If you want to experience a country ryokan with private baths and excellent food, but don’t want to travel up until the Japan Alps etc, then take a close look at Sumiya Kihoan. It’s in Kameoka, which is about half an hour from Kyoto by train and they’ll pick you up at the station.
Sumiya Kihoan exterior
Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan At A Glance
- Great for: couples, families, those looking to escape the cities
- Strong points: great onsen baths, excellent food, close to Kyoto
- Sample rates: from US$300 to $800 per night
Sumiya Kihoan gate
Famous as the ryokan where John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed during one of their Japan trips, Sumiya Kihoan is a lovely onsen ryokan located in the mountains outside Kameoka, a small city located on the other side of the mountains from Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. The real virtue here is that it allows you to escape the city without having to spend a day in transit.
Sumiya Kihoan dinner
Sumiya Kihoan has a variety of rooms that range from most Western-style to traditional Japanese style. Some rooms have private onsen baths on verandahs overlooking the forest. There’s also a beautiful onsen bath located in the forest near the ryokan, accessible by a short trail.
Japanese-style suite room private bath
The ryokan prides itself on food and since there’s not too much around here, you should definitely choose the breakfast/dinner option. The prices may look high for full board, but when you understand what you’d pay for meals like this in a restaurant, it all makes sense.
Japanese-style suite room bedroom
If you’re looking for a country ryokan with private baths and great food, take a very close look at Sumiya Kihoan.
Name in English:
Sumiya Kiho-an
Name in Japanese:
すみや亀峰菴
English address:
25 Hiedanocho-kakihana-miyanooku, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto, Japan 621-0036
Japanese address:
〒621-0036 京都府亀岡市ひえ田野町柿花宮ノ奥25
Price range: moderate to luxury
Nearest Transport:
Taxi or courtesy bus from Kameoka Station of JR Sagano Line
Telephone: 81-771-22-7722
Website: sumiya.ne.jp/en/
:: Check availability and pricing for Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
