Sumiya Ryokan

My mother and I stayed here together. It was our first visit in over a decade, since we came as a family of three with my late father. We were able to enjoy the delicious meals that impressed us so much back then, and simply soaking in the bath and relaxing brought such a wonderful sense of happiness. I also found it lovely to see the proprietress and everyone else working so briskly and efficiently. I shared how delighted my father had been at the time, and it became a meaningful holiday during Higan. Thank you very much.

A uniquely Kyoto, uniquely summer welcome—one that could only be found at Sumiyasan. First, the Room: the breeze through the reed doors, shadows cast by the bamboo blinds, and the feel of the woven flooring underfoot. A sense of coolness and beauty in Kyoto’s summer setting. The tea experience at Gyokuto-an that followed was truly enjoyable, and it may well inspire me to properly study tea ceremony. Thank you so much, Okami! Above all, I’m grateful for everyone’s kindness at Sumiyasan. From the person who assisted us in our Room, to those who kindly stored our luggage when we arrived early, prepared the bath despite the late hour, and opened up the Room so we could better enjoy the view of the Koetsu-gaki fence—everyone was warm and welcoming, making our stay a delight. I’ll learn proper tea etiquette and come back again!