Sumiya RyokanvsHoshinoya Kyoto
Both hotels are highly recommended by travel writers. On balance, HOSHINOYA Kyoto ranks slightly higher than Sumiya Ryokan. HOSHINOYA Kyoto is ranked #17 in Kyoto with praise from 5 reviews including The Telegraph, Travel + Leisure and Gayot.
Sumiya Ryokan
433 Shirakabecho, Nakagyo-ku, Fuyacho Sanjo-kudaru, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8075
From $0/night
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Refrigerator
Frommer's
"Like the other traditional Japanese inns listed here, the 100-year-old Sumiya has a great location in a typical Kyoto neighborhood just a few minutes' walk from bustling downtown." Full review
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The oldest rooms employ a striking variety of different woods in their design (be sure to notice the Edo-Era designs on the sliding doors), while rooms in a 45-year-old addition may have sliding screen doors that open onto a private garden.
Hoshinoya Kyoto
11-2 Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-0007
From $645/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Travel + Leisure
"The Arashiyama neighborhood of Kyoto, full of bamboo groves and Zen temples, is the site of the city’s newest—and most exquisite—ryokan, or traditional inn." Full review
Star Service
"Quaint and authentic, this traditional ryokan inspires guests with its Japanese style while keeping the modern comforts of home readily available." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"This hybrid ryokan-hotel, a series of low buildings inspired by traditional Japanese houses, clings to the banks above the Hozugawa River in the temple-rich Arashiyama district." Full review
Gayot
"Tastefully contemporary, this charming boutique hotel is unique among Kyoto's many traditional inns."
The Telegraph
8.0
"A tranquil, traditionally-styled but luxurious escape in woods reached by a riverboat, on the edge of Kyoto. A range of free activities include a tea-drinking ceremony." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The 25 spacious guest pavilions all have unique touches, but you can expect traditional Japanese elements like shoji screens, low-lying furniture, tokonoma alcoves, tatami mats, and deep soaking tubs "
9 Kyoto Hotels for Your Next Japan Getaway
February 17, 2023
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"This modern take on the classic Japanese inn is quickly becoming a favourite of well-heeled visitors to Kyoto in search of privacy and a unique experience." Full review