Kyoto Sawai

2.5 star property
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

Building design
Lobby
Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)	 | Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated
Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)	 | Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated
Staircase

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
4-320 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0801
  • Place, Kawaramachi Street
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Kenninji Temple
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪60 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 178 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Miya no Ma - Middle (Up to 2 Guests)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 118 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Futons and 2 Twin Beds

Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 506 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Beds and 3 Twin Futons

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About the neighborhood

Kyoto

Located in Gion, Kyoto Sawai is within a 5-minute walk of Kenninji Temple and within 15 minutes of other popular attractions like Yasui Konpiragu. The 6 rooms at this guesthouse include dining areas, microwaves, and premium bedding.

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Kenninji Temple - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Gion Corner - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Nishiki Market - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Yasaka Shrine - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 6 min walk
  • Sanjo Keihan Station - 15 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪curry & tempura koisus - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪ろじうさぎ - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪名月堂 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪丹波くり・和栗専門 紗織 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪おやじ - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Kyoto Sawai

Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and down comforters, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Dining areas, microwaves, and toothbrushes and toothpaste are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)

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 2,000 for adults and JPY 2,000 for children

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Shopping mall

Family friendly

  • Baby toys
  • Children's books
  • Children's toys
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Paper towels
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 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
Late check-in fee: JPY 3000 for check-in between 10:00 PM and midnight
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 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

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children 3 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Important information

Fees

  • 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.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately JPY 2000 for adults and JPY 2000 for children
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee: JPY 3000 for check-in between 10:00 PM and midnight
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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 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
This property accepts cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and window guards
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 19
The front desk is available during limited hours.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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, 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • 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.
  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse
Guesthouse Kyoto Sawai Kyoto
Kyoto Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse
Guesthouse Kyoto Sawai
Kyoto Sawai Kyoto
Sawai Guesthouse
Sawai
Kyoto Sawai Kyoto
Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse
Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

What can I see close to Kyoto Sawai?

This guesthouse is situated in Gion within a 10-minute walk of Kawaramachi Street, Shijo Street, and Pontocho Alley. You'll also find Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Kyoto Sawai?

As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kyoto Sawai on Apr 26, 2026 start from $194, 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.

Will I be able to park at Kyoto Sawai?

No, there isn't parking at this guesthouse.

Does Kyoto Sawai include a casino at the property?

No, Kyoto Sawai doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Kyoto Sawai?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What do couples enjoy most about Kyoto Sawai?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will value amenities like premium bedding, a private hot tub in some accommodations, as well as an art gallery.

Does Kyoto Sawai have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this guesthouse.

Does Kyoto Sawai have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Kyoto Sawai offers continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Will Kyoto Sawai allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Kyoto Sawai.

Does Kyoto Sawai have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this guesthouse.

Where is the closest airport to Kyoto Sawai?

The closest major airport to Kyoto Sawai is Itami Airport (ITM), which is 28.3 mi away (61 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Kyoto Sawai?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Kyoto Sawai.

Kyoto Sawai Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 80 out of 111 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 111 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 111 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 111 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 111 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mischelle

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If your looking for a traditional Japanese experience then look no further this stay is great offers you the experience of living in a samurais house with all the modern features that make your stay perfect and the area is peaceful beautiful and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruixin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everything was amazing. The owner is so lovely and greeted me the moment I arrived. She also made delightful breakfast for me each morning, even at like 6:30am when I tried to get to the tourist spots early. The house is amazing, an old tea house in the heart of Gion. There are a lot of stairs and narrow alleyways tho, so keep that in mind. Next time I'm in Kyoto I'm 100% coming back to the Kyoto Sawai
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Raul, San Juan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great Japanese style guesthouse experience. Not a hotel more like a guesthouse, staying with a family. The people running the place are super warm. No breakfast. It was quiet but since I was with my kids I felt like I was disturbing the rest of the guests or owners. They live there. I still recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room is cozy and comfortable, and we felt right at home. An electric kettle to make tea was an amazing touch. The surrounding area is beautiful and we had a great time exploring. Keiko is the most gracious and welcoming hostess, and we loved our stay at Sawai! We are already looking forward to returning to Kyoto in the future and staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely stay in a historic tea house. Friendly staff and owner.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meghan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great central location to the Old Town in Gion and walkable to plenty of nearby temples. Also close to a train station for easy access to everything else. Staff is very kind and accommodating and gave us small gifts on our way out!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maryam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great experience
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This property had great air conditioning Wi-Fi and very modern restrooms.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Cinthya

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved it! We wanted the traditional old Japanese experience and this was exactly that for us. Plus the street is magical with lanterns and is very cozy. We will stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mariel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) stayed here for 4 nights and we loved it. The host and staff were so kind and thoughtful and very accomodating. Pros: * Good sized room * Clean * Staff are so kind and helpful * Beds were large * Traditional appeal. Not only is it an old tea house, geishas in training live next door * The location is close to shopping and transportation options. * It's on a very quiet street - no car traffic. Cons: * Our room was a little cluttered with extra furniture that didn't need to be there. * As previous reviewers have said, the hallways are comically tiny, so getting your oversized luggage into the room will be a challenge or pack light. The location is near coin laundry.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hadji

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

Excellent Stay

Our stay at Sawai was superb Keiko the owner welcomed us with traditional matcha tea at homemade sweets it was delicious. The bed was so comfortable and the experience in a traditional Japanese Inn or Ryokan was something I was looking forward to in this trip in Kyoto. The place was easy to find and navigate. Closed to downtown but,away from hustle and bustle.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Damasa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Owner was very nice and everything was better than expected!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicky

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful location in an old tea house. A twin room and 3 beds on the floor - the mats on the floor were not as comfortable as others in Japan. Duvets were lovely. The owner was very nice. Bathroom is outstanding and shower pressure was great. Overall a very quaint place to stay in a lovely area.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

10/10 Excellent

Jean-Luc

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

Nice ryokan in good location

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

True Edo period style hotel experience

Sawai is an authentic if no frills experience. However, you can’t beat the location, the look and feel of the place, and the wonderful staff. I will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very picturesque traditional family run hotel in a 160 year old Kyoto house. It’s quite an experience to enjoy Gion area - close to all shopping and the famous Geisha area of old Kyoto. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mildred

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025