Sumiyoshi Ryokan

Japan , Gifu
TAKAYAMA, 4 Chome-21 Honmachi
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Campbell

Loved the authentic Japanese family hospitality in a traditional setting.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2025

Eli

A wonderful, unique, and meaningful stay for our family of four. This inn offers an authentic, traditional Japanese experience with superior care and fabulous food (you MUST add the dinner experiences!). We will remember it always.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2025

Edward

Absolutely amazing

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Oct 2024

Verified traveler

Sumiyoshi Ryokan experience

The owners and staff were very warm and welcoming. However, the structure was old and a little tired looking. Our sleeping room only had one electrical outlet with a lamp plugged into it. This made charging our iPhones and tablets difficult. Also, the one larger onsen was never available during our 4 day stay. Perhaps a sign up sheet with a 45 minute time slot could help make the onsen available to more visitors. On the positive side, the ryokan was well located a short distance from the train station and some interesting sights in Takayama.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2024

Liam

Absolutely incredible, a highlight of our trip! The staff were really friendly and the food was really good. They also had an onsen which was really relaxing. Our only regret was that we didn’t book it sooner so that we could’ve stayed more than one night.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2024

Lisa

Unique authentic experience. We enjoyed our hosts and the property.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2024

Andrew

Incredible stay - highlight of our trip to Japan. Traditional guesthouse with great food and warm hospitality

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2023

Jane

This is a lovely Ryokan. Our room looked over the river and had a lovely garden just outside. The staff were lively and very well organised. Highly recommend the Japanese breakfast to start your day.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2023

Verified traveler

Welcoming ryokan

The staff were welcoming. We enjoyed the Japanese breakfast, it was excellent. The Osen was great so relaxing.
I would recommend a stay at this ryokan.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2023

Maude

Best hotel/accommodation we stayed at in Japan! The staff is so friendly and welcoming, the breakfast is delicious and the location is very convenient. The private onsen was perfect after long days of walking. Would recommend to anyone visiting Takayama!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2023

Lindsay

Tattoo friendly and a amazing place to stay

It was the best place we had stayed at to this day! My husband and i never been to a ryokan before and the family running it were absolutely amazing! We arrived a hour late from curfew for check in which i was very worried that we would be turned away for it but we were greeted warmly and got to our room with no problems.

Another worry we had was the shared bath since we have tattoos and werent sure if it was ok with the place but when we arrived we found out that it was required to lock the door for the bath so it was a relief.

10/10 I would stay here again and probably stay only at ryokans when I visit japan again as we found ourselves really missing staying at sumiyoshi.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2023

Ellen

In a month-long trip to Japan, this ryokan felt like coming home. The staff are friendly and warm, and the rooms have all that you need.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2022

Anita

Best of traditional hospitality/modern convenience

A fabulous ryokan! Attentive, personal, service, comfortable conveniences, all in an authentic, traditional setting. Surrounded by antiques (including in the rooms), you’ll find your hosts have a sense of humor, even as they provide excellent kaiseki! I wish we could’ve stayed longer!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2017

Skye

This was one of the best experiences I had in Japan! It was so much fun staying in a ryokan and it was made even more special by the lovely owners! It felt like we were guests in their house as they were so helpful and kind and such wonderful service! The onsen was also amazing as you could use it privately! We had a room that looked directly onto the river which was also a bonus! I would definitely recommend!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

Caring and attentive staff

Highlights of this Ryokan experience:
- the location and hearing the river
-customer service
- food - we had the Japanese breakfast each morning which was delightful
- the bath - clean and relaxing
We chose this Ryokan to have a traditional experience which was explempary. As others have written, the facilities are not new and so for those seeking modern furnishings/ decor, it would not suit.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

This was one of our highlights from our holiday in Japan. Well worth the money and an incredible experience which we will always remember.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Nice little ryokan with very nice employees! Great "onsen" in the bathroom!

6/10

Pleasant

02 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Disappointed

The staff is nice and the place is clean, but even though I saw pictures and wasn't expecting much, my boyfriend and I were disappointed. That Ryokan is run-down. We would have preferred an hotel or auberge for the same price.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2017

Ilyna

Will definitely come back!

This was by far the best stay in Japan for me so far. The interior is wonderful and intricate. The food was also extremely delicious. The owners of the ryokan are so accommodating, helped me carry my really heavy luggage. When we left, they helped us call a taxi and walked us to the main road. I will definitely be staying here again!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2017

Danny

Great Ryokan!

Great experience. The couple who run this place are amazing. Definitely recommend trying a Ryokan.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

Welcome home

For a true Japanese experience, this ryokan is for you. A comfortable and happy place to have a quiet break from the city. You will be treated like royalty but with smile.

