Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan すみや亀峰菴（すみやきほうあん）

This was our first time at a Ryokan and we were very pleased. We had a room with a private open-air onsen and had a great relaxing time. Unfortunately we were a bit too nervous to try the public baths, but maybe we will try next time:D The shuttle-bus service was easy and reliable. If you want to get out of busy Kyoto for a day and relax, this is the place. The staff were very helpful and could speak English.

First time at a ryokan and this one had exceptional service. The amazing service began as soon as our taxi pulled up the property. From complimentary arrival drinks to a full tour of our rooms. We didn’t realize we should have booked dinner at time of booking but the staff was accommodating and went through the options with us. We had a room with a private onsen. The room even had a pamphlet with instructions on how to use an onsen. This location is about a 15 minute ride from the nearest local train station, but they offer a shuttle service to and from. Staff were always friendly and the traditional breakfast was tasty and well presented. At one point we accidentally dropped some chopsticks on the floor at breakfast and within seconds a staff member came over and replaced! Definitely check this place out if you are looking for some much needed relaxation on your trip!

The overall environment of this ryokan is quite lovely. The indoor foot bath area is a great place to relax, zone out, or read a book quietly — a perfect little sanctuary. However, there were several aspects of our stay that left us disappointed, particularly when it comes to the service. We stayed in one of the more expensive rooms, and our total cost for two people with dinner and breakfast included was over 240,000 yen. Compared to similar ryokans in Hakone, the price felt relatively reasonable. That said, we were disappointed to find that our room window faced a road rather than a lush green view, which detracted from the tranquil, immersive nature experience we had been hoping for. The biggest letdown, however, was the service attitude, which felt indifferent and unwelcoming at multiple points. On the day of arrival, we got delayed slightly at Kyoto Station and missed the last available shuttle from the ryokan, which departs at 17:55. I emailed the property to politely ask if there were any other ways to get there, only to receive a curt, one-line reply: “The only way to get to the ryokan is by taxi or local bus.” That was it — no suggestions on which bus to take, no offer to help us call a taxi, nothing. This would have been frustrating at any hotel, but for a high-end ryokan that prides itself on service, it was truly disappointing. To make matters worse, while we were on the public bus trying to find our way there, I received two more emails from the ryokan: one asking, “When will you be able to arrive?” and another stating, “Please arrive before 19:00.” The tone felt more like a command than a helpful reminder, which made the experience even more stressful. During our stay, the staff — including the okami (female manager) — hardly acknowledged us. We passed by her on the way to breakfast the next morning, and she didn’t greet us or smile, which felt oddly cold given the personalized hospitality ryokans are typically known for. As for the meals, the kaiseki dinner was underwhelming. The flavors were bland, the presentation was uninspired, and the rice was overcooked and mushy — surprisingly, the rice served at breakfast the next day was better. The only standout item was the milk we ordered separately, which was fresh and tasty. One final note: for a ryokan in this price range, it was disappointing that the mini bar drinks were all chargeable, including the iconic post-onsen bottled milk, which is usually complimentary at many other onsen resorts. The only free drinks provided were two bottles of water. All in all, if your main priority is a peaceful environment and a nice place to soak and unwind, this place might meet your needs. But if you’re looking for warm service, memorable meals, and overall value for money, I’d recommend looking elsewhere

Booked onsen experience: community + private onsen, and lunch. Very professional staff, relaxing ambiance, and the hot springs were amazing. Free shuttle service from train station made transportation simple. Will come back during next trip to Kyoto

We had a lovely one night stay at Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan. Our rooms were clean and well stocked with everything we could need. The futon beds were also extremely comfortable (we like a firm mattress and thin pillow to allow for better alignment) and we had the best sleep of our trip. We were served dinner in our room and the traditional kaiseki was an amazing experience - very different from Japanese food you would otherwise have! The private onsen on our room was also great as I have tattoos and usually cannot go to public onsens. I would note that the ryokan is a little ‘in the middle of nowhere’, so make sure you have everything you need before going!

Perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. If you just want peace and quiet, great Japanese food and an onsen, this is the perfect place. You can also reserve a room with a private onsen, which we did. A shuttle will take you from Kameoka station to the Ryokan and back to the station. Excellent staff!! Highly recommend this place!!

The place is amazing and the staff is great. The rooms were very comfortable. It is a little away from Kyoto so if you don’t have a car, ask the staff to call you a taxi.

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout my visit. The included meals were absolutely delicious, offering a great variety of flavors. My room was spacious and comfortable, featuring large, cozy beds. The onsen was a delightful addition, adding a relaxing touch to the overall experience. Highly recommend!