Samana Hotel Yakushima (formerly Hotel Yakushima)

My friend and I stayed for one night and two days. When we arrived at the front desk to check in, an insect flew toward us and I let out a small scream, but the woman at reception smiled and said, “I’ve lived on Yakushima for a long time, but you never really get used to the insects,” which put me at ease and was very comforting. The lobby was spacious and clean, and the Room was also extremely clean with an amazing ocean view. Meals were buffet-style for both breakfast and dinner; in particular, the Margherita pizza and mushroom risotto made to order by the chef were delicious. The bath also had a luxurious ocean view, and the silky-smooth water soaked into my body after all the trekking. This time we stayed only one night, but I’d love to come back and stay a bit longer next time.

I returned for a second stay after last year. At check-in, I was welcomed with a warm smile and the words, “Welcome back.”This is a Hotel that makes me want to come again next year.The meals are truly delicious, featuring local Yakushima ingredients as well as specialties from across Kyushu.*Note (Report): This is not directly related to the Hotel staff, but around sunset a yoga instructor was teaching on the terrace. I believe they were privately hired by a guest (they were also exchanging payment on the terrace). Hearing loud instructions like “Inhale and exhale” on that 360° terrace at sunset was a bit disappointing... I hope I won’t run into this situation next time. (This is not a complaint about the Hotel staff—just for your information.)