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SOWAKA

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106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Property entrance
211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex) | Bathroom | Separate tub and shower, deep soaking tub, rainfall showerhead
Exterior
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Luxury
4.5 star property
9.6

Exceptional

Serene retreat in the heart of Gion

Ancient gardens frame private rooms in Gion's historic district. The Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite kaiseki dinners, elevating traditional Japanese cuisine to art. Attentive staff add thoughtful touches to your authentic Kyoto experience.

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Gion Corner
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪10 min walk‬

Room options

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)

  • 538 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)

  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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)

  • Garden view
  • 581 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • 646 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • Garden view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 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)
  • 635 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • 667 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 1044 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 366 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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)
  • 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)
  • 527 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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) | Bathroom | Separate tub and shower, deep soaking tub, rainfall showerhead

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

  • 506 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • 753 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 463 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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)
  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King 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)
  • 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)

  • 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)
  • 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)

  • 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)

  • City view
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Front of property
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Gion
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,792 reviews
$112 nightly
The price is $123
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto

About the neighborhood

Kyoto

With a stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto (Gion), you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. .This luxury hotel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Kawaramachi Street and 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Kiyomizu Temple.

What's nearby

  • Kodai-ji Temple - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Yasaka Shrine - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Gion Corner - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Kawaramachi Street - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station - 10 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 13 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪京都勝牛 祇園八坂店 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Hario Cafe Kyoto - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪特級ラーメン - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪ラーメン 勝鞍 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪家傳 ちりめん山椒 やよい - ‬1 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

SOWAKA offers 23 accommodations with tablet computers and safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. This Kyoto hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Refrigerators and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers, and bidets. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages.
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 23 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring heated floors. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and tablet computers are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Continental breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk.
Continental breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
SOWAKA has a restaurant on site.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 100–10,000 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

SOWAKA Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 101 out of 114 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 114 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 114 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 114 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 114 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location - walking distance to restaurants and many temples and parks - room was well organized
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff went above and beyond in taking care of my husband and myself during our visit. They helped with meal reservations/suggestions, calling taxis, and generally being incredibly welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely ryokan in the middle of the insanity. Was so nice returning here at the end of the day with all the tourists around you it’s just one simple door from the street and you’re transported to the oasis of Sowaka. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Even gave us really great tips for somewhere in Osaka on our next stop. Would stay again and just stay inside enjoying the peace and quiet of the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

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

An amazing hotel & wonderful team!

We had an amazing stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto - the team at the hotel were incredibly helpful & welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel is stunning & perfectly located in the most historic & traditional part of Kyoto - literally a few steps away from a beautiful temple. We would definitely recommend the Japanese breakfast option & the team in the restaurant were incredibly attentive and accommodating of my wife’s dietary requirements - nothing was too much trouble. An amazing experience from start to finish & we’ll definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lea F

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ajay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service, stylish westernized ryokan atmosphere. Amazing meal service and location
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ajay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel in a nice location with excellent service
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 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, Celina

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Alan

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

10/10 Excellent

VIPUL

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

10/10 Excellent

Roozbeh

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a slice of heaven, a tradtional Kyoto experience in a lovely old refurbished building in a quiet street very near a major shrine. But it is also wonderfully modern with more complimentary comforts and perks than I have ever come across in any hotel in the world. You are also within easy walking distance of many sights and museums, shops, bars and restaurants. And the staff are wonderful...pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, incredibly efficient. I could not praise them or the accommodations too highly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wei Li

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Roykan and excellent location! Excellent service. The restaurant was amazing. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yan Ki Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

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

Brittney

Traveled with partner
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

Catherine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sonal

Business traveler, Traveled with family
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