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2017

Evelyn

Cozy ryokan

Very friendly, comfortable and great location on the river. The baths are hot and wonderful. The meals were very elaborate. Nice town to explore, with good restaurants nearby. As our first ryokan experience, we were very impressed.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2017

franco

SUCH A WONDERFUL STAY our favorite in Japan

we stayed for 2 nigths. we just loved every minute of it.
theres shared bathrooms, and shared toilets. but to be honest we did not once had to wait more than 5 minute to use any.
the lady is so nice, with a very basic english they will make sure you have the best stay. they are so used to turist, and specially to non japanese speakers. i cant describe how much we loved this place. GET THE JAPANESE BREAKFAST AND DINNER!! you will not regret it. They offered us a pair of beutifual chopstick as a farewell gift.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2017

Michelle

Great location. Great breakfast.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2017

Jamie

Small ryokan with a very antique/authentic feel

Ryokan had a very antique feel with small, quirky decorations scattered throughout. Staff were very nice and thoughtful. Location is right across the river morning markets and near the old town sights. Would definitely stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2016

traditional

very good

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2016

jo-matt pack

Incredibly authentic antique style. Wonderful host

The hosts are so very kind, welcoming and accomodating. They maintain the authentic experience of using a traditional family style inn from years past. Just be aware that bathrooms are communal, but have a nice onsen style aesthetic :)

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2016

Emily

Wonderful ryokan experience with amazing breakfast

My husband and I spent two nights here and were extremely happy about our choice. The owners of the ryokan are most gracious hosts and have a wonderful property to share with their guests. Breakfast (Japanese style) was absolutely fantastic and they even accommodated our request for vegetarian options. I'd highly recommend to anyone.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2015

Tazzie

Excellent staff, old ryokan.

This ryokan provided us a taste of true Japanese culture. It is a little old, but the kind and always helping staff more than make up for it. The location is quite good, with the main street market at a 10 min walk, and the station at a 15 min walk. The river flows right behind the ryokan, with some rooms having the river view. There are no bathrooms in any rooms, but there are 2 big bathrooms with hot water spas which can be used privately. All in all, an amazing experience and definitely recommended.
Pros: excellent hospitality, amazing staff, good location.
cons: no bathroom in room, old.

8/10

Excellent

06 Sep 2015

Robert

A charming introduction to Japanese culture

Takayama was our first night ever in Japan and staying at the ryokan was a wonderful introduction to Japanese culture. The location was atmospheric right beside the river on a night of rain and thunderstorms. The staff were delightful, attentive and amusing. We enjoyed a traditional Japanese dinner prepared by our hosts. We would certainly recommend this charming little piece of Japan.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2015

Trev and Wen

The best experience in Japan

We were made to feel welcome from the minute we arrived. The staff are warm and friendly and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and even did our washing. In our package was breakfast and dinners which are presented beautifully, tasted amazing and was a highlight of our trip. If you want a Japanese experience close to everything this is your place. A taxi to the station was only 660yen which was arranged for us as it was snowing, but it is only a 10 min walk. If we ever come back to Japan we will be staying here.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2015

Tayla

The most amazing traditional japanese experience

Book the dinner/breakfast included - most amazing experience, best way to see japanese cuisine and lifestyle. Have backpacked the entire country and this was definitely the highlight of the trip!

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2014

Verified traveler

Would recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing time and traditional meals in beautiful Takayama

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2014

Choy Kuan

Great experience

Excellent service and food :)
The only negative side is the wall is thin. We can hear the next door conversation

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2014

Anthony Cheung

Great stay at Sumiyoshi Ryokan

I had a great stay at Sumiyoshi Ryokan despite missing a day due to Vongfong and cancelled JR train from Nagoya to Takayama. The owners checked me in early on arrive and provided a very nice welcome. I was extremely impressed by the dinner and breakfast; both were served in my room. I know the Ryokan had other guests at the same time, but I felt like royalty. This ryokan did not smell of smoke and was very clean. I will stay at this Ryokan when I return to visit Takayama. Two thumbs up recommendation.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2014

Verified traveler

Fantastic

A fabulous friendly ryokan. The dinner and breakfast were amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2014

annie

Excellent experience and staff

This was probably one of our favourite nights on our holiday in japan. Not only was the ryokan great (better than it looks in photos), the staff were extremely amenable. Takayama itself is a lovely town, well worth a visit. Good markets and the hida village good to see. Overall this hotel was made by the staff and the amazing meals you get with your room.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2014

Nora

Fantastic

Fantastic Ryokan, very close to the main shopping area and the staff are very sweet. Felt very homely. Food was fanatic, we had the breakfast and dinner inclusions and the servings were very generous!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2013

Verified traveler

Great place to stay

This ryokan is definitely the best place we stayed in Japan. It's old and full of artifacts.an antique hotel. Great Japanese style Living experience. Food is great. Service is unbeatable. The staff don't speak much English, but they try their best to help you. The bath is so good. Very authentic. Love and Love this place.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2013

jan

Perfect stay!

We enjoyed every minute at the Sumiyoshi Ryokan. The food...both dinner and breakfast were wonderfully prepared, very delicious, and very personal.The room was cozy, clean, and comfortable. The onsen was delightful.If you have a chance, we would highly recommend staying here.

