Kokuminshukusha Rainbow Sakurajima

The ferry pier is very easy to reach, and the room looks out over the sea. There’s a convenience store and supermarket just a few minutes away on foot, hard to miss. Dinner and breakfast were delicious, with lots of local ingredients, and the staff were helpful. We visited during a hot summer spell; the air conditioning didn’t cool the room very well, but we were still able to rest.

The room was nicer than I expected and had a good volcano view. Some English booking sites say “shared bathroom,” which means there’s no shower in the room and you need to use the bathhouse. The toilet and sink, though, are private to your room. I skipped the meal plan and bought reasonably priced packaged meals at the supermarket across the street. The ferry is an easy walk away, and the tourist bus stops right outside. Getting to other public hot springs on the island can be a bit of a hassle since you have to change buses, and they don’t come often. The ferry to Kagoshima, on the other hand, runs almost constantly. The bathhouse could be cleaner.

The e-bike was in good shape, and the staff were helpful. I booked by phone ahead of time because they only have a limited number available. The assist only works below 20km/h, so it mainly helps on hills. Some of the climbs are still a real workout, and traffic will pass you on the road, so keep that in mind when cycling around the island.

The onsen has separate areas for men and women, and you get lovely sea views through the steamy windows. It’s not fancy or luxurious, but locals clearly use it regularly. We went recently and, as a couple of clueless tourists, felt very welcome thanks to the friendly reception staff. Entry was 390 yen per person, plus 200 yen to hire a towel. A nice way to unwind in the afternoon, highly recommend it.