Spring 2026: Full Renovation of the Villa Suites and Junior Suites
A paradise auberge: sankara hotel&spa Yakushima. Selected for One MICHELIN Key in 2024, 2025, and 2026. “SANKARA” means “a blessing from heaven” in Sanskrit—here you will find every kind of blessing: nature’s gifts, culinary delights, and beautifully designed living spaces. In a breathtakingly beautiful and mystical setting shaped by Yakushima’s nature over countless ages, enjoy exceptional French cuisine at our restaurant and stay in one of our 29 refined suite- and villa-style rooms. We look forward to welcoming guests from Japan and around the world for a truly relaxing and unforgettable stay.
This was a trip with my daughter. Even before our trip, you were so considerate in many ways, which allowed us to travel around Yakushima with peace of mind. No matter how many times I stay, it feels fresh every time, and I’m often deeply moved—this is that kind of Hotel. Facilities and equipment can be improved through renovations, but hospitality and service can’t be achieved overnight. Each time I stay at sankara hotel, I truly feel the staff’s mindset and daily dedication. The meals are always extremely satisfying—beautifully presented dishes centered on local vegetables, fish, and meat that delight the eyes as well as the palate. I want to return to Yakushima again because I want to hear all the staff say “Welcome back.”
We stayed for 3 nights, but it still wasn’t nearly enough. Yakushima is often thought of as “all about trekking,” but you can absolutely enjoy it even with a long, relaxed stay at the Accommodation. For example, a guest from Eastern Europe was lounging by the pool from the morning—honestly, the atmosphere feels just like Southeast Asia (Bali in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand, Langkawi in Malaysia, etc.), so if you love that vibe, this place is irresistible.On top of that, in the Junior Suite you can enjoy an Onsen right in your in-room bath! The bath is spacious and even has an ocean view—and the water quality is excellent.Also, as mentioned in someone else’s Review (maybe a blog), we were never once asked to confirm our name or Room number. Many of the staff were young, but everyone served us with genuine warmth and a real desire to make guests happy and help them enjoy their stay. We had dinner at “Orchard” all three nights; each meal was varied and we never got bored. The younger staff really shined here too and made it a lot of fun.This time, due to the recent typhoon, trekking at major spots was canceled. However, thanks to alternative options suggested by the trekking company arranged for us, we were able to get a great overall sense of Yakushima—including driving around the entire island—which ended up being perfect for us as first-time visitors. The spa and sauna were excellent as well. By making good use of hourly rental cars, we’d like to consider a longer stay next time (it almost makes you think there’s no need to go abroad just to unwind). Thank you very much for everything.
| IN | 15:00～20:00 |
|---|---|
| OUT | 12:00 |
| Number of rooms | 29 rooms |
| Pet | Not allowed |
| Your child | Not allowed |
| We kindly ask that guests under 13 years old refrain from staying at this Accommodation. |
Tuesday, January 12, 2027 – Thursday, February 18, 2027
During the above period, the entire property will be closed due to legally required inspections, Facility maintenance, and renovation work in the restaurant and lounge.
Reservations and inquiries will still be accepted during the closure during the hours below.
Hours: 9:00–18:00
TEL: 0800-800-6007
FAX: 0997-47-3489
E-mail: reservation@sankarahotel-spa.com
Renovations of the Villa Suite and Junior Suite are now complete.
sankara hotel & spa Yakushima has completed a full renovation and renewal of the Sankara Villa Suite (1 room) and Sankara Junior Suite (3 rooms), and began welcoming guests from the end of April 2026. To help you fully immerse yourself in Yakushima’s nature from within your room, we have incorporated distinctive local features throughout, including an ocean-view private sauna, an Onsen reclining bath, and a Yakusugi cedar monument. The Sankara Villa Suite and Sankara Junior Suite have each been redesigned to suit their individual character, creating spaces where you can experience Yakushima’s nature with all five senses. Our aim is for the time you spend in your room to become an integral part of your Yakushima journey.
■sankara villa suite Sankara Villa Suite
Our luxury-class suite, second only to the Sankara Suite, has been reborn as a stay featuring a private ocean-view sauna. In the bathroom—opened up to the ceiling and framed by wide windows that let in light and sea breezes—we have added a new outdoor bath available 24 hours a day. Move leisurely between the sauna and the tub, and enjoy quiet moments to restore body and mind in Yakushima’s air. We have also expanded from one bedroom to two and added a trundle bed, increasing maximum occupancy from 3 guests to up to 6. This is one of Yakushima’s few spacious suites, ideal for families or multi-generational group trips. Inside the room, a Yakusugi cedar monument adds depth and character inspired by the island’s sense of time.
