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SOWAKA

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel with spa services and a 24-hour front desk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for SOWAKA

Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Point of interest
202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Restaurant
106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
In the heart of Kyoto, SOWAKA offers a serene retreat with its lush garden and tranquil terrace. Unwind with a deep-tissue massage, indulge in local flavors at the restaurant, or explore nearby Maruyama Park and Kawaramachi Street on bike rentals. Connect to free WiFi, enjoy concierge services, and feel at ease with helpful staff who have left lasting impressions on previous guests.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping

Get more when you're a member

  • Save 15% or more on select VIP Access properties when you reach Silver tier or higher
  • Experience top-rated quality and exceptional service
  • Get an in-stay perk at select properties, plus free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 22 of 22 rooms

View all photos for 201:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

201:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

201:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 527 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 203:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath and Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

203:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath and Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

203:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath and Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 506 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 204:Junior Suite with Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

204:Junior Suite with Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

204:Junior Suite with Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 753 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 205:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

205:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

205:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 474 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 206:Superior room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)

206:Superior room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

206:Superior room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Yard
Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
  • 463 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)

102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 549 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 208:Deluxe Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

208:Deluxe Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

208:Deluxe Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 581 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 104:Deluxe Maisonette with Tea Ceremony Room, Hollywood Twin(Main)

104:Deluxe Maisonette with Tea Ceremony Room, Hollywood Twin(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

104:Deluxe Maisonette with Tea Ceremony Room, Hollywood Twin(Main)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 646 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 105:Superior Room with Garden View, Skip Floor, Queen Bed(Main)

105:Superior Room with Garden View, Skip Floor, Queen Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

105:Superior Room with Garden View, Skip Floor, Queen Bed(Main)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 420 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 207:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, King Bed(Annex)

207:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

207:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, King Bed(Annex)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 603 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 209:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Annex)

209:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

209:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 506 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 517 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex)

211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 624 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 210:Standard Room with City View, Queen Bed(Annex)

210:Standard Room with City View, Queen Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

210:Standard Room with City View, Queen Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main)

106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 635 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for 107: Deluxe Room with Naguri Wall, Twin Bed(Main)

107: Deluxe Room with Naguri Wall, Twin Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

107: Deluxe Room with Naguri Wall, Twin Bed(Main)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 667 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for 108:Suite Room HORAGAI NO MA with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

108:Suite Room HORAGAI NO MA with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

108:Suite Room HORAGAI NO MA with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 1044 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 110:Standard Room with Higashiyama View, Double Bed(Main)

110:Standard Room with Higashiyama View, Double Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

110:Standard Room with Higashiyama View, Double Bed(Main)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for 111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 366 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 101:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, 1 Queen Bed(Main)

101:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, 1 Queen Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

101:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, 1 Queen Bed(Main)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Located in Gion, a neighborhood in Kyoto, SOWAKA is in the entertainment district and near a train station. Kodai-ji Temple and Heian Shrine are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market. Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace are two other places to visit that come recommended.
Visit our Kyoto travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821

What's nearby

  • Kiyomizu Temple - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Nishiki Market - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Heian Shrine - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Kyoto Tower - 4 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station - 9 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 12 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪京都勝牛 祇園八坂店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪ラーメン 勝鞍 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪家傳 ちりめん山椒 やよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪京都祇園茶寮 - ‬1 min walk
  • 広東旬菜一僖

About this property

SOWAKA

Luxury hotel near Kodai-ji Temple
Located close to Maruyama Park and Kawaramachi Street, SOWAKA provides a terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Treat yourself to a deep-tissue massage or other spa services. In addition to a bar and a restaurant, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and smoke-free premises
  • Concierge services, a 24-hour front desk, and a front-desk safe
  • Free newspapers and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding and heated floors, as well as perks like air conditioning and bathrobes.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
  • Heated floors, refrigerators, and tablet computers

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 6,000 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Tablet computer

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heated floor
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 200-10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately JPY 6000 per person
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Up to 2 dogs are permitted in 111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, Queen Bed(Main). There is no charge for 1 dog in the room; the listed pet fee is charged only if there is an additional dog in the room.

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file

Property is also known as

SOWAKA Hotel Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel
SOWAKA Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel
SOWAKA Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel Kyoto
Luxury hotel SOWAKA

Frequently asked questions

Is SOWAKA pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at SOWAKA?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at SOWAKA?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at SOWAKA?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is SOWAKA located?

