Suishodama Hostel

For all smart travelers who want real authentic but a bit modernized Japanese islander living, I recommend this small hidden gem ‘inn’ & cafe.This is not for first-timers in Japan trip nor convenience hotel lovers. It has renovated an old local house with modernized toilet and ‘Goemon’ bath.It has garden, cafe, a rice field, which means that we could ‘enjoy’ islandlander life with natural bugs/insects. If you hate them, please choose modern hotels in a big town.This isolated small village, Nagata, is seasonally famous for turtles who have come to the beach for laying eggs in May-June. But I have found a great power spot, a valley with lots of clean and green water. It seems Mt Shasta in California.The small inn seasonally operates a great cafe, and if we stay there, we could add on dinner (3000 yen) and/or breakfast.The owner, Hiromi is a great fusion chef and organic-friendly farmer, cooking the vegetarian-friendly dinner as shown the photos. I think you could ask her to cook vegetarian or possibly vegan.As a plant-based chef in Canada, I would recommend this place for healthy, local food lovers and smart travelers who want to experience real authentic Japan with a little modernized update.The location is not so tourist-friendly that we had better renting a car or could use a limited local bus service. Thus, I assigned 4 stars for the location.This is an inn and cafe located in an old private house in Nagata, a town on the north side of Yakushima that has few tourists.As a veggie chef, I was looking for an inn that looked delicious with local vegetable ingredients and found it by chance. Limited to one group per day, the attached cafe is also open during high season. You can enjoy meals centered on local and home-grown vegetables.However, there are some bugs that come with living on an island, such as the sink-type toilet and the Goemon bath. Not recommended for people looking for urban convenience.This is for people who are well-travelled around the world.There is a beautiful valley like Mt Shasta nearby, and it was the perfect accommodation for me because I was tired of Yakusu cedar trees and the saltwater sea. The location is 4 stars because it is inconvenient to get there by bus if you don't have a rental car.

This is a very special place. It is an old house, with all you can expect. But I loved every bit of it. I stayed there alone for 3 nights. Highlights:First, the dinner cooked for me was the best food I had during my whole 3 weeks in Japan.Second, the living room with a small fireplace is so cozy.Thirdly you can hear the stream while you fall asleep.And lastly the fire heated bath was glorious.Certainly not for everyone, it's not Western Standard, and the village nagata is quiet. but if you like unique experiences, this is a 10 / 10.

I visited the cafe several times.I was always treated politely by the hostess.I've even had someone bake bread for me here.We also had a fun time listening to the stories about plants.I would like to go back to eat delicious food that is good for the body.

We also had a Japanese-style lunch set and dessert (I forgot to take a picture of the dessert plate, sorry) in a Japanese-style room with a very atmospheric atmosphere. The menu was healthy but satisfying and delicious. My friend raved about it and said she would like to go again.However, the toilet is in an old-fashioned style, so it is for advanced users, so please be careful as it may be difficult for foreigners.