Yakushima Hotels and Car Rental

Hi,
We will be in Yakushima for 2 nights, May 10-12. We are looking at THE HOTEL YAKUSHIMA ocean & forest or Hotel Yakushima (now called Semana). Semana Hotel looks nicer but is farther south on the island and away from town.

Does anyone have a recommendation for either of these hotels?

Also, do you think we need to rent a car by the ferry station to visit some of the sites and trails?

Thanks in advance!

Hotel Yakushima was fully booked during our visit, so we had to stay  nearby. However, we managed to visit the hotel, and would not hesitate to recommend. Also renting a car ,IMO, is the best option for exploring the island.

I stayed at Hotel Yakushima when it was still JR Hotel Yakushima (I see the rebranding is for April 2024 as Semana). I liked the rooms and view, the location was good as well. Had meals at the hotel, but didn't have a rental car. For what I was doing for my visit the bus service was ok, but a car is a good idea so you are not held to some irregular service times.