Sansou Murata makes you question all the things you've considered to be of beauty in the past. When you're backpacking without an agenda on the other side of the world you come across miracles like this. Life just happens that way. Murata is a complex of an ultra fine ryokan, Sansou Murata; craft/artisan shop, a restaurant, a chocolatier, a cafe/bar, crack roll cakes from B-speak, a museum and Fusho-an, the most sensory stimulating soba restaurant on the planet. Basically every aspect of life can be enjoyed at the Murata empire. Murata is located in Yufuin of Oita prefecture, one of the popular onsen regions in Japan. People throw around the term "zen" loosely, but being in the presence of true attention to detail that works in harmony with nature all comes together in this surreal getaway. As with most efforts in Japan, Murata's offerings are of course locally sourced from the surrounding mountains and forests of Yufuin. Murata attracts international tourists who appreciate the serenity of an onsen ryokan to fans of the design firm Simplicity who delivered an amazing identity system and interior design. Murata is a true fantasy for Monocle fans and the like.