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With its ocean-facing rooms, welcoming atmosphere, and close proximity to Miyanoura Port, Seaside Hotel Yakushima makes settling into island life both relaxing and effortless.
Why Stay Overnight on Yakushima
Yakushima (屋久島) is one of Japan’s most magical islands, but it takes time and effort to reach. Between ancient cedar forests, rushing waterfalls, and wild coastlines, a single day is rarely enough. We quickly learned that staying overnight is the only way to truly enjoy the island’s beauty without rushing from site to site.
Staying at Seaside Hotel Yakushima
We picked Seaside Hotel Yakushima because of its location near Miyanoura Port. It’s one of the larger hotels on the island, which makes booking easier compared to smaller inns or remote guesthouses.
What We Liked
- Ocean Views: Most rooms face the sea, and watching the sunset from our window was a highlight.
- Clean and Comfortable: The decor is dated, but the rooms were spotless and practical. Options include tatami-style rooms and Western beds.
- Convenient Location: Miyanoura has supermarkets, car rentals, and restaurants within walking distance. It’s a helpful base if you’re traveling with kids.
- Friendly Staff: The hospitality felt genuine, and the staff went out of their way to help us.
Dining at the Hotel
Dinner was served in the dining hall. While it was fine, the flavors weren’t especially memorable. We’d recommend venturing into town if you want to try local izakaya dishes.
Breakfast was buffet-style and included with our stay. Most offerings leaned toward Japanese standards like grilled fish, miso soup, and pickles. There were a few Western items, but families with picky eaters may have to supplement from nearby shops.
How to Get to Seaside Hotel Yakushima
From Miyanoura Port (宮之浦港)
The drive is a short 3 minutes. Exit Miyanoura Port and turn left onto Route 77. Follow the road along the waterfront. The hotel will be on your right.
From Yakushima Airport (屋久島空港)
The drive takes about 25 minutes. Exit the airport and turn right onto Route 77. Follow Route 77 north along the coast through the towns of Anbo and Koseda. When you arrive in the Miyanoura area, the hotel will be on your right.
Is Seaside Hotel Yakushima Worth Staying At?
It is not a luxury stay, but it has everything you need: clean rooms, ocean views, a convenient location, and kind service. For families or first-time visitors who want an easy and reliable base, it’s a great choice.
If you prefer a more mountain- or ryokan-style experience, you may want to look inland, but for a comfortable and practical seaside stay, this hotel worked perfectly for us.
More to Explore Nearby
A stay at the Seaside Hotel provides a beautiful coastal starting point for exploring Yakushima’s unique World Heritage nature, ancient forests, and dramatic coastal scenery.
- Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge – Hike through this ancient, moss-covered cedar forest that famously served as the inspiration for the Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.
- Jomon Sugi Trail – Undertake the challenging but rewarding journey to see Jomon Sugi, the island’s largest and oldest cedar tree, estimated to be up to 7,200 years old.
- Ohko-no-Taki Waterfall – Visit this magnificent waterfall, recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, which dramatically cascades into the sea.
- Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen – Experience this unique seaside hot spring that is accessible only at low tide, offering an unforgettable view of the ocean.