We have newly added a private ocean-view sauna and outdoor bath, as well as an outdoor bath available 24 hours a day. Enjoy a quiet moment to restore body and mind in Yakushima’s fresh air as you leisurely alternate between the sauna and the bathtub.
■ Sankara Junior Suite
A popular entry-level suite, the Sankara Junior Suite has been upgraded with an expanded bathroom and a newly installed wide “bed-style” soaking tub—large enough for one person to lie down and deep and spacious enough for two to relax together. Filled with transported “Yakushima Onsen” water, it is an Anytime Bath that lets you enjoy Onsen 24 hours a day. Yakushima Onsen has its own source spring on the grounds of our sister Hotel, “samana hotel Yakushima.” With its smooth, alkaline water, it was ranked 3rd (Kyushu & Okinawa area) in 2024 and 5th (Kyushu & Okinawa area) in 2025 in the “Onsen General Election” Beautiful Skin category. In addition, an extra bed can be added to accommodate up to three guests. From the room, you can enjoy sunrise views over the ocean throughout the year. Elements unique to Yakushima—such as Yakushima Onsen and a Yakusugi cedar monument—are thoughtfully placed throughout the room to create a sense of calm.
We have newly installed a wide, deep soaking tub designed for two guests to relax comfortably. It features transported “Yakushima Onsen” water and is available 24 hours a day as an anytime bath. Yakushima Onsen has its source on the grounds of our sister Hotel, “samana hotel Yakushima,” and is known for its smooth, alkaline waters. In the “Onsen General Election” (Hot Spring Election), it was ranked 3rd in the Kyushu & Okinawa area in 2024 and 5th in the Kyushu & Okinawa area in 2025 in the Beautiful Skin category.
Sankara stands in the timeless forest of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, where mountains and sea meet and life flows in an endless cycle. To be deeply connected with the island’s culture and people, and to live alongside nature. May this place remain happy—always, forever. Mountains and sea, wind and forest, sunshine and rain. People and nature, stillness and motion, light and shadow. Now and always to come. All of it is here to enrich your life. What we offer is a personalized stay tailored to you— for time that truly fulfills you on Yakushima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. A comfortable space embraced by deep forest. Yakushima-inspired dining that adapts even to your mood and how you wish to spend the day. Healing moments where the island’s energy resonates with you—earth, wind, and forest flowing through mind and body. A full range of activities to enjoy Yakushima as it is that day. Simply being here before you know it leaves you filled with nature. A one-of-a-kind Sankara time—to help you return to yourself.
Our hospitality is found in even the smallest, casual words.
To make your time away truly fulfilling, sankara hotel & spa Yakushima values meaningful communication with each guest even before arrival. We ask in advance by email or phone about the purpose of your stay, your wishes and preferences, your age, and the makeup of your party— and then offer the best possible suggestions tailored to you. Rather than simply filling an itinerary, we consider what kind of time will feel most comfortable for you right now, and propose a stay designed around you— this is sankara hotel & spa Yakushima’s “Personal Stay.”
A soothing Hotel where you can fully enjoy Yakushima’s nature and natural Onsen, with a pleasant southern breeze. The Hotel’s signature “Yakushima Onsen” has a luxuriously silky texture, making it feel like soaking in a beauty serum bath. Close your eyes and savor the refreshing southern breeze and the gentle sound of pure hot spring water for a truly indulgent moment.
An auberge themed around “the senses” and “the vitality of life” Nestled in Sakurai, Nara—known as the birthplace of Japanese culture—Auberge de Senvie is a secluded Accommodation with just nine rooms, embraced by nature. Savor French cuisine crafted with sincere care for local ingredients through all five senses, and enjoy a moment filled with fine dining and relaxation that makes you forget the passage of time.
Tuesday, January 12, 2027 – Thursday, February 18, 2027
During the above period, the entire property will be closed due to legally required inspections, Facility maintenance, and renovation work in the restaurant and lounge.
Reservations and inquiries will still be accepted during the closure during the hours below.
Hours: 9:00–18:00
TEL: 0800-800-6007
FAX: 0997-47-3489
E-mail: reservation@sankarahotel-spa.com
Tuesday, January 12, 2027 – Wednesday, March 31, 2027
During the above period, renovation work will be carried out on the Sankara Suite.
