Dominated by a primaeval rainforest and mountains reaching as high as 2,000 m (6561.68 ft) in elevation, Yakushima Island is a place that seems like a pristine utopia. The island is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extensive flora and fauna, including the unique and ancient cedar trees. Most settlements, including those in Miyanoura and Anbo, are located along the coast. Both places also feature ports from which regular ferries connect to the city of Kagoshima in Kyushu. When on the island, you can hike to plenty of picture-perfect spots, such as Ohko Waterfall and Shiratani Unsui Gorge. To immerse yourself in the area’s history and culture, stop by the charming Yakusugi Museum.
The island is also one of the best places for a Japanese-style minshuku stay in Japan. For a unique and traditional experience, keep reading and discover the top minshuku stays in Yakushima Island, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 03, 2024.
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1. Traditional accommodations close to beach and river; Nagata (from USD 60)
Delicious homemade meals featuring fresh, organic ingredients, and a warm coffee shop with excellent breakfast and delicate, high-quality dinner options.
Reasonable pricing for a unique traditional experience in a rural village.
Located in a quiet rural village near Inakahama Beach and Yoggo Valley, offering a peaceful and authentic Japanese experience.
Charming wooden house with traditional Japanese bath, studio/lounge for yoga, and eco-friendly features like dry toilets.
Walking distance from the beach and the riverside and offering views of the mountains, this minshuku offers a stunning setting.
In the traditional tatami rooms, you can find a studio where you can practise yoga and meditation. The bathrooms feature goemonburo baths, traditional bathtubs in which water is boiled with firewood. During your stay, you can cook on the charcoal fire and satiate your hunger in the self-catering space overlooking the garden. If you are not in the mood to cook, you can check out the on-site café, which also serves gluten-free options.
2. Traditional rooms in a well-maintained property; Miyanoura (from USD 123)
Deliciously cooked local food, including amazing Japanese breakfasts and dinners.
Reasonable pricing with optional packed lunches for hiking at 600 yen.
Conveniently located near local markets, town center, and major hiking spots accessible by bus.
Traditional tatami mat rooms, onsen-style shared bath, walking shoes and snorkeling gear for rent.
This well-maintained property features air-conditioned standard and superior traditional rooms with futon beds. Solo female travellers can also book a bed in the 4-bed female dormitory.
To keep yourself refreshed, you can take a bath in the communal stone tub. For a hassle-free stay, it offers daily housekeeping and surcharged laundry. For an easy commute, it also offers free airport transfers upon prior booking and free shuttles to nearby bus stops. To make the most of your surroundings, you can rent hiking supplies on the premises.
Minshuku Yakushima
Address: Kumage District, Miyanoura 2450-86
3. Minshuku stay with in-room TVs; Miyanoura (from USD 100)
With twin rooms, quadruple rooms and five-person family rooms, this minshuku stay is ideal for different-sized groups. All rooms feature a tatami area along with heating and air conditioning for comfort. To keep yourself occupied, you can watch your favourite channels on the in-room TV.
During your stay, you can start your day with an Asian breakfast. For refreshments, take out a drink from the vending machine. The bicycles provided by the property will come in handy if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
4. Minshuku apartment with well-equipped kitchen; Anbo (from USD 41)
With wooden walls, tatami floors and futon bedding, this property offers a traditional stay in a charming setting.
The property features a six-bed apartment ideal for families and large groups. The apartment also boasts a well-appointed kitchen that will allow you to fix a meal at any time. To make your stay convenient, a washing machine is also available.
For an additional charge, you can rent a bicycle and go for refreshing rides. For the convenience of those bringing personal vehicles, free on-site parking is available.
5. Minshuku cottages surrounded by nature; Miyanoura (from USD 128)
No meals available, but guests can use kitchenettes and enjoy local restaurants within walking distance.
Reasonable pricing for spacious cottages with private baths.
Conveniently located near bus stops and Miyanoura harbor, nestled in nature by a river.
Wooden cabins with kitchenettes, private cedar bathhouses, and free laundry facilities.
For your next getaway, book this minshuku surrounded by lush greenery and reconnect with nature.
The property features wooden cottages with tatami floors and sizable windows overlooking the foliage. All cottages are equipped with a microwave and a fridge, allowing you to store and reheat snacks. For a more traditional experience, you can take a bath in the traditional goemonburo bathtubs. For an additional charge, you can gather and take advantage of the barbecue facilities for memorable mealtimes.
For added convenience, laundry facilities are also available.
6. Tatami rooms with communal kitchen; Miyanoura (from USD 74)
Only 1.3 km (0.81 mi) from the port in Miyanoura, this minshuku is perfect for those taking a ferry to the island. The property is also ideal for those who want to have a traditional stay in an accessible city instead of in a remote spot.
Guests staying in the traditional tatami rooms can cater for themselves in the well-equipped communal kitchen. With a prior reservation, guests can also use the rooftop barbecue for a group gathering. For convenience, washing machine usage is free, but usage of clothes dryer and shoe dryer is subject to an additional charge.
7. Traditional property with garden and terrace; Koseda (from USD 92)
Surrounded by woods, this minshuku is an ideal retreat to learn about Japanese culture.
The property features both tatami rooms and modern Western-style rooms, allowing guests to choose their experience. Thanks to the traditional wooden interiors, guests can enjoy the soothing scent of wood during their stay. The property also includes access to the garden and the terrace, making for a scenic and refreshing stay. Select rooms come with a private bathroom allowing privacy throughout the stay. Family rooms and daily housekeeping are also available making the property well suited for families.
8. Property with minshuku and dorm rooms; Miyanoura (from USD 45)
With Japanese-style sliding doors, tatami flooring and five futon beds in one of the rooms, this property allows you to have a traditional stay. Apart from the minshuku, the property also has male and female dormitory rooms, allowing solo backpackers to have a budget-friendly stay.
The property boasts a shared kitchen, allowing guests to fix meals for themselves. During their stay, guests also have to share the bathroom and shower facilities.
For the convenience of overseas travellers, the property includes English-speaking staff as well.
Sudomari Minshuku Friend
Address: Yakushima-chō, Miyanoura 186-2
9. Riverside ryokan with in-room kitchenettes; Isso (from USD 57)
With Minato River on one side and lush hills on the other, this guesthouse allows you to have a traditional experience. You can also find Isso Beach within 1 km (0.62 mi), making the setting even more stunning.
The property features wide-open tatami rooms and charming interiors made of lustrous wood. The air-conditioned rooms boast well-equipped kitchens, allowing you to cater for yourself. However, they don’t come with an attached bathroom. You can find common independent bathrooms and shower facilities in the common areas.
10. Minshuku with Wi-Fi and desk; Miyanoura (from USD 34)
During your stay at this minshuku, spend your time practising yoga and meditating in the tatami rooms. The property boasts a well-appointed kitchen where you can make any recipe of your choice. You can also find Wi-Fi and a desk, allowing you to have a workcation in a traditional setting.
From the comfort of your room, you can enjoy mountain views that make for a charming stay. For outdoor adventure, you can go hiking or hire a bicycle on-site for a scenic ride.
Have a traditional experience in magical Yakushima Island
A traditional minshuku stay on Yakushima Island will help you learn about and experience authentic Japanese culture. By staying on an island as lush as Yakushima, you can also learn about the importance that lush greenery and nature hold in Japanese culture. To have this unique experience, review this list and book one of the above-listed minshukus.
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