10 popular hotels and guest houses on Yakushima where you can spend a comfortable time

If you're having trouble choosing a hotel on Yakushima

Many people traveling to Yakushima for the first time probably wonder, “What kinds of hotels are there?” or “Which area should I stay in?”

Yakushima is a large island, and the ease of getting around for sightseeing and hiking varies greatly depending on where you stay.

In this article, we’ll introduce 10 popular hotels and guesthouses on YakushimaBy AreaWe'll introduce these options and explain how to choose accommodations that suit your needs.

If you're thinking about a trip to Yakushima, please use this as a guide when choosing a place to stay.

Yakushima Island
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What is Yakushima in the first place?

Although Yakushima is sometimes mistaken for Okinawa Prefecture, it is actually a remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture, located about 60 km south of Cape Sata—the southernmost point of the Kyushu mainland—out in the ocean.

Designated as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1993, the island attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad who come to see the “Jomon Sugi,” a cedar tree estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old (with various theories).

The abundant rainfall throughout the year and the vast, moss-covered, deep forests are sights unique to Yakushima.

 

How to get to Yakushima

To get to Yakushima, the usual route is to first travel to the mainland of Kagoshima Prefecture and then take a ferry from there to the island.

There are three modes of transportation: airplanes, which can shorten travel time; high-speed boats, which offer a good balance between time and cost; and ferries, which allow you to enjoy a leisurely voyage.

Since each one arrives at a different destination (airport, Miyanoura Port, or Awa Port),Decide on the area for your lodging based on your arrival locationThis makes traveling much smoother.

 

10 popular hotels and guest houses in Yakushima

Below, we’ll introduce our top 10 picks for popular hotels and guesthouses on Yakushima, organized by area.

First, take a look at the list to get an overview.

 

[Miyanoura] THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA OCEAN & FOREST

This hotel is located on a small hill overlooking the East China Sea, near Miyanoura Port—the gateway to Yakushima.

There are two types of guest rooms—Western-style and Japanese-style—and some rooms offer ocean views.

The hotel features a large public bath where you can relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing or hiking.

For breakfast and dinner, the menu features dishes made with fresh ingredients, including the island’s seafood.

This hotel is a convenient base for guests arriving at Miyanoura Port by ferry or high-speed boat.

 

[Near the Airport] RAKUSA Hotel

From Yakushima AirportAbout a 1-minute walkThis hotel is located in a prime location.

Across the street is a day-trip hot spring, and there are also a large drugstore and a car rental agency within walking distance.

The guest rooms are single and twin rooms in a business hotel style, making them perfect for solo travelers looking to keep costs down.

There are also common areas that guests can use freely, and one of the attractions is the chance to exchange information with other travelers.

Even if a flight is canceled, you can head to the airport first thing the next morning, so you can rest easy even during times when the weather is a concern.

 

[Near the Airport] Pension Ichigo Isshō

"Ichigo Isshō" is pronounced "ichigo ichie." It is a guesthouse named with the hope that guests will feel as if they have returned to their family home on Yakushima.

It's located about a 5-minute walk from Yakushima Airport, making it a convenient place to stay on the day of arrival or the last day of your trip.

The owner, who is a certified registered dietitian, prepares creative regional dishes using local ingredients.

The interior features a design that exudes the warmth of wood, allowing you to relax and take a breather before and after your hike.

 

[Awa] LA・ISLA・TASSE

This guesthouse features a striking North American-style brick exterior and garden.

Located in the Awa settlement in the eastern part of the island, it offers a convenient location as a base for sightseeing on the island, including the Jomon Sugi hiking trail.

There's also a laundry facility, so you don't have to worry even if your clothes get dirty from hiking in the mountains or playing in the river.

This is recommended for those who want to enjoy Yakushima with a focus on outdoor activities.

 

[Awa] Cottage Relaxation

Since this is a completely private, standalone cottage, it’s the perfect choice for families with young children or groups looking to relax.

Located in the Awa area—a hub for hikes to the Jomon Sugi and visits to Yakusugi Land—and surrounded by many restaurants and souvenir shops, it’s the perfect base for exploring Yakushima.

 

[Mugiu] Cottage: Forest Fairy

This private, all-wood cottage overlooks the ocean and is located about a 10-minute drive from the center of Awa.

All guest rooms feature an open-air bathThere's also a terrace on the property where you can relax while enjoying the ocean view.

On days when it’s hard to find time for sightseeing—such as on the day of your arrival—we recommend relaxing on the terrace while enjoying the breeze of Yakushima.

It's perfect for couples who want to cherish their time together or for a trip with your spouse.