From the reopening on Friday, February 19, 2027 onward, all room types except the Sankara Suite will be available.
Please note that during daytime hours (9:30–18:00) throughout the construction period, construction vehicles and workers may access certain areas.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will proceed with the utmost consideration for guest safety.
*Please note that the completion date is subject to change.
After the renovation, we will strive to provide an even more comfortable and refined stay. Thank you for your continued patronage.
| Card information | VISA / MASTER / JCB / AMEX / DINERS / UnionPay / Debit card |
|---|---|
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Breakfast | Buffet at the restaurant “ayana” *May be served as a set menu on certain days.* |
| Your child | You cannot stay. We kindly ask that guests under 13 years old refrain from staying at this Accommodation. |
| Room service | Available for use 10:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Common amenities |
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| Facilities and Features |
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| Outdoor pool |
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| Esthetic Massage | Available A spa that blends Yakushima’s natural ingredients with traditional Ayurvedic techniques to restore beauty and balance in both body and mind. Through attentive consultation, we assess your physical and emotional balance and provide treatments that enhance circulation, helping you feel radiant from within. Embrace Yakushima’s energy and enjoy a luxurious, tranquil experience that brings harmony to your body and mind in serene silence.
https://www.sankarahotel-spa.com/mg/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/spa_260309_jp-1.pdf |
| Fitness gym |
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| Sauna | Available |
| Hot stone spa | None |
| Others | For trekking activities such as hiking to Jomon Sugi, we recommend booking a guide in advance. If you would like us to arrange one, please contact us. |
*Reviews that have been translated from Japanese.*
*Showing only reviews from 一休.com (Japanese) and Yahoo!トラベル.*
[By Air]
- Haneda Airport → Yakushima Airport via Kagoshima Airport or Itami Airport
- Itami Airport → Yakushima Airport (direct flight): 1 hour 30 minutes
- Kagoshima Airport → Yakushima Airport: 30 minutes
*Yakushima Airport → Hotel: approx. 40 minutes by car.
With a Reservation made at least 3 days prior to arrival, we provide a free Shuttle Service timed to your flight.
[By High-Speed Ferry]
- Kagoshima Port → Anbo Port: approx. 2 hours 25 minutes
*Anbo Port → Hotel: approx. 25 minutes by car.
With a Reservation made at least 3 days prior to arrival, we provide a free Shuttle Service timed to your ferry.
- Kagoshima Port → Miyanoura Port: 2 hours 5 minutes or 2 hours 20 minutes
No free Shuttle Service is available from Miyanoura Port to the Hotel (approx. 50 minutes one way).
Check-in 15:00～20:00 Check-out 12:00
There are the following facilities and features. Sauna・Outdoor pool・Spa facility・Fitness・Free shuttle service・Room service
[By Air] - Haneda Airport → Yakushima Airport via Kagoshima Airport or Itami Airport - Itami Airport → Yakushima Airport (direct flight): 1 hour 30 minutes - Kagoshima Airport → Yakushima Airport: 30 minutes *Yakushima Airport → Hotel: approx. 40 minutes by car. With a Reservation made at least 3 days prior to arrival, we provide a free Shuttle Service timed to your flight. [By High-Speed Ferry] - Kagoshima Port → Anbo Port: approx. 2 hours 25 minutes *Anbo Port → Hotel: approx. 25 minutes by car. With a Reservation made at least 3 days prior to arrival, we provide a free Shuttle Service timed to your ferry. - Kagoshima Port → Miyanoura Port: 2 hours 5 minutes or 2 hours 20 minutes No free Shuttle Service is available from Miyanoura Port to the Hotel (approx. 50 minutes one way).
・Fee： Free for guests ・Parking space： Length --- Vehicle width --- Vehicle height --- ・Number of parking spaces： 29 cars ・Valet Service： Available (free)
Connection is possible. ・Wi-Fi is available. ・Wired connection is available. For more details, please refer to the room and plan information.
Yes, there is.
Yes, there is. A spa that blends Yakushima’s natural ingredients with traditional Ayurvedic techniques to restore beauty and balance in both body and mind. Through attentive consultation, we assess your physical and emotional balance and provide treatments that enhance circulation, helping you feel radiant from within. Embrace Yakushima’s energy and enjoy a luxurious, tranquil experience that brings harmony to your body and mind in serene silence. https://www.sankarahotel-spa.com/mg/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/spa_260309_jp-1.pdf
・Business Hours: 00:00～24:00 ・Usage fee（Guest）: Free Free rental of shoes and clothing available.
