Yakushima Guesthouse Suginoko

I was nervous about spiders because Yakushima is surrounded by nature, but the staff were understanding and helped me check that there weren't any around. I was really grateful 😊 They were welcoming from the start and went out of their way to suggest swimming beaches and other things to do. I also enjoyed meeting the other guests around the dining table.

The hostess is great, and the central location is convenient. The price is low, so I think it's a good place for the money. I did find the walls thin, and the futon was too thin for my Western back. Breakfast was decent, though you have to like rice grain bread :D.

Yakushima feels like a summer that never ends. I keep thinking about the island and this place, which left a deep mark on my heart. During my four-night stay, the long days and dark, peaceful nights made me feel like I'd traveled back in time. The walls are thin, as I assume is common in traditional Japanese properties, but the other guests were considerate. I got to talk with many interesting people, and that meant a lot.

I stayed at Suginoko again this year, and it helped me slow down and enjoy Yakushima's bohemian feel. I like to think of guests as butterflies resting on a flower while they're here. We're all traveling through time and space, and hiking plans driven by competition or fear of missing out can keep us from meeting the people hosting us. We can get demanding and expect too much. Suginoko helped me change that attitude. Few places still have this kind of spirit. At times it felt like a temple. The rules may seem strict, but temples have rules for a reason, and we should respect them. Suginoko is kawaii! The owner is cool, and the staff are helpful too. I support the business model because it lets people focus on hiking. This isn't a resort, it's a perfect place to rest and get ready for activities in Yakushima. Nestor