 1954. On January 1, 2006 it incorporated Kaimon and Yamagawa, two towns formerly belonging to the Ibusuki District.
- Population: Following the incorporation of Kaimon and Yamagawa on January 1, 2006 the City has an estimated population of 47,583 and covers 148.88 km².
- Location: Ibusuki City is located at the southern-most tip of Satsuma Peninsular, at the entrance of Kagoshima Bay on the southern-most point of Kyushu Island, in Japan. Lake Ikeda (the biggest lake on Kyushu Island) is at the centre of Ibusuki City and Mt Kaimon, which is 924m high and is called Satsuma Fuji, oversees the City.
- Climate: A tropical climate that has lots of seasonal flowers throughout the year.
- Industry: Ibusuki City is the centre of tourism in South Kyushu. Every year about 3.3 million tourists visit the hot springs in the International Hot Spring Tourism Recreation City. (Sunamushi is a natural hot sand bath and is very famous for its effect on health and beauty. It has been the biggest resource of the tourist industry.)
- Transport: Ibusuki can be accessed by Routes 226 and 269 and the Ibusuki Skyline Drive. The City also has a railroad station.
- Events: Major events include the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathan in January, the Flower Festival and Mt Kaimon Climb in March, Kyushu Classic Car Festival in April, the Ibusuki Triathlon Race, Aloha Sengen Ceremony and Ibusuki Hula Festival in May. In late May, the Mayor of Ibusuki declares it is time to wear aloha shirts to set the Hawaiian mood. Other events include the Yamagawa Minato Matsuri in June, the Ibusuki Onsen Matsuri, Kaimon Natumatsuri and Baby Sea Turtle Festival in August, Sunamusi Week in October, and the Ibusuki Thanksgiving Festival in December.
Click here to visit the official Ibusuki City website.
PHOTO CAPTION (at right): Mayor of Ibusuki, Mr Etsuo Toyodome and Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council, Cr Brad Carter - during a visit to Ibusuki in 2010.