Our favorite places to stay on Yoron Island where we can enjoy ourselves as a couple without feeling the presence of others
When it comes to Yoron Island, the so-called "Yoron Kenpo" is famous, where everyone introduces themselves while pouring alcohol, including the local Shima-Yusen, into a large cup and passing it around to drink. I think many people visit the island looking forward to that kind of communication with the locals.
As for me, I spend so much time interacting with people at work that when I'm on vacation, I just want to spend time without meeting anyone, without worrying about anyone, and without feeling the presence of others...!
So, here is the content as per the title. I have picked out my "personal favorites" from the many times I have visited Yoron Island.
1️⃣ If you're looking for a spectacular view, this is the place!
1️⃣ Shima Hotel (Stayed in autumn 2020 and autumn 2021)
This is a well-known, spectacular private villa rental. It is far too large for just the two of us, but having fun in this overly spacious area is childish and fun! This is what luxury is all about.
You can have a blast, or you can rest your mind peacefully while gazing at the sea; you can do both.
Honestly, just staying at Shima Hotel is enough to fully enjoy Yoron Island. You don't even need to go to places like Yurigahama or stylish cafes with ocean views. In fact, while staying at Shima Hotel, we didn't go to our favorite scenic cafes that we used to visit frequently. We were already completely satisfied.
We were also able to go fishing nearby, which was fun too!
2️⃣ If you're looking for relaxation, this is the place!
2️⃣ Awall SEASIDE VILLA (Stayed in autumn 2023)
Within a one-minute walk, there are "Kunembo Shokudo" and "Osteria Kaki," which are arguably the number one and number two restaurants for dinner on Yoron Island, making it very convenient.
(However, since both Kunembo Shokudo and Osteria Kaki are popular restaurants, I recommend booking well in advance.)
It's really easy to be able to go back to your room and rest immediately after eating your fill.
Honestly, it's not a situation where the view from the window is spectacular, but I still liked it because it felt private. It's by no means small, but the compact and simple interior was a calm space that allowed my heart to rest.
Since Aya, who runs the place, specializes in relaxation, you can of course also request an aroma massage.
My personal favorite is the original aroma oil (homemade herb oil from Yoron Island herbs) included in the amenities; it smells so good. Out of the three types, I especially liked "Merabi" and "Tida," so I bought them to take home. I liked them so much that I even ordered them online later. When my neck and shoulders are stiff and tight, I apply plenty and take deep breaths.
3️⃣ If you want to have a slightly unusual experience, this is the place!
3️⃣ Shima Vanlife (Stayed during Golden Week 2026) 🚐
This is a different form of Shima Hotel. My husband and I rented "airy," a camper van for two, and spent 3 days and 2 nights. My first camper van experience in my life was... quite exciting and fun!
What I liked most was being able to spend time slowly brewing coffee from beans ground by hand, just like on a normal holiday, inside the camper van.
Moreover, those beans were from Shima Coffee Roastery, which is Shima Hotel's original coffee. Without any bias, it was truly delicious, so I bought two types, "Kokoro no Uruoi" (Moisture of the Heart) and "Sora no Yo-in" (Afterglow of the Sky), to take home.
Looking back, I feel like 3 days and 2 nights wasn't enough. Since we rented it without deciding anything in advance, we struggled to find a place to park every night, but later I thought, "I should have stayed at Terasaki Beach!" and so on. Someday, I'll get my revenge!