山荘無量塔 — Hotel in Yufu

The three of us (including Mrs. KI-NRT and her mother) spent the final 2 nights of our Kyushu sojourn at in Yufuin, and through extensive research we settled on Sanso Murata, which appeared to be the most unique and luxurious ryokan in the area. We also chose two rooms that were adjacent to one another - "Sou" and "Hou," due not just for their proximity, but because their design aesthetic was most appealing to us (choose carefully, because each of the 12 rooms have their own unique characteristics, and because guests staying there have the option of having dinner served in their rooms. They appeared to be the most modern and Western in decor and furnishings compared to some of the other rooms, which were more traditional Japanese in look and feel.||||The property sits up on a small hill above Yufuin's main area (about a 5 minute drive away), which is a plus or minus, depending on what you're looking for. Given that we had our own vehicle and parking space in Yufuin is rather abundant, we felt that it was worth staying in a secluded spot when we weren't out on the town. The ryokan itself is surrounded by various galleries and a few cafes, although it was in a very sleepy part of Yufuin and was devoid of many tourists. This included several that were owned and/or operated by Sanso Murata itself, including Allegro and a Soba noodle restaurant, both that are within a short walking distance from the ryokan entrance.||||Both the property grounds as well as the immediate vicinity is not particularly picturesque. It's a serene and calming place, but it's neither immaculately manicured nor does it have much character. Rather than exuding luxury in an awe-inspiring way, Sanso Murata makes up for it in its indoor charms. It's neither traditional Japanese nor is it ultra modern, but somewhere in between. However, it does not feel outdated, because it's well maintained and the decor is more by design than a function of its age.||||Both the "Hou" and "Sou" rooms were generously proportioned (155m² and 130m², respectively), and were Maisonette-style, with the bedroom (with two Western style beds as well as one of the two toilets) on the upper floor and the Western living/dining room, a separate Japanese tatami room and the main bathroom, shower room and Onsen bath all on the ground floor. It was tastefully decorated, and with the option to spend time in either the Japanese or Western living rooms, it offers something for everyone's tastes. The Western living room furnishings don't scream "high end," but was functional and more than served its purpose. ||||The Onsen (natural hot springs) bath in the room is of the semi open-air variety in that it's technically indoors, but you can slide open the glass doors if you choose to be exposed (somewhat) to the elements. This was a nice option to have, because it was relatively warm when we were there, so it was good have a a breeze flow in from the outside while enjoying the Onsen.||||So far, so... decent, right? The key to Sanso Murata lies in its exceptional service and gourmet dining experience. Even compared to most of the top luxury ryokans in Japan, this place emphasizes the "Omotenashi" service ethos to a very high degree. Upon first arrival to the ryokan, not one.. but three staff members rushed out to greet us, take our keys, grab our luggage and whisk us away to the comfortable lounge area. The next day, as we returned from a day of sightseeing in pouring rain, three more people immediately came out with umbrellas in hand, and made sure we stayed dry until we got indoors, while another staff member went and parked our vehicle. This was just one of many examples of not only great service, but an indicator of the high staff-to-guest ratio at Sanso Murata. Even in the best ryokans that serve meals in one's own room, it's typical to have one butler handle two guest rooms. Not here... Aika Goto (and her trainee sidekick Aki Nagashima) was there to serve us, and only us; not only for dinner, but also breakfast. There's no rotating servers at Sanso Murata, which is especially nice when staying for more than one night. It's easier to build a rapport with your butler, not to mention they have a better sense of your preferences and tendencies. In any case, both ladies were incredibly enthusiastic, charming and professional, and really did their homework.... Aika was meticulous in explaining intricate details of each and every course offering, which was very much appreciated - the dinners were unique and memorable, and we wanted to know all about the cooking methods, ingredients and the backstory of where everything came from and how they were raised. Everything from the subtle yet complex flavors of the clear soup (there's something secret in the dashi here, I must say) to the incredible marinated Oita Wagyu Beef was a celebration in all that's great about Kaiseki cuisine. If you're a foodie, this is definitely a place that will delight!||||Sanso Murata is not as Instagrammable as some other well known ryokans, but the sum of its parts adds up to it being a Top 10 property in Japan as judged by experts as well as word of mouth in the country. After our experience here, we...

