Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Japan / Yakushima-cho / Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima
Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima
Yakushima-cho, Kagoshima, Japan · Independent · High Luxury
Sankara Hotel and Spa Yakushima opened in 2010 on the southeast coast of Yakushima, the UNESCO World Heritage island of ancient cedar forests, with 29 Balinese-inspired villas, a Thai spa and French-Asian gastronomy. Several room types were renovated in early 2026, adding private saunas. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, designed to sit gently in the island's forest and coast.
- 29 rooms
- Opened 2010
- Neighborhood: 麦生
- Rooms from 764 sq ft (71 m²)
About Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima
- Sankara Hotel and Spa Yakushima opened in 2010 with 29 rooms on the southeast coast of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage island.
- Several room types were fully renovated in early 2026, including new private saunas and villa updates.
- It offers French-Asian gastronomy, a Thai spa and Balinese-inspired villas, and is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
- The smallest published suite or villa start at 764 sq ft (71 m²).
History
Opened in 2010, Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima is a sophisticated hill-resort located on the southeast coast of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage island. The resort was designed to harmonize with the island's ancient cedar forests and rugged natural beauty, offering an 'auberge-style' experience focused on exceptional local cuisine and personalized hospitality. Several room types were fully renovated in early 2026 to enhance the luxury experience, including new private saunas and updated villa facilities.
The setting
8 km from Yakusugi Nature Museum.
Restaurants and bars
- Ayana — Restaurant · casual dining
- Okas — Restaurant · full-course cuisine
Experiences
- Sauna Agni — Sauna crafted from local jisugi cedar, surrounded by nature.
- Infinity Pool — Iconic infinity pool overlooking the sea, a secluded spot for watching the morning sunrise; 24m x 9.5m.
- Pool SUP Yoga — Stand up paddleboard yoga at the infinity pool, surrounded by Yakushima's nature.
- Yamagami-no-Mori forest — Forest behind the hotel, long part of the island's landscape; rare plant species confirmed; neo-natural trail conservation.
- Activity Planning — Activities and sightseeing tailored to guest interests, with a butler planning the stay and sharing local hidden gems.
- Spa Sankara Sana — Spa treatments beginning with a dedicated personal consultation, taking in the energy of Yakushima.
Amenities
- Infinity Pool with sunrise views
- Spa Sankara Sana and Sauna Agni
- Library Lounge curated by Yoshitaka Haba
- Fine dining at Okas and Ayana restaurants
- Personal butler service and custom activity planning
- Complimentary airport pickup and car/bicycle rental services
- Fitness center
- Water sports
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Recommended (2026)
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
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