5 Top Rated Ultra-luxury Ryokans in Kyushu

Ultra luxury ryokans are the crown jewels of the hospitality world, blending ancient Japanese traditions with unparalleled modern opulence. These exclusive retreats offer an experience that transcends mere accommodation, immersing guests in a world of tranquility, impeccable service, and cultural richness. From private onsen baths with breathtaking views to exquisite kaiseki meals prepared by master chefs, every detail is meticulously crafted to create a sense of harmony and indulgence. The intimate scale of ryokans allows for personalized attention that larger hotels simply cannot match. With their ability to transport guests to a realm of serenity and refinement, ultra luxury ryokans have become the gold standard for discerning travelers seeking the pinnacle of hospitality excellence.

1. Myoken Ishiharaso (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Book Here: https://trip.tp.st/GSgSE5Hm

Price: $450-$800 per person per night, depending on season and room type Address: 551 Maruo, Makizono-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima 899-6603

Directions: 30-minute drive from Kagoshima Airport. The ryokan offers a free shuttle service from the airport. Customer Review: "We've stayed at over 60 of the finest luxury ryokans across Japan and this one stands out for its incredible food, attentive service, and beautiful outdoor baths overlooking the river. The kaiseki dinner featuring local Kagoshima ingredients was simply outstanding."

What Makes It Five-Star?

Myoken Ishiharaso, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a renowned ryokan that offers guests a truly immersive Japanese experience. The ryokan was established in 1921 and has been family-run for four generations. It underwent a major renovation in 2015 to enhance its luxury offerings while maintaining its traditional charm. Perched on a hillside with breathtaking views of the Kirishima mountains, this traditional inn is famous for its exceptional hot spring facilities. The ryokan boasts both indoor and outdoor onsen baths, with some rooms featuring private open-air baths that allow guests to soak while enjoying panoramic vistas of the lush surrounding nature. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the exquisite kaiseki dining experience, which showcases local Kagoshima specialties such as succulent Kurobuta pork and fresh seafood from Kagoshima Bay. Meals are served in private dining rooms, each offering serene views of meticulously manicured gardens. The ryokan goes beyond typical amenities by providing unique features like a stargazing terrace for night sky observation, a traditional tea ceremony room for cultural immersion, and guided nature walks in the nearby forest. For those seeking relaxation, in-room massage services are available. History buffs will appreciate the small on-site museum that displays local art and artifacts, adding an educational component to the stay. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and luxurious comforts, Myoken Ishiharaso offers a quintessential ryokan experience in the heart of Kagoshima.

2. Yufuin Gettouan (Oita Prefecture)

Book Here: https://trip.tp.st/1MrLx7Cr

Price: $600-$1,000 per person per night, depending on season and room type

Address: 1496-36 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita 879-5102

Directions: 10-minute drive from JR Yufuin Station. The ryokan offers a free shuttle service from the station.

Customer Review: "The private open-air bath in our room was amazing, with stunning views of Mt. Yufu. The kaiseki dinner was exquisite, featuring fresh local ingredients prepared with great care. The staff were incredibly attentive and made us feel so welcome. The library lounge was a lovely place to relax in the evening. Overall, a truly luxurious and relaxing ryokan experience."

What Makes It Five-Star?

Yufuin Gettouan, established in 2005, stands as a paragon of modern luxury ryokan design, seamlessly blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort. Nestled in the picturesque Yufuin valley, this exquisite retreat boasts spacious rooms, each adorned with elegant fusuma sliding doors, tatami mats, and minimalist decor that embodies the essence of wabi-sabi philosophy. The crown jewel of each accommodation is the private open-air bath, fed by natural hot spring water rich in minerals, offering guests a serene soak while gazing upon the mist-shrouded silhouette of Mt. Yufu and the lush surrounding mountains. The ryokan's commitment to culinary excellence shines through its kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course gastronomic journey that celebrates the bounty of Oita Prefecture's seasonal ingredients. Many of these delicacies are sourced from Yufuin Gettouan's own meticulously tended organic vegetable garden, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every artfully presented dish. Beyond the sumptuous rooms and dining experiences, guests can immerse themselves in a world of refined leisure, from perusing rare art books in the library lounge to indulging in aromatherapy treatments at the spa, which utilizes locally sourced essential oils. The on-site gallery serves as a cultural bridge, showcasing rotating exhibitions of works by talented local artists, while the ryokan's curated experiences, such as Japanese calligraphy classes led by master practitioners and sake tasting sessions featuring Kyushu's finest brews, offer guests an authentic glimpse into Japanese traditions. With its harmonious blend of luxury, nature, and culture, Yufuin Gettouan provides an unparalleled retreat for those seeking to experience the epitome of Japanese hospitality.

3. Ryokan Sanga (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Book Here: https://trip.tp.st/xZPRSRkc Price: $400-$700 per person per night, depending on season and room type Address: 6961-1 Manganji, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-2402 Directions: 90-minute drive from Kumamoto Airport. The ryokan can arrange private taxi transfers. Customer Review: "Ryokan Sanga exceeded all our expectations. The outdoor baths along the river were absolutely magical, especially at night under the Star. Our kaiseki dinner was a work of art, showcasing the best of Kumamoto's local ingredients. The staff were so warm and helpful. We loved the peaceful forest setting away from the main onsen town."

