Staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture. Sansou Murata is one of our favorite luxury inns on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan.

Tucked into forested hills, Sansou Murata is comprised of traditional Japanese houses brought from the countryside around Japan and reassembled to create a small hotel complex.

Original dark wood beams and unique Japanese art pieces complement modern furnishings in all the rooms, each of which is also outfitted with its own private hot springs bath with views of the wooded surroundings.

Architecture and design fans will be interested to know that Architectural Digest once featured the ryokan’s interiors in an in-depth article.

Elaborate kaiseki meals are served in the rooms and in the main dining area on beautiful porcelain hand-selected at each meal to match the seasonal cuisine.

Sansou Murata also has a more casual soba restaurant that serves freshly prepared buckwheat noodles in a light-filled space on a hillside overlooking the nearby town of Yufuin and the surrounding valley.

Artisans of Leisure arranges comprehensive private touring of the best of Kyushu, including art galleries specializing in the work of local artists (including porcelain and bamboo), crafts workshops, religious sites such as the Usuki Stone Buddhas, and incredible volcanic scenery and hot springs around Beppu and Mount Aso.

After a day of private touring, it’s nice to return to the ryokan and enjoy a drink at Tan’s Bar, an atmospheric lounge with a cozy fireplace and live piano music several nights a week.

A stay at Sansou Murata can be added to any of our private Japan tours. It’s also included in our Highlights of Kyushu tour and in our Journey Through Japan tour.

Contact Artisans of Leisure for more information about our Japan tours that include the country’s best luxury hotels and ryokan.