Located in Gion, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. Kawaramachi Street and Kiyomizu Temple are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is 12 minutes by foot and Sanjo Keihan Station is 14 minutes.

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SOWAKA Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 94 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 94 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 94 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 94 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 94 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

VIPUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best Breakfast & Great Location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing property!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Most fabulous stay

Anything from the superb service to the quality of the rooms to the food at the restaurant was top notch. Couldn't recommend this hotel more. Beds are slightly on the firm side but that's literally the only "negative" thing I have to say.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful new hotel. Modern with traditional touches. Loved the private garden directly in front of the bed. A traditional wooden tub in the room was a great touch. The service was the best!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Phyllis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique property with excellent staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Myriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a truly wonderful stay with a very welcoming and warm team. My room was a real delight, and the kaiseki dinner was simply exquisite. I thoroughly enjoyed my two nights at Sowaka and only wished I could have extended my stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wai Yin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location…great service
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best hotel and the best service I have ever been experienced! The breakfast’s taste surprised me with a very friendly price. Every staff there are very thoughtful!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing stay.

Staff was amazing. One of the best places to stay if you want to witness the heart of Gion. Close to everything while being in a quiet and beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Come Stay

Wonderful traditional hotel with excellent service. Rooms are large and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love everything about this place - I hope to come again with my parents. The amenities were great and the dinning experience was beautiful. I really enjoyed my stay here from the moment we entered the door.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brittney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best hotel stays I’ve ever had! This was truly a luxury experience. The staff and house keeping were so thoughtful and attentive to our every need. The property was super clean and had a beautiful lobby, bar and restaurant. I would love to stay here again one day.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chi yuen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent service ! Staffs are exceedingly friendly and helpful. The room is nicely furnished with chill vibe. Really enjoyable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This hotel was just amazing. The location, design, uniqueness, rooms and especially the staff were top notch. We couldn’t recommend it enough. They went out of their way to make sure we had an enjoyable stay. We can’t recommend this hotel enough.

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A perfect experience in Kyoto

One of the most magical experiences of all our trips we've ever taken! A gem of a hotel. One of a kind experience. And incredibly helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

nouf

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff and management did everything to make my stay comfortable, enjoyable and memorable! I have been to many hotels in kyoto. This one definitely stands out.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sonal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel, the staff, the service, the location and the food options within the hotel are all excellent. Wendy and the team went over and above to make us feel welcome. All the team have excellent knowledge of Kyoto and the local area. All their recommendations were excellent! Highly recommend Sowaka if you want the perfect stay in Kyoto with a personalised service from a top class boutique hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This stay is so much more than I expected. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Hotel itself is quiet, zen and beautiful. Room is extremely clean and full of small surprises. I can’t recommend this hotel enough! Will definitely come back if I have the chance!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing Experience!

My husband and I stayed here on our honeymoon and it was amazing! The hospitality and attention to detail in service will not be beat. And the hotel grounds itself are beautifully traditional. If we return to Kyoto, we will absolutely stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was amazing. The staff, the service, the smell of the old cedar wood, the room! It is the perfect balance of old Japanese ryokan but with modern comforts. Every evening, they left a little gift during turn down, a Japanese sweet, a little local craft, such a nice touch. The location could not be better. Loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Five Stars
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in a beautiful suite in the old part of this lovely hotel, which was a restaurant long ago. Our rooms looked out on an internal garden. We enjoyed two breakfasts and a wonderful dinner in the restaurant. One highlight was the traditional Japanese wooden tub in the bath--and of course, a lovely Toto toilet with heated seat, as are present throughout Japan.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megumi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the 3rd time I stayed at Sowaka. Very convenient location and a beautiful old town part of Kyoto. Yet, you can walk to major shopping areas in a few minutes. All the rooms are different and unique.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

PATTY

Best staff and service Food was wonderful Anything I needed, they did and were so happy to please I would recommend this to anyone who wants a smaller inn right in the heart of Gion My room was spacious and had a beautiful garden Big yes on Sowaza!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We are a couple traveling to Kyoto for a weekend, and we were very much impressed by the hotel. It is like a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn, with wooden and sliding "paper" walls), but more luxurious. They offer Japanese breakfast, if you are so inclined. The hotel is very ideally located (very close to the Yasaka shrine, in between the east and west parts of Gion), and the staff is very courteous and helpful. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019