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SOWAKA

4.5 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for SOWAKA

102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)
202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
Point of interest
Property entrance
212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821
  • Yasaka Shrine
    2 min walk
  • にしぶち飯店
    1 min walk
  • Gion-shijo Station
    9 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    56 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Studio Suite

Studio Suite

Studio Suite

  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Junior Studio Suite

Junior Studio Suite

Junior Studio Suite

  • 70 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double 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)

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

  • 52 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 49 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 47 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 70 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 44 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 206:Standard Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)

206:Standard Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)

206:Standard Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)

  • 43 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room

  • 43 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

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

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

  • 51 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 45 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 54 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite

Suite

Suite

  • 97 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 39 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 56 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 47 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 48 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 58 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

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

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

  • 59 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 62 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 97 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, Queen Bed(Main)

111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, Queen Bed(Main)

  • 34 sq m
  • 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)

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

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room

Superior Room

  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Twin Room

Deluxe Twin Room

Deluxe Twin Room

  • 59 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Free WiFi
Restaurant
Air conditioning
Gym
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, (76)
The price is NZ$2,354
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
1 Jan - 2 Jan
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

About the area

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 (1.1 km) from Kawaramachi Street and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Kiyomizu Temple.

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 13 min walk
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 13 min walk
  • Nishiki Market - 16 min walk
  • Heian Shrine - 2 min drive
  • Kyoto Tower - 4 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪にしぶち飯店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪牛カツ京都勝牛祇園八坂店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪札幌かに家京都店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪ジュヴァンセル祇園店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Swing-By合同会社 - ‬1 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

Luxury Kyoto hotel in Gion with spa services
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.

Languages

English, Japanese

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and public transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Continental breakfast available for a fee daily 7:30 AM–9:00 AM: JPY 4235 per person
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 bar
  • Room service available

Things to do

  • Bike rentals
  • Spa services

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Fridge

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Front-desk safe

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Massage - deep-tissue

Accessibility

  • This property does not have any lifts

More

  • Genkan (entrance)
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Bed sheets
  • Down duvet
  • Heating
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Bidet
  • Deep-soaking bath
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

Entertainment

  • Tablet computer

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Fridge

More

  • Heated floors
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Safe
  • Slippers
  • Turndown service

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
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

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 200-1,000 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 4235 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
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. 70 out of 82 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 82 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 82 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 82 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 82 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Travelled with partner
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

Lina

Travelled with family
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

Luya

Travelled with partner
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

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

nouf

Business traveller
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

Irina, Brooklyn

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A unique, tranquil small hotel, that offers total commitment to anyone staying here. Food is exceptional and lots of it. Set within walking distance of several major temples and sites, and easy walking distance to several popular shopping areas, It is even very easy to visit the popular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) no 12 bus takes you directly there.Not the cheapest, but in my opinion worth every penny. I for one have never been looked after so well and quite emotional about leaving such a friendly enviroment.I would happily recommend Luxury hotel SOWAKA to anyone. All I can say is thankyou to all at Luxury hotel SOWAKA for such a wonderful stay while in Japan.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Travelled with partner
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

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

Alice

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Phyllis

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

10/10 Excellent

Clay

Travelled with family
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

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

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

Murray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wenshi, new york

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Daniela, Miami

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pros: Beautiful hotel and room in an amazing neighborhood in Kyoto. Close to great restaurants, shopping and activities. Cons: Bed was extremely uncomfortable and hard. Hotel has no food except the michelin star restaurant below, so no other dining options if you want to stay and enjoy your room. Bar and common areas have no ambience. The rooftop that is promoted on their website is not as advertised. Overall, the hotel is not worth the price. Communication is impossible as they do not answer emails- I have been requesting an invoice for weeks now and have had no response from them.

10/10 Excellent

JOHN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Kim, Melbourne

Travelled with group
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

Scott

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Sowaka team and their hospitality was the best we experienced in our two week, four city, trip to Japan. Everyone was extremely nice, accommodating and helpful. The hotel was very clean and the rooms were unique and comfortable. The location is perfect and the front desk is very helpful in calling taxis if you need them. Breakfast is served at the restaurant and a great way to start the day. Would absolutely recommend staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

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

brande

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023