Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 210 reviews
Set within the Yunohana Onsen resort outside Kyoto, Ryokan Sumiya Kiho-an is a compact, tradition-minded ryokan with onsen facilities that emphasize seasonal surroundings and understated craftsmanship. The property maintains about 25 guest rooms arranged across a series of timber and plaster buildings that showcase classic joinery and patterned fusuma; hot spring water is described on the property information as a plain, mildly radium-bearing spring used in the public baths and open-air rotenburo. Guests can expect a quiet mountain setting a short rail ride from central Kyoto, and the hotel presents itself as a carefully preserved example of regional ryokan hospitality.
Accommodation ranges from traditional tatami suites to larger rooms with private bathing terraces; a number of room types include an in-room, private onsen so visitors can enjoy a personal soak without using the communal facilities. The ryokan operates an on-site restaurant serving multi-course kaiseki meals prepared with seasonal ingredients, alongside a small spa programme and optional massage treatments, while the wider property lists an outdoor pool and a selection of public bathing areas. Practical guest services noted on booking information include shuttle options and luggage assistance, and staff-led touches follow a standard ryokan routine of yukata robes and in-room tea service.
For travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen near Kyoto, this property combines accessible transport links with a deliberately tranquil setting suited to couples and small groups looking for an immersive bathing-and-dining stay. The layout and limited room count help preserve privacy in the communal areas, and the dining focus makes evening kaiseki the focal point of most stays; evening and outdoor bathing options are available alongside in-room baths for those preferring solitude. The overall experience is oriented toward relaxed pacing, hands-on hospitality and a clear emphasis on the onsen-led rhythm of the visit.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many guests praised the warm, helpful and accommodating staff who assist with check‑in changes, shuttle pickups, luggage and special requests (e.g. allergies), contributing strongly to the overall experience.
Outstanding cuisine
Kaiseki dinners and traditional breakfasts were repeatedly described as delicious, beautifully presented and a highlight of the stay.
Relaxing onsen experience
Private in‑room hot spring baths and the public onsen were frequently mentioned as cozy, tranquil and central to the relaxing atmosphere.
Beautiful, peaceful setting and traditional atmosphere
The ryokan’s hillside/forest location, layout and traditional styling create a quiet, restorative escape that many guests found very scenic and authentic.
Comfortable, well‑equipped rooms and thoughtful touches
Rooms were described as spacious and well prepared, with comfortable beds/tatami experience, welcome snacks/drinks, quality toiletries/skincare products, occasional massage services and late‑night snacks appreciated by guests.
Negative Reviews
Price perceived as high by some
A number of reviewers felt the stay was expensive for what was offered, noting the high cost even if some still found it worthwhile.
Transport and access limitations
The shuttle runs only at set times, takes around 20 minutes to the station (plus train time), and the property doors lock at 10pm — constraints that can make late‑night outings or independent travel inconvenient.
Occasional noise or nearby eyesores
Some guests reported traffic noise (cargo trucks) near certain onsen routes and noticed an abandoned building complex on the way to a private onsen, which slightly affected the peace for those rooms/areas.
Operational/amenity inconsistencies and limited information
Guests mentioned limited signage or pre‑arrival information about meal choices, spa operation times and other property details; a few noted small amenity oversights (for example, missing soap by a sink).
Issues with family/children policies and specific facilities
At least one reviewer reported perceived lack of tolerance for children and a public pool described as poorly maintained (algae), indicating that some facilities or policies may not suit all family needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: many Japanese-style rooms and some superior rooms accommodate up to four guests, twin/bed rooms suit two, and the property has 25 rooms with family options available.
Yes; the ryokan sits in Yunohana Onsen and offers a natural radium hot spring with gender-separated indoor and open-air public baths, plus an outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
Some room categories include a private open-air onsen, and the ryokan offers reservable private-bath options and day-trip onsen experiences; advance reservation is required.
The ryokan runs a scheduled free shuttle pick-up and drop-off from JR Kameoka and Torokko Kameoka stations; for airport access you typically travel by train to Kameoka then use the shuttle—reserve the shuttle in advance.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 (latest around 19:00) and check-out is by 11:00; provide your train arrival details when booking if you need the station shuttle.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts in the dining room; children are not allowed at dinner in certain seatings, so check dining rules when you reserve.
Pets are not allowed on the property; some baths can be reserved for private use, but full privatization of the ryokan is not standard—contact the property to discuss event arrangements.
Staff provide service in Japanese and English, and many listings report additional support in Chinese and Vietnamese.
The ryokan is in Yunohana Onsen with easy access to local temples, the Sagano Romantic Torokko train and Arashiyama (roughly a 30-minute drive); transport options include the hotel shuttle, local buses, JR trains and taxis.
Basic convenience stores and small shops are available in the Yunohana/Kameoka area, while larger supermarkets are located in Kameoka town and are reachable by shuttle, local bus or a short drive.