Gracias

I took the option of an apartment with a view of Sakurajima, and Gracias delivered. You can literally sit on the balcony (chairs were provided) and watch the clouds lazily drift past the unwavering volcano. The apartment is just a 5-10 minute walk from the jet-foil terminal headed for Yakushima, so this is a great place to stay if you're coming from there or heading there in the morning. I went alone, but the room would have easily been comfortable enough for two. Closest convenience store (FamilyMart) is just a few minutes' walk away. If you're taking the bus from Kagoshima airport, the closest stop (Tenmonkan) will be about a 15 minute walk. The property is managed by a kind and friendly lady that stays in one of the apartments in the building. She speaks good English, and took the trouble to check on me and made sure I had everything I need.

The only down-side of this place I can think of was that it was a bit pricier compared to some of the hotels around the area. However, for the Sakurajima-facing view and the proximity to the ferry terminal, I would say it was worth it.

The B&B has a great location facing Sakurajima volcano, and the facilities are well-equipped. I stayed for three nights and was provided with two bath towels. I’ve stayed at many apartments hotel in Japan where cleaning wasn’t required, but towels were always fully prepared. Perhaps I wasn’t careful enough, but I was only informed upon arrival that payment had to be made in cash. It would have been better if this had been mentioned in the email beforehand, as I didn’t have that much cash with me. I eventually solved the issue by withdrawing money from a 7-Eleven ATM.

Location is excellent, very close to ferry terminals which is a good thing in Kagoshima as going to Sakurajima across the bay at some point is a must. It's also close to the town centre, 5 minute walk to the main streets basically. And you get that great view off the balcony of Sakurajima across the bay, good thing to wake up to.

The only issue at all really is that it's located right on a main road, so it's pretty noisy with traffic at times. Doesn't bother me, but if you're a light sleeper then ear plugs would be recommended I would think.

Fantastic view & super close to ferry terminal

I was particularly happy with the well equipped small kitchen, the bath, the cleanliness and the very friendly host, Michiko-san. Thank you for everything!

*The road noise was quite extreme, luckily I had read the reviews and brought earplugs. *The bed was too hard. *I did not like that I did not get a reply when contacting the property via mail before my stay, even though I wrote in understandable Japanese.

Great location, less than a ten-minute walk from the Sakurajima Ferry port. A Family Mart and 7-11 are just right around the corner, and Tenmonkan is full of places to eat about ten minutes away. You have a great view of Sakurajima from the balcony. A big refrigerator, a very handy microwave, and lots of kitchen utensils. Quite roomy and very inexpensive.

Very slow WiFi. A couple of emails I sent were not delivered. Rather noisy. Traffic on the road in front is pretty constant, and noise leaks through the sliding doors even when they’re closed. The stove and washer are handy, but could be confusing if you can’t read Japanese. English instructions would be helpful.