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Kyoto Sawai

Property class: 2.5
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

A traditional Japanese building with a wooden exterior, a tiled entrance, and a sign indicating a restaurant.
A staircase with a handrail, leading to a landing with a view of a room.
A room with tatami flooring, a low table, a futon, a window with a grid pattern, and a ceiling fan.
A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden ceiling, and sliding doors.
A traditional Japanese room with tatami flooring, a low wooden desk, a tatami mat with a circular design, and a wooden shelf with various items.

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, Kenninji Temple
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Nishiki Market
    ‪10 min walk‬
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Room options

View all photos for Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden bed with white bedding, and shoji screens on the walls.

Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

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

View all photos for Miya no Ma - Middle (Up to 2 Guests)

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden bed with two pillows, and a shoji screen wall.

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

View all photos for Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami mats, a low wooden ceiling, and a bed with a headboard.

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.
View more Guest Houses in KyotoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Kenninji Temple - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Gion Corner - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Yasui Konpiragu - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Yasaka Shrine - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Nishiki Market - 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

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

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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 10:00 AM

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: 10:00 AM
  • 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 Nishiki Market and Yasaka Shrine less than a mile away.

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.

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.

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).

Kyoto Sawai Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 93 out of 128 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 128 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 128 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 128 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 128 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best stay on our trip to Japan, the beautiful 160yr old building was so authentic, on a classic Kyoto old charming street, the hosts were kind and our bags were already in our room when we arrived!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great and also the staff were very polite and respectful. Definitely would recommend to everyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing!! Wonderful hosts. Intimate experience. Felt right at home. I will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location, quiet yet close to everything. Very clean, lovely host, friendly and spoke great English which helped us a lot. Beautiful old style traditional Japanese rooms with modern conveniences. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meylin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great traditional home to stay in. Near bus stops. Kyoto station is about 30 min walk. We enjoyed our stayed and I would definitely recommend it.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Omar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
True ryokan experience, which was very comfortable. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was lovely, would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Gerard

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Definitely a great location. Over priced to for we got. Our room was in a maze of tiny hallways. Although clean, the room was a storage closet. Staff was kind, the inn keeper was okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adam

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meghan

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very historic area with easy access to dinning shopping and traditional japanese cultural places and events
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John

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

Lovely place, lovely staff!

Wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and kind, we had a wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful traditional Japanese ryokan located in a charming alleyway adorned with lovely red lanterns. The historic rooms are spacious, comfortable, and elegantly decorated, featuring stunning new bathrooms that added to the comfort. The host exemplified the true art of Japanese hospitality warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive. We truly appreciated the extra effort in setting up additional bedding for our family, preparing delicious matcha for us, accommodating our children so thoughtfully, and even providing a lovely souvenir as a memento of our stay. Thank you so much for making our visit so special. We highly recommend this hidden gem!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maryam

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

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Amenities
Owner was very nice and everything was better than expected!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shaz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic ryokan. Very affordable all things considered and the owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. The lodgings are wonderful, as they are both beautiful and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend more
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Aiko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sloane

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

150 year old tea house, our lovely Kyoto home

We absolutely loved staying here and the owner and her husband were so welcoming and sweet to us. Location is great we watched ladies in kimonos walking by. We walked everywhere and the restaurants were great. It really was our lovely home in Kyoto.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hadji

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