Question 1

Can you tell me more about the bus to Årc?

Accepted Answer

▼ Nearest Bus Stop:　105 Koidomari:　Map(https://maps.app.goo.gl/nUSR1MkP8xWz6BBU6)
It is a 6-minute walk from Årc. The bus stop sign is only on one side of the road, but if you stand on the opposite side, the bus will stop for you.

▼ Time Table
Please refer to the timetable for the times between "102 Koshima" and "112 Kaichu Onsen."

• If arriving on the last flight or high-speed ferry, the final stop is "Iwasaki Hotel" before Koidomari.
 • Payment is by cash only, except for local IC cards.Onboard change machines accept bills/coins of ¥1,000 or less, but new ¥1,000 bills and new ¥500 coins cannot be used in the machines (though they can still be used for payment).

▼ Route Map & Fare Table(https://yakukan.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/busroute202405_e.pdf)

▼ Detailed Location of Each Bus Stop(https://buste.in/search/bus/list/BusteisBusNm/map/1680)

▼ Transfer Time Search Site(https://mokuik.com/web/Top)

Question 2

Can I get to Jomon Cedar, Shiratani Unsuikyo, and Yakusugi Land by bus from Årc?

Accepted Answer

There is no bus from the bus stop closest to Årc in time to catch the bus to Jomon Cedar. I recommend walking to the bus stop "Iwasaki Hotel" which is a 47 minute walk away, or using Årc's rental e-bike to go to "Samana Hotel Yakushima".

You can get to Shiratani Unsuikyo and Yakusugi Land from the nearest bus stop.
Please refer to this for transfer times.

※ Nearest Bus Stop:　105 Koidomari　Map(https://maps.app.goo.gl/nUSR1MkP8xWz6BBU6)
Please refer to the timetable for the times between "102 Koshima" and "112 Kaichu Onsen."

Question 3

Can I hike to the Jomon Cedar during the winter season?

Accepted Answer

During the winter season (December to February), the bus service from Yakusugi Nature Museum to the Jomon Cedar trailhead (Arakawa Trailhead) runs only once a day, unlike during other times of the year.
Since access to the Yakusugi Museum requires a vehicle, you will need to arrange for a rental car, taxi, or a guided tour with transportation included. For detailed information, please contact the transportation providers.

▼ Bus Timetable(https://yakushima.co.jp/route_bus/)

Additionally, equipment such as light crampons is required to prepare for possible snowfall. Please consider hiring a guide or thoroughly researching the hiking conditions to plan a safe and manageable trip.

Question 4

How do I reserve an e-bike?

Accepted Answer

We offer an e-bike rental service to make it easy for those without a rental car to enjoy sightseeing. You can easily explore the attractions of the southern area, including supermarkets, hot springs, the sea, rivers, and waterfalls. Enjoy fun and convenient transportation while staying close to nature. We encourage you to take advantage of this service. Reservations can be made through our residents-only portal.

Question 5

Can you give me some information about car rentals?

Accepted Answer

We recommend renting a car to get around on Yakushima. If you are considering renting a car, we recommend booking it as soon as possible due to the limited number of cars on the island. Even if there are no cars available on travel websites, you may find availability by directly calling or emailing the rental shops (many shops can be found by searching for rental cars on Google Maps).
We do not provide car rental arrangement services. Please contact them via contact form of their website in English or by phone. Please first try contacting the list on the following website.

* Please note that we do not offer a reservation proxy service, so we kindly ask you to make your own reservations. Even if an online booking site is not available, you can still inquire in English via email or the contact form.
* An international driving permit or translation document is required for renting a car. Please see the details on this page(https://english.jaf.or.jp/driving-in-japan/drive-in-japan/switch-to-japanese-license)
* Parking in Årc is by reservation only. Please be sure to contact us if you wish to use it.

Bike rentals are also available. Please consider this option if you cannot rent a car or if you are traveling alone and want to keep your budget low.

https://yakukan.jp/on-island.html#rental

Question 6

Do you offer transportation services?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide transportation services. Please use rental cars, buses, or taxis.
Additionally, we are unable to arrange these transportation options on your behalf due to time constraints. Kindly make your own arrangements.

