SOWAKA

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel with spa services and a 24-hour front desk
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for SOWAKA

Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Restaurant
106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Point of interest

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821
  • Place, Kodai-ji Temple
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Kawaramachi Street
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪59 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

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

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

  • 549 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

  • 581 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

  • 646 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

  • 420 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 635 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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

  • 667 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1044 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

  • 366 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 527 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 506 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 753 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 474 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 463 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

  • 506 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

  • 624 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Kyoto

Located in Gion, SOWAKA is within a 5-minute walk of popular attractions such as Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. This 23-room, 4.5-star hotel has a restaurant and a bar/lounge, along with free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Yasaka Shrine - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Shijo Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Kodai-ji Temple - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Kawaramachi Street - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪京都勝牛 祇園八坂店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪味味香 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪家傳 ちりめん山椒 やよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪カフェレストラン やよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪ラ・ボンバンス祇園 - ‬2 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

Luxury hotel with spa services and a 24-hour front desk
SOWAKA features free WiFi in public areas, spa services, and free newspapers. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a garden.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and down comforters, and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other amenities include tablet computers, refrigerators, and minibars.
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.

Similar properties

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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

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 6000 per person
  • Early check-in 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 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
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: 3:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

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, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as 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 credit cards and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

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.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at SOWAKA?

SOWAKA offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do close to SOWAKA?

This hotel is situated in Gion, just steps from Yasaka Shrine and Shijo Street, and within a short walk of Pontocho Alley. You'll also find Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at SOWAKA?

No, there isn't parking available at the hotel.

Is there a spa available at SOWAKA?

Spa services at the hotel include deep-tissue massages.

Does SOWAKA have a casino on the premises?

No, SOWAKA doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at SOWAKA?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at SOWAKA?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include a soaking tub, a minibar, and premium bedding.

Does SOWAKA have a hot tub?

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

Does SOWAKA have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, SOWAKA serves continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Does SOWAKA allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at SOWAKA though service animals are welcome.

Does SOWAKA have connecting rooms?

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

What is the closest airport to SOWAKA?

The closest major airport to SOWAKA is Itami Airport (ITM), which is about 24 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at SOWAKA?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy garden or city views.

Reviews

SOWAKA Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 101 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 101 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 101 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 101 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 101 reviews

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler
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