 

[Southeastern Part of the Island] Sankara Hotel & Spa

This resort hotel is located on a lush, elevated hill in the southeastern part of Yakushima, with the mountains behind it and a view of the ocean.

There are several types of guest rooms, including suites and villas, and each one is designed to provide a spacious and comfortable stay.

At the restaurant, you can enjoy authentic French cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from Kyushu.

With a wide range of facilities, including a spa and a pool, this hotel is ideal for those who want to make relaxing at the hotel a key part of their trip, as well as for anniversary getaways.

 

[Ono-mae] Samana Hotel Yakushima (formerly JR Hotel Yakushima)

Located at Tanizaki-hana, the southern tip of Yakushima, this hotel is a rebranded version of the former “JR Hotel Yakushima” and “Hotel Yakushima.”

From the first floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast ocean stretching from the East China Sea to the Pacific OceanLarge Indoor Bath and Open-Air Bath with Natural Hot Spring WaterThere are

It is known for its water with a smooth, velvety texture, and from mid-November through late February, you can sometimes watch the sunset over the ocean.

With Mount Motchom towering in the background, this location offers views of both the mountains and the sea.

 

[Onomae] Yakushima Iwasaki Hotel

This resort hotel is located at the southern tip of Yakushima, within the national park.

In addition to hot springs and open-air baths, the facility features a heated pool, a fitness room, billiards, and a karaoke room, so you can enjoy a fun evening with family and friends.

The spacious grounds also feature a natural waterfall and an orchard, making it a great place to enjoy a stroll.

This is also a great option for those who want to take it easy but feel it’s not enough to just stay cooped up in the hotel all day.

For details on the hot springs and dining, see “Review of a Stay at the Yakushima Iwasaki Hotel"We also introduce it here."

 

[Original] A Walk in the Breeze

This is a small guesthouse with just three guest rooms, located in the Hara settlement, which overlooks Mount Motchom.

Even if you're traveling alone, you can stay in a private room, and the warm hospitality that comes with a small-scale establishment is one of its main attractions.

The interior of the building, which was renovated from a private home, features abundant use of Yakusugi cedar, and the menu focuses on dishes made with natural ingredients.

In the dining hall and lounge, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet other guests and enjoy exchanging travel tips.

Since it’s located in a quiet village away from Miyanoura and Awa, we recommend traveling by rental car.

 

How to choose a hotel in Yakushima

We’ve introduced 10 places, but I imagine some of you might be thinking, “With so many options, it’s hard to choose.”

Here, we’ll introduce some key points to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay on Yakushima.

 

Search by Area

Since Yakushima is such a large island,Choose an area based on your destination and the purpose of your tripThat's what matters most.

Miyanoura Area: This area features the port that serves as the gateway to Yakushima and is home to many restaurants and supermarkets. It’s convenient for visitors arriving by ferry or high-speed boat, as well as those heading to Shiratani Unsuikyo.

Area Around the Airport: Recommended for those arriving by plane. Located halfway between Miyanoura and Anbo, it’s conveniently situated for easy access to both.

Awa Area: Located near the Yakusugi Nature Center, where the shuttle buses to Jomon Sugi depart and arrive, this is the perfect base for trekking. It’s especially convenient for early-morning hikes to Jomon Sugi.

The southern area, including Onomae: This area is known for its natural hot springs and is recommended for those who want to relax at resort hotels or hot spring inns.

 

Search by lodging type for hotels, guest houses, and pensions

If you're traveling alone and want to keep costs down, or if you'd like to interact with locals and other travelers, we recommend staying at a minshuku. You'll have the chance to meet new people, and your trip will be all the more memorable.

If you're traveling with young children, choosing a cottage or guesthouse will allow you to relax without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.

Each hotel has its own unique features, such as dining options, public baths, and pools, so be sure to compare them based on your travel style.

 

Search for lodging where you can rent hiking gear

Trekking is a standard activity on Yakushima.

You'll need proper hiking gear, but if you bring everything with you, you'll end up with a huge load, won't you?

If you want to travel light, we recommend checking whether you can rent hiking gear at your lodging or nearby before choosing where to stay.

 

About Yakushima Hotels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

summary

In this article, we’ve introduced 10 popular hotels and guesthouses on Yakushima, along with tips on how to choose your accommodations.

Since Yakushima is such a large island,Decide on an area based on “where you want to go” and “what you want to do”This makes choosing a place to stay a breeze.

If you're looking to focus on hiking, I recommend Awa; if you want to relax at a hot spring, try Ono-mae; and if ease of travel is your priority, the areas around the airport or Miyanoura are good choices.

Find your favorite place to stay and enjoy Yakushima’s great outdoors to the fullest.

Yakushima Island
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