Sunrapport Murakumo

Breakfast was a highlight, with lots of tasty food, especially the beef tendon curry. We even enjoyed dessert, then took the hot coffee they offered back to our room and drank it before check-out. Our room was clean and roomy, with a lovely view of Matsue Castle. We were there as a family of three for a T-BOLAN concert, and the staff had greeted us with smiles. When we asked the day before about parking and check-in times, they adjusted things so we could make it to the concert. It became a wonderful family memory. Thank you so much. If we come back to Matsue, we'll stay here again.

What stood out most was the service. Everyone was kind and genuinely warm, and I appreciated that a lot. The garden was lovely too, with the autumn leaves at their peak. The fried egg cooked right in front of me was delicious, though breakfast overall was just average. There weren't many dishes, and some had run out when I went, although more appeared later, so it may have been a timing thing. The building isn't new, and the lace curtains looked worn, but the place was clean. It was also a great deal compared with pricier hotels, with breakfast included, a central Matsue location, a nearby supermarket, and a large free parking lot. Other places charge a lot for parking or make it first come, first served, so the total cost was much lower. I'd like to come back.

Breakfast alone makes this place memorable. There was clam soup from Lake Shinji, Izumo soba, plenty of side dishes, and delicious freshly cooked rice that was apparently from Shimane Prefecture. The clam soup was especially refreshing after I'd had too much to drink. My single room was on the sixth floor and surprisingly roomy, with a sofa-like bed and a great view. It was spotlessly clean, the shower had plenty of water, the toilet had a flushing function, and I had no bathroom issues. The room had amenities and didn't need refrigeration. I visited in humid mid-August, but the whole building was air-conditioned and I could control the room's AC myself. The hotel has a well-kept Showa-era feel and is very clean. Parking was easy in the flat lot and free until the 10:00 checkout. It's a five-minute walk to Matsue Castle, close to the central government district, with a supermarket next door. The reception and service were excellent, and the room with breakfast was under ¥10,000 even in these challenging times. As part of the Public Mutual Aid Anragino-no-Yado group, it gives faculty and staff a ¥1,000 accommodation discount. I'm not sure what “Sun Lapo” means, but it may combine “sun” in English with “bridge” in French. I think Murakumo refers to the “Amanomuragumo,” the sacred sword said to have been struck by Yamata no Orochi in Izumo legend. I'll stay again on my next visit to Matsue.

I was very happy with the steak that came with dinner. The hotel is right next to Matsue Castle. It seems to cater to civil servants, though the public can stay too. It closes at 9pm, and having a supermarket next door is handy.