Yakushima Umi-No Cottage Tida

Umi no Cottage Tida is a lovely and amazing hotel run by the nicest, kindest and most helpful and wonderful couple, Yuko and Nerome. The cottage is so comfortable and well equipped, also for a family and a group of friends but also very romantic for a couple like us. Beautiful location with stunning views over the ocean. Great beds, great shower and hot bath. But the diamond in the crown is the food. We stayed 3 nights, had breakfast every morning and had dinner twice. Nerome is not a regular cook. He is an extremely talented chef and his food (Japanes with western touches) is high end, creative and out of this world, absolutely delicious. His food can compete with any restaurant in Tokyo, Paris and Manhattan. He really deserves a Chef's Table episode. Yakushima is a beautiful and mystical place - Shirtani unsuikyo and Yakusugi Land are a must trails (the higher you go, the more beautiful and magical the experience is. But it must be said that you need a certain fitness to climb all the way up). It is advisable to rent a car as there are very few taxis on the island and the buses are slow and don't run often.

This incredible and totally charming grouping of four cottages and a pre fixe restaurant are hosted by Yuko and her husband Chef Nerome. It is nested off a road off the highway in the charming rural southern reaches of the island. It is within a very short drive to many of the island’s magical trails, waterfalls and the western side’s loggerhead turtle nesting beach. The charm of the southern side of the island is that it is away from the tourist-crowded northwest towns. There is a feeling of peace and the gentle progression of daily life. The Onoadia seaside onsen is literally a ten minutes walk down the road. The four nearly identical cottages are perfectly designed and situated with an unobstructed view of the East China Sea. You are surrounded by natural native cedar wood surfaces, floor to ceiling. The kitchen is fully functional. The family size upstairs bedroom is spacious with high end mattresses. The quiet at night is stunning, really, if you come from a city, with only the sound of the surf coming through open windows. I truly can’t say enough about Chef Nerome’s culinary skill. His carefully curated meals are impeccable and his long experience is evident in presentation and flavor. He presents a true taste of Yakushima’s local produce, meats, and of course, seafood. Yuko’s English fluency is impressive, and she is a charming and delightful hostess. I shared the dining room with an individual who had returned to Umi no Cottage TIDA multiple times, and I have to say, I share his enthusiasm. I give this destination as many stars as the website allows, and then some.