Hirauchi Hot Spot

The garden is several times bigger than the house, and the sunset from there is something you really have to see. I stayed at Hot Spot in Hirauchi for two months. It was spotless, with a fully equipped kitchen and such a comfortable futon that I slept ten hours a day. The place costs only a little more than two people sharing a youth hostel, but there's much more room. I've stayed in five other Airbnb homes, two hotels, and a youth hostel in Yakushima over the past two years. Mike and Keiko's place was the most practical and best value of them all, even though there are fancier homes on the island. Their advice was great, from food, hikes, and onsens to tips for someone hoping to settle on Yakushima. The outdoor onsen is less than a 10-minute walk away. Soaking in the hot water while looking at the stars is a must.

The quiet, secluded setting on Yakushima's south coast was a big part of what made our stay so special. We could look up and see the stars at night, and the west side's beautiful spots were about a 30-minute drive away, with Anbo roughly the same distance to the east. Mike & Keiko were incredibly accommodating, even though they were away while we stayed. We came earlier in the year and this was easily one of the best places we've stayed. Our time on Yakushima felt magical, and we'd love to come back someday and stay in this lovely spot again.

A fantastic place to stay on a trip to Yakushima. I'd definitely recommend it.

The sand bath experience was a highlight, especially the cold pack they give you. It felt fantastic. You go from the main bath to the open-air bath, then into a large covered area where a male staff member shovels sand over you. The hotel itself is old, though the staff are friendly and kind. The pool is small. Dinner was reasonably tasty, with rice, miso soup, and drinks for you to serve yourself while the other dishes are brought to the table. Breakfast is a delicious buffet.