Question 7

I'll taking the last flight. I can't make the bus to Årc in time, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If arriving on the last flight, the final bus stop is "Iwasaki Hotel" before Koidomari. We offer pickup from Iwasaki Hotel if possible, so please contact us early.

Question 8

What is the information on road restrictions due to stormy weather or disasters?

Accepted Answer

Please check from this Yakushima Town website.
https://www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp/info-traffic/(https://www.town.yakushima.kagoshima.jp/info-traffic/)

For information on prefectural road regulations, please check from the Kagoshima Prefecture website here.
https://www2.pref.kagoshima.jp/dourokisei/Index(https://www2.pref.kagoshima.jp/dourokisei/Index)

The status of Yakusugiland and Shiratani Unsui Gorge can be checked here.
https://y-rekumori.com/(https://y-rekumori.com/)

Question 9

What shops or spots in the area do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

We have picked out some recommended shops and spots mainly in the southern area of Yakushima on Google Map. Please refer to it.

Question 10

Please provide information about hiking and tours.

Accepted Answer

Route maps and guidebooks are available on the Tourism Association's website for reference. For more detailed information, please contact tour guide operators or the Tourism Association directly.

https://yakukan.jp/safe-travel/brochure-download.html

Question 11

Can you recommend a guide?

Accepted Answer

The recommended guides are very popular, so I can't guarantee that you'll be able to make a reservation, but here are some suggestions. Please feel free to inquire.

▼ Årc facilitator Yakkun offers guided tours:
Shima asobi(https://yakushima-asobi.com/)

▼ Recommended guides associated with Årc:
MEGURE:VA(https://www.shimayui.com/)
Tabira (https://tabira.biz/)
Sangaku Taro(https://www.sangakutaro.com/)
GREEN MOUNT (https://www.greenmount.jp/)(Pick-up can be arranged in the nearby area)

▼ Guides who can speak English:
Shizen no pockets (https://pockets.jp/)
YES! Yakushima
(https://yesyakushima.com/)KaleidoForest(https://kaleidoforest.com/)

▼ Guides offering pick-up services in the nearby area:
Office Manatsu (https://www.office-manatsu.com/)

▼ You can also look for other certified Yakushima guides here:
http://www.yakushima-eco.com/log/guide-list/ (http://www.yakushima-eco.com/log/guide-list/)

Question 12

Please tell me more about the kitchen facilities and how to use them?

Accepted Answer

Please see below for more details about the kitchen.

Question 13

Is early check-in possible?

Accepted Answer

We kindly ask that you check in between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Before this time, we are engaged in cleaning, other activities, or taking necessary breaks, and are not available to accommodate early check-ins. Thank you for your understanding.

About Luggage Storage Before Check-in, we do not offer luggage storage before check-in as a general rule. If you choose to leave your belongings, please note that we do not have a locked cloakroom, and your luggage will need to be placed in the entrance area. We cannot take responsibility for theft or loss.

Question 14

Can I Send My Luggage in Advance?

Accepted Answer

We appreciate it if you can bring your luggage with you, as we do not have storage space for holding shipments. If you wish to send your luggage in advance, please call us beforehand to discuss, as we may not be able to receive it depending on the timing and size.
Additionally, please be aware that sea transport is highly affected by weather conditions, and there is a possibility that your luggage may not arrive on time.

Question 15

Can I get a receipt?

Accepted Answer

It can be issued after your stay. It will be sent in PDF format to the email address you provided when you made your reservation. Please request it during your stay.
If you have made a reservation through a travel site other than the website, you will need to complete the issuance procedure on that site.

Question 16

Is there a smoking area?

Accepted Answer

Årc is a completely non-smoking facility, and no smoking areas are provided. If you wish to smoke, please do so in the outdoor parking lot and use a portable ashtray.

Question 17

Any other questions?

Accepted Answer

We receive many inquiries every day, but as we operate with a small team, we are unable to respond promptly. Please understand that we may not be able to answer the phone or that it may take some time to reply to messages. For any other questions, please first refer to the Guest Guide below.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions