Pension BLUE DROP

I had planned to come to Yakushima in early 2020, and cancelled it due to Covid. In the three years that followed, I attempted again in the fall of 2021, but Covid prolonged. So when I finally arrived, Yuki and I were like old friends finally meeting each other after the long Covid seperation. This is how friendly and warm Yuki’s pension received me and my numerous emails in the past. Now onto the practical aspects: my twin room was clean, quietly welcomed me with clean towels, hot water kettle, a desk and chair, and a screen door to enjoy fresh, flower scented air. Hot water was plenty and strong, and the whole place was hushed between check in and check out and after dinner into the night. Yuki was a discreet host, always there when you need her, but never in your face when you want to be left alone. Location cannot be better for local immersion and here’s why. Yakushima island has different characters from the north, south, east, and west. Blue Drop is located on the sunny southern part of the island, also my favorite part after seeing the entire island on a tour with Yakushima Geographic Tour (please check out my review). The area is slow living residential dotted with homey cafes and artist studios. It feels as Yakushima should be, idyllic, lush, green, and air unbelievably fresh. Twice a day @ 6AM and 6PM you can hear short and sweet community announcement, mostly about the weather, positive local news, and at 3 o’clock, a familiar melody came on to remind the farmers of their mid-afternoon snack and tea time. I slept soundly of the three nights I stayed here. The bed looks thin but turns out very comfortable. Yuki is a great chef and this is such a plus as there are few restaurants near by. I enjoyed breakfasts and dinners in her dining room and always walk away happy and content. After a long touring day, there’s nothing better and more luxurious than a homemade dinner: Kaiseki, Sashimi, Chicken or Beef Stew, with local Shoju if you want it. Breakfast is a yummy sandwich with 4 or 5 different ingredient of your choice, and wonderfully strong coffee. She also prepare lunch to go at your request. A short drive from Blue Drop is the gorgeous Ohko Waterfall, ten times better than the photos I found online, a must see in person. And shortly after that is the World Heritage Coastal Road where not a human soul can be seen except in narrowly passing vehicles. There are abundant of small deers that are incredible rock climbers, and relaxed monkeys being groomed by seniority by the side of the road. This coastal road is very challenging for non-local drivers and it has no cell signal to call for help should you run into a problem, many sections are winding and narrow for one car to pass. You have to be very skillful at backing up when another car comes your way, or count on your luck on a skillful local who will patiently back up and guide you pass. On the north/east side of the island where Miyanoura, Ando port, and the airport are located are the least charming. It’s often gloomier with more clouds and rain, as well as human congestion and slightly polluted air. It is also where many of the hotels and restaurants are located for travelers who values convenience more. But this is not Paris, or London, or Barcelona, convenience is not the best compass. Blue Drop Pension is a blessed place with a kind host, I could not be happier anywhere else.