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2013

Andrew

We had a lovely stay at this ryokan. The ryokan isn't exactly close to the train station but it is certainly walkable. It may be a bit of a haul if you have large luggage though. Fortunately there is a tourist information booth just outside the train station if you need directions. Yes, it is true that the hosts are not great with English but with little effort you can get by. I say this without having to make any special requests or needing any guidance from them per se....so "getting by" relative. In any case, the staff is friendly, the service attentive, the food yummy (why anyone would choose continental breakfast over the Japanese is beyond me. When in Rome...) Paid to have my own toilet but as they ryokan wasn't full, it might have been ok to save on that cost...but it's nice to have the option. 2 public baths - one larger than the other. Never had to fight anyone to use either. Very relaxing to sit in both. The room was clean...and sleeping on the floor was more comfortable than I expected. We had a view of the river outside where wild carp swam by...an unexpected bonus. Had the weather been better, I would have enjoyed using the veranda. The ryokan is located very close to the sites. All in all, a very nice stay

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2013

Cynthia

Accommodating and convenient

Run by a lovely, funny woman. We rented bikes from next door and explored the town. Lots of lovely shops and folk art artisans. We bought a beautiful teapot with cups from a local potter. There is a morning market just across the bridge from the ryokan. Lovely.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2013

Verified traveler

Beautiful traditional ryokan on the river

We loved our stay at Sumiyoshi Ryokan. We had a lovely room overlooking the river - all the rooms and communal spaces are decorated with Japanese ornaments and that gave the ryokan a really nice personal touch.We opted for half board and no regrets here! Dinner was an elaborate affair and everything was so beautifully presented and delicious. But the best thing about Sumiyoshi was the staff who made us feel so welcomed and did everything possible to make our stay enjoyable. We would highly recommend this ryokan to anyone visiting Takayama.

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2013

Rhysito

A great place to stay

This small inn, located on the river was a great choice. The staff have limited English but are very friendly and relaxed. The room was small and reviews the river slightly uninspiring, but hotel facilities were great and the food was fantastic.

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2013

Tara

Highly recommended stay

At first the old Japanese decor, and samurai armour in the lobby and other random rooms came off as kitschy, but by the end of our stay, it all added to the charm of staying at this ryokan. We were made to feel like welcome guests at an elderly couple and her family's home, complete with large home-cooked meals and doting attention from the proprietors. The great food and the adorable granny is what made this place for us. The tatami mats were standard and as comfortable as with the other Japanese guest houses we stayed at, while the sectioned off room(s) were larger much than your average Japanese hotel or ryokan.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2013

Sydney

Fantastic service, cosy room, will be back!

I loved my stay here. The owners are super cute and although the english can be slightly challenging at times, they always manage to work out what your saying. Everything was 5/5. The only thing that would have been better is having both bathrooms open, particularly in peak times. That said, when I came home wet from a run, they opened the 2nd bathroom for me, the bath wasnt hot but i could still shower! Want to come back here. Book in advance to get a better deal.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2013

Ariel

Very friendly staff

My wife and I stayed here for two nights. We stayed in three traditional style Ryokans while in Japan, and this one had the friendliest service and was also the best value. While the staff spoke little English, this was not a problem. The two in house onsen baths were very convenient, and unlike in the other two ryokans we stayed at, the bath area was lockable, allowing you to go as a family rather than separated male/female. Location was about a 15 min walk from the train station, a little further than most other accommodation options in Takayama, but well located for exploring the morning market and traditional old house streets. It is an "antique ryokan", so it is filled with antiques.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2013

Verified traveler

Wonderful service

Shared bathroom which can be annoying, but the wonderful service is amazing.
Close to river and markets across the road. 10 min walk from train station. Otherwise very good location.

4/10

Poor

15 Mar 2013

yippeewifey

Run down, dirty ryokan with friendly service

We stayed at the Sumiyoshi Ryokan because it received very good reviews from other visitors. Unfortunately, we found that although the toilets were clean, everything else was dirty. To begin with, the ryokan is very run down (it is about 100 years old). There are holes in the paper walls, the floor is worn down, etc. Our main concern, however, was cleanliness. For example, we noticed that the heated blanket ("kotatsu") that covered the table which food is served on had several crusted food stains on it, leading us to believe that it had not been cleaned in a while. Because we were curious, we looked underneath the table and blanket. We wish we didn't look - we found pubic hair and dirt there. We also didn't use the bath ("onsen") because there was mold growing between the tiles and in the grout. Lastly, when the cleaning lady came in to pack up the futon, we noticed that she only changed the pillow cases and not the sheets for the comforter; she merely folded the comforter up and placed it back in the cupboard. The food is pretty good, though. There's a cute homeless cat that hangs around the ryokan, but it is probably blind. If it sees you through a window or a door, it will often try to come into the ryokan and bump its head against the glass. Don't touch the cat, however. It scratches people. The little old lady who runs the place is very friendly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2013

Verified traveler

Happy stay at Takayama

Warm service by smiley ryokan staff. Dinner was very good. Blankets provided were warm and comfortable. Room assigned to us had nice river view although size was a little too small at night when the futons were laid out for two people. The table was actually pushed to the side of the room but part of table covered part of our futon. It was a strange sight seeing the end of the table perching on the "feet" section of futon. Attached toilet was clean and modern - a very important plus point! This is a ryokan I am happy to return to on future visits. Location is good - just opposite the Miyagawa morning market.