Reviews of Yakushima Minsyuku Suginoko

I was very happy with the staff because they were extremely helpful and accommodating.

The Suginoko Inn was one of the best places I stayed in Japan. The famed island of Yakushima is a sacred, special place full of a dazzling variety of sights and activities. The inn’s location on Yakushima is excellent. It’s close to a bus stop and not far from the Anbo city center. The overall variety and number of stores is limited, but you have access to a grocery store, bike rentals, and neighborhood restaurants. I found the sparsity to be a refreshing change from the overwhelming hyper convenience of the rest of Japan. Look closely on Google Maps and you’ll find that Yakushima has everything you need. Close by is the amazing road to Yakusugi Land and the related long distance trails in that area - probably the highlight of the touristy areas on the island. It’s not far to return to Miyanoura and the road to Shiratani Unsui Gorge. Keep exploring and you will find hidden beaches, waterfalls, wild animals, soaring mountains and more. Ayumi and the staff at Suginoko were amazingly kind and helpful. A lot of helpful information was given by Amika-Chan when I arrived. The facilities were excellent, with private bathroom, air conditioning, desk and a wonderful view. The bathroom and bed were clean and spotless. There were extra towels and bathroom appliances to borrow. There is a shared fridge and microwave, and even a washing machine. Everything you need is here. On top of all this, there is free breakfast, and it’s full service — a nice surprise. The traditional Japanese breakfast was served in such a loving, intimate way, like in a family gathering. I still have strong memories of it. I’m not sure any other moment from my trip to Japan can top it. Thank you, Ayumi and Amika. I have just returned from a trip to Jeju island in Korea, and it’s sad to say, but it only made me wish I could be back on Yakushima. There truly is something special about that island. I hope I can return to Suginoko one day.

As others have mentioned you cannot use the kitchen to cook food. I don’t think this is much of a downside, though.

The people

The door was broken

The staff is friendly beyond expectations, sweet and caring. They prepare on request delicious bento boxes on a bamboo leaf, they’re flexible, supportive and go out of their way to make sure you’re enjoying. The room is comfortable with a very nice bed and private toilet. The place is located near Ambo, really close to a bus stop. I’d come back any time and recommend it fully!

Nothing I can think of.

Haruka and the staff were really friendly and helpful, eg recommending restaurants and how to get to them, and clarifying bus stop locations, and trying to help meet my food allergy needs eg by looking into breakfast and bento options.

The bed was uncomfortable - I could actually feel the metal springs! And only instant coffee at breakfast, with no milk or sugar on offer.

the staff

the room size is very small for two people, no room for our luggages. the common dining area was fully reserved by other guests for all the nights we stayed, that we need to dine in our tiny little room on the floor which was not very pleasant.

Last minute booking as we were stuck due to bad weather cancelling all forms of travel off the island so the small, simple room meant we were safe for the night. Staff were friendly and as helpful as they could be.

Arrived 35 minutes before check in and were allowed to drop our bags in the readied room but couldn't "check in". Asked if we could wait in the common area until check in; couldn't. Gale force winds and torrential rain as we waited in the car. Property rules, I guess. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I will definitely stay here again. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. There's just a bright atmosphere. It's important to understand that this is not a luxury hotel. If you can accept that it's a place for hikers and travelers to feel comfortable, you'll be fine. For example, there are lots of signs in English saying things like it's OK to hang your wet hiking things in your room! There's a common space where we can get tea and coffee, which we can take to the room. We can also sit there and chat. I liked having a private bathroom/toilet rather than having to go along a corridor like we have to do in many other places. Another thing I really liked was that they have a 9pm "lights out" (meaning silence) because many hikers get up at 4am. I really liked this system. Nice and quiet! For an ensuite room with a bit of breakfast (I was given bread), this was the best value for money on Yakushima.

It was perfect for me

Friendly staff. They are all very helpful and excellent communicating with guest. Nice comfortable room, complimentary tea/coffee, and clean facilities. Location near Anbo Ferry terminal. Souvenir shops, grocery store, and restaurants nearby.

The staff were great and the breakfasts were good.

The futons were not comfortable. The location was difficult to get back to in the dark which meant we needed to bring our dinners back to the accommodation. We were not allowed to eat our dinners at the cafe lounge and needed to eat them on the floor.

Very friendly and helpful staff.

It is a bit far from the town center but there is a bus stop right in front.

Very nice staff to offer breakfast option (Japanese rice dumpling with fish) for early hiker, which was placed in a basket at the entrance of the hostel. Correct route by Google map for drive-in stay.

Natural. Spider, ants and small cockroach found in room. Better to stay in western style bed room instead of traditional Japanese floor bed. Room change allowed if rooms available.

Staff is rude. They didn't even say hello when entering the facility. The room is in a bad condition with stains all over the walls and a smell. The bathrooms has mold and spider webs. They told us to carry the luggage preventing touching the wood floor and then they put it on the tatami floor. You can imagine how dirty that can be. During breakfast the staff was talking and smiling only to japanese people. When we tried to ask something, she abruptly changed the attitude. She clearly doesn't appreciate any foreigners in her accommodation.

The bamboo leaf bento is really delicious, and the host is nice and responsibility.

The mattress.

Extremely friendly and accommodating staff. Very clean and comfortable areas, and delicious breakfast and lunch!

No complaints!