Unique & Luxury Stays in Kyushu

Bare feet on Tatami, the faint metallic scent of a natural hot spring, the panoramic nature backdrops framing large windows, kaiseki-style meals, and many more experiences that few places offer. It is all found in Kyushu, as rich as the traditions that bind the land, and tenderly caring like the hospitality that anticipates every need without a word.

 

Hop on a journey with us to discover some of the most unique luxury stays in Kyushu, with some featuring experiences you may find nowhere else.

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Hanzuiryo, Unzen

 

 

Hanzuiryo (Unzen, Nagasaki)

 

Awarded by the prestigious Michelin Guide multiple times, Hanzuiryo invites you to slow down, savour, and reconnect with the essence of luxury. This ryokan, unparalleled in its attention to detail, provides an experience that feels almost otherworldly. From the moment you arrive, the warm, seamless service wraps around you like a comforting silk kimono. The individual villas, each an intimate haven, are crafted with impeccable Japanese design—tatami mat flooring, shoji screens, and cedar wood baths that invite you to immerse yourself fully in relaxation.

 

One of Hanzuiryo’s crown jewels is its kaiseki dining, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Every dish tells a story of artistry and culture, served in a setting that overlooks immaculately tended Japanese gardens. The onsen, fed by Unzen’s natural hot springs, provides a rejuvenating escape, allowing guests to melt into the tranquil surroundings.

 

 

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa

 

 

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa (Beppu, Oita)

 

Set on the hills of Kannawa onsen district, the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort and Spa serves as the prefectural base to explore Beppu’s most celebrated hot spring neighborhoods while remaining removed from the bustle below. From its elevated position, a lot comes into place: sweeping views over rising onsen steam, forested mountains, and Beppu bay.

 

The 89 rooms and suites are no exception, orienting to the landscape with their ingenious use of natural woods and stones. In most instances, you will find rooms boasting deep soaking ofuro baths, expansive terraces, and panoramic views that reveal the transition between forested slopes and open seas. It’s all a deliberate act, just like the tiered infinity outdoor onsen that dissolves into the horizon, right at the resort’s center. The HARNN Heritage Spa continues this deliberate sense of calm through private treatment suites and gardens positioned around tranquil courtyards. While dining follows the same sense of place, providing intimate experiences inspired by Japan’s five elements across the on-site venues, including the all-day Elements and the fine-dining Atelier.

 

 

Sankara Hotel & Spa

 

 

Sankara Hotel & Spa (Yakushima Island, Kagoshima)

 

Unlike traditional ryokans or onsen-centered resorts, Sankara’s luxury is its benevolent exchange with nature. Its unique location at the edge of Yakushima’s UNESCO-listed environment provides it with unlimited access to ancient cedars, high rainfall, and pristine water from the surrounding ocean. This presents nature as the primary experience, immersing oneself intimately without the need for thermal springs. The resort’s villas and suites are also carefully positioned to recede into the background with natural stone, wood, and concrete accents. Thereby, taking full advantage of Yakushima’s shifting light, rain, and mist to dominate and deliver that genuine natural feel.

 

Sankara’s Spa programs are not exempt from this generosity, drawing on the island’s exceptionally pure water and indigenous healing botanicals to support holistic wellbeing. But perhaps, the hotel’s most distinctive expressions come through its dining scene. The French-inspired menus rely almost entirely on Yakushima’s local supply chain, including flying fish, mackerel, venison, tankan citrus, and mountain vegetables.

 

 

Amane Resort Seikai

 

 

Amane Resort Seikai (Beppu, Oita)

 

Few experiences rival that of Amane, where its private open-air onsen baths face Beppu Bay. This is the case for every accommodation, a rarity even within the most prolific hot spring destinations in Japan. Amane is located along a quiet stretch of coastline and is structured in such a way that leaves the sea uninterrupted for viewing, with open-air corridors and glass-fronted rooms that blend with the water. Interestingly, Amena’s onsen baths are supplied by Beppu’s natural hot springs, providing the opportunity to soak continuously while listening to the crashing waves or observing the changing lights over the bay.

