Photo gallery for SOWAKA

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden ceiling, and sliding shoji doors. There is a bed with white bedding, a small table, and a chair.
A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, dark tiles, and a large window with plants.
A traditional Japanese building with a wooden gate, a lantern, and a sign with Japanese characters.
A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden bed, a small table, and a chair.
A kitchen with a wooden countertop, a sink, and a window overlooking a wooden fence and greenery.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
The current price is NZ$1,475
21 Sept - 22 Sept

Explore the area

View map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821
  • Place, Kodai-ji Temple
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Gion Corner
    ‪4 min walk‬

Room options

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

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 51 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Main Building 103: Garden View Deluxe King Bed

  • Garden view
  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • Garden view
  • 39 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 59 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 62 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 97 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 49 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 47 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 70 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 44 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 43 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 48 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • 58 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • City view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

City View Superior 1 King Bed Non-Smoking Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Kyoto

A luxury stay in Kyoto awaits you at SOWAKA. Within a short 5-minute stroll, you'll find Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi, tablet computers and heated floors. .At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, spa services and laundry facilities. Continental breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. .Places within a 15-minute walk of this 4.5-property class Gion hotel include Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street.

What's nearby

  • Kodai-ji Temple - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Gion Corner - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪ギオンコーナー(Gion Corner) - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪% Arabica - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪NOEN - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪French cafe CHASEN 高台寺 - ‬6 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. Spa services, a terrace, and a garden are also featured at the luxury SOWAKA.

This 4.5-star Kyoto hotel is smoke free.

  • 23 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
SOWAKA offers 23 accommodations with tablet computers and minibars. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath and a rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers and bidets. Business-friendly amenities include safes and telephones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and a hairdryer. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site 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 lift

More

  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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
  • Phone
  • 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • 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've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No on-site parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, Union Pay and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels etc). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of 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

What is the cancellation policy at SOWAKA?

SOWAKA offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at SOWAKA?

As of 22 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SOWAKA on 21 Sept 2026 start from NZ$1,475, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there a spa on site at SOWAKA?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like deep-tissue massages.

What makes SOWAKA a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at SOWAKA.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at SOWAKA?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does SOWAKA serve breakfast?

Sure does, continental breakfast is served daily between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at SOWAKA?

No, SOWAKA does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at SOWAKA?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at SOWAKA?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at SOWAKA?

No, only service animals are allowed.

SOWAKA Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 114 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 127 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mariam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an experience this was ... 5 stars hands down. Great property, amenities, and service.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Neda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was amazing and I loved the traditional Japanese style hotel. Great experience all around
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sowaka was wonderful. From the zen room and garden to the hospitable staff and the perfect location in Gion. The only thing that could make it perfect is the restaurant which did not match the same level as the hotel
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

arielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing experience!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

VIPUL

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, amazing service, great location and climate control in the room was a little challenging.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alan

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Phyllis

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

10/10 Excellent

Wai Yin

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

10/10 Excellent

Neda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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.
Verified review

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