Sowaka
Higashiyama-ku, Kiyoi-cho 480
About This Property
Traditional Kyoto-Style Decoration
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto at SOWAKA, where the renovated main building showcases traditional Kyoto-style decoration, offering a unique and authentic experience for our guests.
Japanese Garden Retreat
Relax and unwind in our serene Japanese garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kyoto, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.
Convenient Location
Located near the vibrant Gion district, SOWAKA offers easy access to popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Heian Shrine, allowing you to explore the rich culture and history of Kyoto effortlessly.
Experience the charm of Kyoto at SOWAKA. Book your stay now for an unforgettable journey.
Why guests recommend it
Facilities & Services (43)
Available Rooms
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Guest reviews
Most recent
Calm oasis in the heart of old Kyoto
The building is thoughtfully renovated, with a wonderful original space and then a tasteful and calm modern annex. The room was spacious with a nice bathroom and Japanese tub. The staff were helpful and polite and clearly proud of their space. While we didn’t have dinner at the restaurant, the Japanese breakfast was delicious - the full range of items that you’d expect from a high end ryokan.
👍 Liked
- • The building is thoughtfully renovated, with a wonderful original space and then a tasteful and calm modern annex. The room was spacious with a nice bathroom and Japanese tub. The staff were helpful and polite and clearly proud of their space. While we didn’t have dinner at the restaurant, the Japanese breakfast was delicious - the full range of items that you’d expect from a high end ryokan.
one night we asked the front desk to help us with a dinner reservation for 4. we wanted sushi and the desk made a reservation for us at a sushi bar. we would have better to sit at a table so we could talk together. thank you.
👍 Liked
- • one night we asked the front desk to help us with a dinner reservation for 4. we wanted sushi and the desk made a reservation for us at a sushi bar. we would have better to sit at a table so we could talk together. thank you.
Perfect lux stay that feels like ryokan
Gorgeous rooms and facility. Staff exceptionally helpful and savvy.
👍 Liked
- • Gorgeous rooms and facility. Staff exceptionally helpful and savvy.
👎 Disliked
- • Ha it’s expensive but that we expected
Exceptional location and very nice room. Concierge restaurant service to avoid
Superb room including an Onsen. But empty. In other hotels the Onsen was always ready so easier to use. Exceptional staff.
👍 Liked
- • Superb room including an Onsen. But empty. In other hotels the Onsen was always ready so easier to use. Exceptional staff.
👎 Disliked
- • Their dining advice very poor.
Incredibly beautiful hotel. Excellent location. Very attentive and polite staff. Will repeat
👍 Liked
- • Incredibly beautiful hotel. Excellent location. Very attentive and polite staff. Will repeat
👎 Disliked
- • Room and overall hotel were gorgeous
Lovely but Expensive
This modern ryokan balances charm/authenticity with modern comforts in the perfect location. It is in historic Gion near several key sights, but not on a main street so a little quieter. A couple nearby bus stops allowed us to easily explore the city. We had the suite (204) which was very spacious for my family of 3 (with teenage son) and had all the modern touches throughout (dimmable lights, heated bathroom floors, electronic shades, etc). The breakfast was bountiful and very good. Service is definitely the standout here, with everyone very welcoming and attentive. My only issue is the price. Although I don’t have any major complaints, Sowaka is very expensive for what you get (to be fair I think Kyoto is expensive in general and we visited during peak cherry blossoms).
👍 Liked
- • This modern ryokan balances charm/authenticity with modern comforts in the perfect location. It is in historic Gion near several key sights, but not on a main street so a little quieter. A couple nearby bus stops allowed us to easily explore the city. We had the suite (204) which was very spacious for my family of 3 (with teenage son) and had all the modern touches throughout (dimmable lights, heated bathroom floors, electronic shades, etc). The breakfast was bountiful and very good. Service is definitely the standout here, with everyone very welcoming and attentive. My only issue is the price. Although I don’t have any major complaints, Sowaka is very expensive for what you get (to be fair I think Kyoto is expensive in general and we visited during peak cherry blossoms).
Very nice and luxurious hotel. We loved everything
👍 Liked
- • Very nice and luxurious hotel. We loved everything
My favourite place in Kyoto ❤️🙏.
My favourite place in Kyoto ❤️🙏.
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