 

The resort's architectural materials, like natural stones, untreated wood, and subdued textiles, are restrained with intention so that the ocean and hot spring water remain the focal points. Public spaces also follow suit, extending directly onto the shoreline to reinforce the resort's close physical and sensory connection to the sea.

 

 

Yamamizuki Kurokawa Onsen

 

 

Yamamizuki (Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto)

 

Yamamizuki is a traditional ryokan located within a forested ravine in the Kurokawa Onsen area, and along the Tanoharu River connecting a network of traditional inns and baths. Central to its appeal is the large riverside rotenuro, widely celebrated as one of the most atmospheric baths in Kurokawa. It is most notable for its precise positioning at water level, and is partially enclosed by rocks and trees to create the sensation of bathing within the forest itself. This experience further enhances as the water flows and foliage shifts between seasons, immersing you deeply and forming an inseparable connection with the environment.

 

Yamamizuki’s 21 guest rooms are traditional and subtly effective, just like their natural stone and wood surroundings, with tatami floors, futon beds, low wooden tables, and sliding shoji doors. The interiors follow in the same deliberate minimalism, even removing the televisions in some rooms to reinforce the ryokan’s emphasis on quiet and rest.

 

 

KAI Beppu

 

 

KAI Beppu

 

The concept adopted at KAI Beppu is designed to simulate the physical and sensory experience of walking through a historic Japanese spring village (onsen-gai) rather than a standard hotel hallway. The resort’s ingenious use of corridors to function as alleyways is central to its design, while major facilities like the Travel library and lobby model the look of independent shops along a street. It’s an experience that is intimate, authentic, and full of surprises, just as guests may encounter small design details or street-like nooks along the way, reinforcing that story-like quality of the resort.

 

Beyond the whimsical architecture, KAI Beppu’s 70 rooms all draw directly from the bay’s panorama, with uniformly ocean-facing structures that prioritize horizontal sightlines towards the water rather than inward-facing garden views usually found in older ryokans. Some rooms even feature private outdoor baths, but ultimately, guests can enjoy public baths with open-air (rotenburo) sections, as well as separate hand and leg baths, all fed by Beppu’s natural hot springs.

 

 

The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka

 

 

The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka (Fukuoka)

 

This five-star sanctuary boasts elegantly designed rooms and suites offering sweeping views of Hakata Bay or the vibrant city skyline. Guests are invited to indulge in an array of world-class dining options, including a Michelin-worthy kaiseki experience and decadent international cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s spa is a serene escape, pairing traditional Japanese wellness rituals with modern therapies to replenish both body and mind. Meanwhile, business travellers will appreciate the cutting-edge facilities and personalised services tailored to their needs.

 

 

Snow Peak YAKEI SUITE ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA

 

 

Snow Peak YAKEI SUITE ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA (Fukuoka)

 

Nestled amidst the tranquil expanse of Aburayama in Fukuoka, the Snow Peak YAKEI SUITE redefines the art of luxurious glamping. This immersive retreat harmonizes nature’s serenity with modern indulgence, offering guests an unparalleled experience. Each suite is meticulously curated with sleek, minimalist interiors crafted from premium materials that effortlessly merge with the surrounding landscape. By day, bask in the expansive views of lush greenery; by night, the shimmering cityscape unfolds like a living painting—true to its name, "yakei," meaning night view. The culinary offerings are equally captivating, with seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine prepared to complement the natural elegance of the setting.

 

 

Ryokan Shinsen (Takachiho, Miyazaki)

 

Takachiho is believed to be the site where the sun goddess Amaterasu’s grandson Ninigi no Mikoto came down from the heavens, marking the sacred origins of Japan’s imperial family. Ryokan Shinsen sits at the town’s heart, and remarkably close to its iconic natural wonders: Takachiho Gorge’s soaring basalt cliffs, the dramatic 17-meter Manai Falls, and the Gokase River.