What Makes It Five-Star? Nestled in the heart of Kurokawa Onsen, Ryokan Sanga has been a beacon of traditional Japanese hospitality since its founding in 1929. This exquisite establishment underwent a major renovation in 2010, seamlessly blending modern luxury with its rich heritage. The ryokan's crown jewel is its collection of seven diverse open-air baths, some ingeniously carved into the riverside rock formations, offering guests a truly immersive natural bathing experience. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the kaiseki meals served in private dining rooms, where panoramic views of the river and lush forest complement the artfully prepared dishes showcasing Kumamoto's finest seasonal ingredients. Beyond its thermal waters and gastronomic offerings, Ryokan Sanga provides a holistic retreat experience with unique amenities such as a serene foot bath lounge, a tranquil meditation garden, and invigorating guided forest therapy walks. The ryokan's commitment to preserving Japanese culture extends to its workshops on traditional crafts, allowing guests to try their hand at bamboo weaving and washi paper making. With its harmonious blend of nature, tradition, and modern comfort, Ryokan Sanga continues to be a cherished destination for those seeking an authentic and luxurious onsen experience in one of Japan's most picturesque hot spring towns. 4. Tenku no Mori (Saga Prefecture) Book Here: https://trip.tp.st/ggeefI4M Price: $500-$900 per person per night, depending on season and room type Address: 1-8 Ureshino-machi, Ureshino City, Saga 843-0301 Directions: 60-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport. The ryokan offers a paid shuttle service from the airport. Customer Review: "The architecture of Tenku no Mori is stunning, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Our room's private open-air bath filled with silky Ureshino onsen water was heavenly. The innovative kaiseki cuisine was a highlight, creatively combining local Saga ingredients. We really enjoyed the tea ceremony experience and stargazing from the rooftop terrace."

What Makes It Five-Star? Tenku no Mori, a relatively new ryokan opened in 2018, stands as a testament to modern luxury seamlessly intertwined with traditional Japanese hospitality. Nestled in the lush forests of Ureshino, this architectural marvel boasts a design that harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring expansive glass walls that offer panoramic views of the verdant landscape. Each of the 23 meticulously crafted rooms is a sanctuary of tranquility, complete with a private open-air bath filled with Ureshino's renowned smooth, silky onsen water, known for its skin-beautifying properties. The ryokan's commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its innovative kaiseki cuisine, where local Saga ingredients are transformed through modern techniques, resulting in a gastronomic journey that delights all senses. Tenku no Mori takes pride in its own tea plantation, allowing guests to savor freshly brewed Ureshino tea, famous for its rich umami flavor, alongside their exquisite meals. The property's unique amenities elevate the guest experience to new heights, including a stunning infinity pool that seems to merge with the forest canopy, a state-of-the-art spa offering rejuvenating treatments infused with local green tea extracts, and a rooftop terrace perfect for stargazing on clear nights. Immersive cultural experiences are also a hallmark of Tenku no Mori, with the ryokan organizing authentic tea ceremonies conducted by skilled tea masters and curated tours to nearby pottery villages, where guests can witness the centuries-old craft of Arita and Imari porcelain-making. This harmonious blend of luxury, nature, and tradition makes Tenku no Mori a truly unparalleled retreat in the heart of Saga Prefecture. 5. Iyashi no Sato Kiyashiki (Oita Prefecture) Book Here: https://trip.tp.st/oIAnbPYW Price: $550-$950 per person per night, depending on season and room type Address: 1208-1 Kawazoe, Kurokawa Onsen, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-2402 Directions: 2-hour drive from Fukuoka Airport. The ryokan can arrange private car transfers. Customer Review: "Staying in our own thatched-roof cottage at Iyashi no Sato Kiyashiki felt like stepping back in time to a traditional Japanese village. The private open-air bath in our cottage was wonderful. The kaiseki meals served in our room were exceptional, featuring many local specialties. We loved the peaceful garden setting and the unique village bathhouse-style communal bath."

What Makes It Five-Star? Iyashi no Sato Kiyashiki, established in 1989 and renovated in 2012, is a luxurious ryokan that recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese village. Nestled in a beautiful garden setting, this unique accommodation features 10 detached rooms, each housed in individual thatched-roof cottages equipped with private open-air baths filled with natural hot spring water. The ryokan's layout includes a main building and offers a total of 20 rooms, all non-smoking. Guests can indulge in exquisite kaiseki cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods, served in the privacy of their rooms for an intimate dining experience. The property boasts a communal bath house designed to resemble a traditional village bathhouse, a meditation garden with a 400-year-old tree, and a library of Japanese literature. Additional amenities include two rental hot spring baths for private use outside guest rooms, a public open-air bath facing the forest, and baths commanding beautiful mountain views. Iyashi no Sato Kiyashiki offers unique experiences such as traditional Japanese incense ceremonies and guided nature walks in the surrounding forest, providing guests with a truly immersive stay in Japanese culture and nature.