Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan すみや亀峰菴（すみやきほうあん）

I had an amazing experience at Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan! Coming from the USA, we do not get to experience such high levels of service, hospitality, and comfort as Sumiya has provided us. We are forever grateful for this experience and it is something we can look back on for the rest of our lives. If you visit Japan, this is a once in a life time experience and you should absolutely do it.

We left from Italy with the wish to see the real Japanese style of life and here we found it! This is a beautiful place where you can relax, live the real Japanese culture and you can relax in the hot springs. We discovered the real Japanese food, and it was fantastic! We say "Thank you very much" to the staff, for their kindness, availability and for the services. An unforgettable stay! Giuseppe Ghiraldo.

Don't let the three star hotel rating fool you! This is a wonderful ryokan with some of the most excellent Kyoto-style dinners and breakfasts we've ever had. The service is absolutely impeccable, everything arranged to minute details. The rooms are Japanese style (ie., sleeping on the ground on a thin mattress), though Western style rooms are available too. Even Western breakfasts are selectable though I've never tried those personally. Then the hot springs... an absolute must try when in Japan! Free to use when staying here and open 23 hours a day. Also highly recommended, especially when travelling as a couple, is the private onsen; a secluded hot spring, looking heavenly, two baths one hot and the other hotter, plus an area for changing clothes and another for resting in chairs. At night time, wonderfully illuminated by candlelight, while in case of rain a successful onsen visit is guaranteed by a bamboo parasol! Some rooms additionally have a private bath on an outdoor patio. Open all seasons, though personally we've only stayed during winter's, so far. The area around here is wonderful for boat trips, while the Kyoto bamboo forest and the sagano romantic train are nearby too. Highly recommended for any Japan visit!

We came for the lunch and private bath day trip, and loved it! The lunch was a six-course meal with tea, veggies, soup, sashimi, and more. The private bath was extremely hot, but refreshing in the August humidity. The staff spoke great English and were friendly and accommodating. Definitely a good way to get out of Kyoto City for a few hours!

The Experience It is not the first time for me staying at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), but the experience still amazes me. My friend and I decided on Sumiya Kiho-an after seeing some of their accommodations. On the day of arrival, they provided me with information on shuttle services. Even though I replied late, they were still able to add me to the list for the shuttle. Upon arrival, the Ryokan staff greeted us in a very sincere manner. The check in process was very straightforward and a dedicated staff is there to assist. The staff will also provide you with an explanation of the Ryokan and its operation. You are then guided to your room where you can relax and enjoy the Ryokan services. Meals get delivered straight to the room at the selected time slot and are well presented. The onsen (hot spring), of course was an unwinding experience, both indoor and outdoor. The Ryokan Sumiya Kiho-an is a bit remote and away from the city center. They provide shuttle service from the closest station, but you can also reach it via bus. The Ryokan itself is quite spacious with different floors to explore. Through the lobby of the main floor, there are connections to the gift shop, common area, cafe, and onsen. The onsen are gender separated, and both have indoor and outdoor section. There are also terrace area to provide a scenic view of the area. The guest rooms are accessible on the upper and lower floor of the Ryokan. The rooms are spacious and have traditional dividers separating different sections. We selected the traditional style room, which also came with a private bath. But there are also western style rooms if you prefer having beds over futons. The ins and outs of the Ryokan was in very well kept condition, as expected of Japan. The Miscellaneous Ryokan stays are usually more on the expensive end. But Sumiya Kiho-an provided great service, food, and accommodation. It is a highly recommended experience if the opportunity arises.