 

Just a short walking distance from Takachiho Shrine and typically a 5-10 minute drive (20-30 minute walk) from the gorge, the Ryokan showcases local tradition right from the entrance, with oversized shimenawa (sacred twisted straw ropes) hung above entrances to invite property and purity, while signifying harmony between people and the gods.

 

A subtly immersive highlight of this Ryokan is its rooms’ access to beautifully landscaped gardens. Many rooms here, especially detached villas, allow you to view or access a private garden with either a private open-air cypress bath or an all-cypress bath (using heated water)

 

 

ENOWA Yufuin

 

 

ENOWA (Yufuin, Oita)

 

Amidst the tranquil landscapes of Yufuin, ENOWA Yufuin awaits—a luxurious retreat blending modern sophistication with timeless Japanese onsen culture. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance. Each suite, thoughtfully designed with opulent interiors, offers sweeping views of Mount Yufu, creating a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Elevate your stay with a seasonal kaiseki dining experience, a masterful showcase of local ingredients artfully crafted to tantalize the senses. Find rejuvenation in the exclusive onsen baths, fed by renowned natural hot springs, for a transcendent escape under the stars.

 

 

Nazuna Obi Onsen Resort

 

 

Nazuna Obi Onsen Resort (Obi Castle Town, Miyazaki)

 

Nazuna Obi Onsen Resort is a boutique retreat set within carefully restored historic buildings within the enchanting Obi Castle Town, seamlessly blending Edo-period architecture with modern opulence. Each meticulously designed suite features private onsen baths, surrounded by soothing natural elements that promise pure relaxation. Guests can relish personalised hospitality, with artfully crafted meals highlighting local Miyazaki delicacies, served in a dining ambiance befitting royalty.

 

What sets Nazuna Obi apart is its unparalleled attention to preserving heritage while offering plush comforts, making it a haven for history enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. The town’s picturesque streets and the resort’s tranquil setting create a sense of timelessness, perfect for those yearning to escape the ordinary.

 

 

Tenku Villa

 

 

Tenku (Kirishima, Kagoshima)

 

Tenku is a serene retreat that redefines luxury through nature and privacy. Nestled in the stunning forests of Kagoshima, this exclusive destination spans 60 hectares but features only five villas, each with a private onsen and complete seclusion. Designed by Tateo Tajima over 25 years, Tenku offers a rare escape where you can reconnect with nature and leave daily conventions behind.

 

Each villa boasts breathtaking views of Mount Kirishima, blending tranquility with luxury. Open-air baths and spas provide ultimate relaxation, while the on-site restaurant celebrates regional flavors with farm-to-table cuisine, featuring seasonal vegetables and free-range chickens from Tenku’s own farm. A member of Relais & Châteaux since 2016, Tenku is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, intimate getaway.

 

 

GOTO RETREAT by Onko Chishin

 

 

GOTO RETREAT by Onko Chishin (Goto Island, Nakasaki)

 

Located on Goto Island—part of a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance—GOTO RETREAT is an invitation to experience timeless beauty, unmatched comfort, and unbridled serenity in one of Japan's most captivating destinations. From the moment you step into the retreat, the sweeping views of azure waters and verdant hills—part of the Goto Islands' iconic scenery—evoke a sense of calm and wonder, perfectly complementing the minimalist yet sophisticated interiors. Each of the retreat's 26 rooms is meticulously designed with natural materials, offering an understated elegance that harmonises with the surrounding landscape.

 

EThe retreat features private onsen baths, where you can soak in soothing thermal waters as you gaze out at breathtaking vistas. The culinary offerings are equally remarkable, with menus highlighting the island's freshest, locally sourced produce, such as Goto beef and seafood from the surrounding waters.