Kyoto Sawai

2.5 star property
Guesthouse in Kyoto, 3-minute walk to Kenninji Temple
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

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
Lobby
Exterior

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
    โ€ช3 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Place, Nishiki Market
    โ€ช9 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    โ€ช10 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    โ€ช60 min driveโ€ฌ
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
(3 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)
  • 118 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • City view
  • 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
  • Yasui Konpiragu - 6 min walk - 0.3 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) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • โ€ชcurry & tempura koisus - โ€ฌ1 min walk
  • โ€ชใ‚ใ˜ใ†ใ•ใŽ - โ€ฌ1 min walk
  • โ€ชๅๆœˆๅ ‚ - โ€ฌ2 min walk
  • โ€ชใŠใ‚„ใ˜ - โ€ฌ3 min walk
  • โ€ชๅฎฎๅท็”บใ•ใ‹ - โ€ฌ1 min walk

About this property

Kyoto Sawai

Guesthouse in Kyoto, 3-minute walk to Kenninji Temple
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
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
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 100โ€“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
  • 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 PMโ€”-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 and Pontocho Alley. You'll also find Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Kyoto Sawai?

No, there isn't parking available at the 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Kyoto Sawai?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will value amenities like premium bedding, soaking tubs in some accommodations, as well as a shopping mall.

Does Kyoto Sawai have a hot tub?

Yes, some accommodations at this guesthouse feature private spa tubs.

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.

Are there connecting rooms at Kyoto Sawai?

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 about 23.6 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Kyoto Sawai?

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

Kyoto Sawai Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 109 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 109 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 109 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 109 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 109 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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 canโ€™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. Itโ€™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

10/10 Excellent

Shaz, Solana Beach

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. Couldnโ€™t recommend more
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

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

6/10 Okay

Jasmin

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The owner of the property was kind and seemed like a lovely woman but the other staff didn't really seem to know what was going on. The check in, while early which we absolutely appreciated, was basically us getting the keys and giving our passports. No explanation of amenities or the room itself. I noticed they offered tours of the building with sweets and tea but we didn't get any tour. The room itself was spacious and very comfortable. The self filling tub and shower room was the highlight and we made sure to maximize our use! We were supposed to get a VIP 4500 yen drink credit but we were told it just consisted of coffee or matcha tea at night and I'm unsure if we received that full value over two nights. I understand that Kyoto is pricey, especially in the area of this guesthouse, but I feel like we overpayed for what we got. Overall, it was an average stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Mary

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was what I was looking for . A old time feel that made me love Kyoto
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sloane

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

michel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Traditional Ryokan ownex by a brsutiful helping and rrspd tful family represrnting the outmost Japanese trait of hospitality
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024