The three of us (including Mrs. KI-NRT and her mother) spent the final 2 nights of our Kyushu sojourn at in Yufuin, and through extensive research we settled on Sanso Murata, which appeared to be the most unique and luxurious ryokan in the area. We also chose two rooms that were adjacent to one another - "Sou" and "Hou," due not just for their proximity, but because their design aesthetic was most appealing to us (choose carefully, because each of the 12 rooms have their own unique characteristics, and because guests staying there have the option of having dinner served in their rooms. They appeared to be the most modern and Western in decor and furnishings compared to some of the other rooms, which were more traditional Japanese in look and feel.||||The property sits up on a small hill above Yufuin's main area (about a 5 minute drive away), which is a plus or minus, depending on what you're looking for. Given that we had our own vehicle and parking space in Yufuin is rather abundant, we felt that it was worth staying in a secluded spot when we weren't out on the town. The ryokan itself is surrounded by various galleries and a few cafes, although it was in a very sleepy part of Yufuin and was devoid of many tourists. This included several that were owned and/or operated by Sanso Murata itself, including Allegro and a Soba noodle restaurant, both that are within a short walking distance from the ryokan entrance.||||Both the property grounds as well as the immediate vicinity is not particularly picturesque. It's a serene and calming place, but it's neither immaculately manicured nor does it have much character. Rather than exuding luxury in an awe-inspiring way, Sanso Murata makes up for it in its indoor charms. It's neither traditional Japanese nor is it ultra modern, but somewhere in between. However, it does not feel outdated, because it's well maintained and the decor is more by design than a function of its age.||||Both the "Hou" and "Sou" rooms were generously proportioned (155m² and 130m², respectively), and were Maisonette-style, with the bedroom (with two Western style beds as well as one of the two toilets) on the upper floor and the Western living/dining room, a separate Japanese tatami room and the main bathroom, shower room and Onsen bath all on the ground floor. It was tastefully decorated, and with the option to spend time in either the Japanese or Western living rooms, it offers something for everyone's tastes. The Western living room furnishings don't scream "high end," but was functional and more than served its purpose. ||||The Onsen (natural hot springs) bath in the room is of the semi open-air variety in that it's technically indoors, but you can slide open the glass doors if you choose to be exposed (somewhat) to the elements. This was a nice option to have, because it was relatively warm when we were there, so it was good have a a breeze flow in from the outside while enjoying the Onsen.||||So far, so... decent, right? The key to Sanso Murata lies in its exceptional service and gourmet dining experience. Even compared to most of the top luxury ryokans in Japan, this place emphasizes the "Omotenashi" service ethos to a very high degree. Upon first arrival to the ryokan, not one.. but three staff members rushed out to greet us, take our keys, grab our luggage and whisk us away to the comfortable lounge area. The next day, as we returned from a day of sightseeing in pouring rain, three more people immediately came out with umbrellas in hand, and made sure we stayed dry until we got indoors, while another staff member went and parked our vehicle. This was just one of many examples of not only great service, but an indicator of the high staff-to-guest ratio at Sanso Murata. Even in the best ryokans that serve meals in one's own room, it's typical to have one butler handle two guest rooms. Not here... Aika Goto (and her trainee sidekick Aki Nagashima) was there to serve us, and only us; not only for dinner, but also breakfast. There's no rotating servers at Sanso Murata, which is especially nice when staying for more than one night. It's easier to build a rapport with your butler, not to mention they have a better sense of your preferences and tendencies. In any case, both ladies were incredibly enthusiastic, charming and professional, and really did their homework.... Aika was meticulous in explaining intricate details of each and every course offering, which was very much appreciated - the dinners were unique and memorable, and we wanted to know all about the cooking methods, ingredients and the backstory of where everything came from and how they were raised. Everything from the subtle yet complex flavors of the clear soup (there's something secret in the dashi here, I must say) to the incredible marinated Oita Wagyu Beef was a celebration in all that's great about Kaiseki cuisine. If you're a foodie, this is definitely a place that will delight!||||Sanso Murata is not as Instagrammable as some other well known ryokans, but the sum of its parts adds up to it being a Top 10 property in Japan as judged by experts as well as word of mouth in the country. After our experience here, we...

Out of 25 top class Ryokans I have stayed across Japan. Murata is definitely the best ryokan I have ever experienced.||You can only book the room from their website (pay at check out). We booked in one month advance, due to the popularity of this ryokan, we were lucky enough to book the last room that in-line with our travel schedule.||Pre check in process was smooth as the ryokan offer luggage pick up service while you arrived in Yufu station or from your last ryokan (in Yufuin), which means you can enjoying your sight seeking around Fuyu station and Kinrin lake hassle free. When closer to the check in time 3PM. Ryokan has arranged to pick us up from Kinrin lake for free.||Before we arriving at the ryokan, their manager and staff already waiting out door to welcome us. And check in process is also very smooth, the staff will show you around the ryokan and your room. Note that the staffs speaks better English than any other Ryokans I have been to.||Room is tidy and clean with high ceiling, which makes it super spacious. Drinks in the fridge are free. Shower and private bath are in-room, ryokan did a great job in controlling the room temperature as you you won’t feel cold wherever you are. Bath is good size for two. Water temperature is around 42 degrees but friendly staff made it 40 degrees because they knew my wife is pregnant. Pillow is slight harder than other ryokans, but softer pillow option is available by asking reception. Overall the room is stylish and comfortable.||Tan’s bar offers free non-alcohol for ryokan guests and you can enjoying the famous B-speak cake (Swiss cake roll) in the bar so you don’t have to queue up in the B-speak shop and a lot of time cake would sold out in the afternoon. We have ordered a short cake to take with us when departing. Music was soft and classic, which made the entire atmosphere very relaxing.||Dinner is in room with kaiseki style of dishes. The service was excellent, we were impressed by the service provided by Yumi, she is extremely attention to details. Eg gave my wife a cushion because the chair could be a bit hard. I’m a left hander, she has adjusted chopstick setup for left hander for the breakfast. All those little things really counts. Food presentation is excellent and taste is ryokan standard. The Ryokan has prepared small birthday cake and presents for us and the baby as they know from passport that my wife’s birthday is in Jan, this is very touching.||Ryokan offer massage service, I was very impressed with the skill and service by Hiroko, who also speak great English as she studied in Melbourne for a year.||Check out process was also excellent, the staff will come to your room to pick up your luggage and free taxi is already waiting for you at the main entrance.||Score out of 10 as per below: (against all 25 top class ryokans I’ve stayed)||Room Comfort: 10|Service: 10|Dinner taste: 7||This is not a cheap ryokan, but it worth every single dollar that you have spent. The service is high standard, as the staffs respect you in all way. They care about you and you are welcomed to tell them if you have any reasonable needs and they will try their best to make it happened. I would recommend this Ryokan to everyone who is travelling to Oita Prefecture or still struggling to decide which ryokan to stay if you have enough budget as you would not go wrong by...