In the heart of Kyoto, SOWAKA offers a serene retreat with its lush garden and tranquil terrace. Unwind with a deep-tissue massage, indulge in local flavors at the restaurant, or explore nearby Maruyama Park and Kawaramachi Street on bike rentals. Connect to free WiFi, enjoy concierge services, and feel at ease with helpful staff who have left lasting impressions on previous guests.
VIP Access
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Bar
Spa
24/7 front desk
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Laundry facilities
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
Restaurants and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
Room service
Spa services
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Garden
Front desk safe
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Concierge services
Feel at home (6)
Fridge
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Garden
Terrace
Daily housekeeping
The current price is RM4,397
RM4,397
RM4,837 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 20 of 20 rooms
View all photos for 201:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
201:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
52 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
49 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for 203:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath and Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)
203:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath and Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
47 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 204:Junior Suite with Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)
204:Junior Suite with Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
70 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed
View all photos for 205:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
205:Deluxe Room with Open-air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
44 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 206:Standard Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)
206:Standard Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Balcony
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
43 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for 102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)
102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
51 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Single Beds
View all photos for 208:Deluxe Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
208:Deluxe Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
45 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)
103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
54 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Single Beds
View all photos for 104:Deluxe Maisonette with Tea Ceremony Room, Hollywood Twin(Main)
104:Deluxe Maisonette with Tea Ceremony Room, Hollywood Twin(Main)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
60 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Single Beds
View all photos for 105:Superior Room with Garden View, Skip Floor, Queen Bed(Main)
105:Superior Room with Garden View, Skip Floor, Queen Bed(Main)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
39 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for 207:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, King Bed(Annex)
207:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
56 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 209:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Annex)
209:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
47 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)
212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
48 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex)
211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex)
Highlights
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
58 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main)
106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main)
Highlights
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
59 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Large Single Beds
View all photos for 107: Deluxe Room with Naguri Wall, Twin Bed(Main)
107: Deluxe Room with Naguri Wall, Twin Bed(Main)
Highlights
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
62 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Large Single Beds
View all photos for 108:Suite Room HORAGAI NO MA with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)
108:Suite Room HORAGAI NO MA with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)
Highlights
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
97 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Single Beds
View all photos for 111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)
111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)
Highlights
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
34 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for 101:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, 1 Queen Bed(Main)
101:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, 1 Queen Bed(Main)
SOWAKA offers a fantastic location, putting you a short five-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine and Shijo Street. Guests indulge in deep-tissue massages, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include a bar/lounge, a terrace and a garden. Fellow travellers say great things about the helpful staff. The property is only a short walk to public transportation: Higashiyama Station is 12 minutes and Sanjo Keihan Station is 14 minutes.
Languages
English, Japanese
At a glance
Hotel size
23 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Check-out time is 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
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
No on-site parking
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Continental breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–9:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Room service (limited hours)
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free newspapers in reception
Luggage storage
Bike hire
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Spa services
Room amenities
Be entertained
Tablet computer
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
Minibar
Electric kettle
Bathrobes and slippers
Sleep well
Down duvet
Turndown service
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Heated floors
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Deep-soaking bath
Separate bath and shower
Rainfall shower heads
Bidet
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Fridge
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Spa
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 200–1,000 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.
Optional extras
Continental breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately JPY 6000 per person
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Policies
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels etc). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
This property does not have lifts.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, Union Pay
Up to 2 dogs are permitted in 111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, Queen Bed(Main). There is no charge for 1 dog in the room; the listed pet fee is charged only if there is an additional dog in the room.
Also known as
SOWAKA Hotel
SOWAKA Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel Kyoto
Luxury hotel SOWAKA
Frequently asked questions
Does SOWAKA offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, SOWAKA does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at SOWAKA?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at SOWAKA?
Sorry, there's no on-site parking at SOWAKA.
What are the check-in and check-out times at SOWAKA?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
What is there to do at SOWAKA and nearby?
SOWAKA has spa services and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near SOWAKA?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.
Does SOWAKA have rooms with private hot tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep-soaking bath.
What's the area around SOWAKA like?
SOWAKA is a short 9-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station and 13 minutes' walk from Kawaramachi Street.
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SOWAKA Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Staff & service
9.4/10
Amenities
9.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
12 December 2024
Beautiful Roykan and excellent location! Excellent service. The restaurant was amazing. Definitely recommend!
Carmen
Carmen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 October 2024
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.
Myriam
Myriam, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
13 September 2024
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!
Lina
Lina, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1 October 2024
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.
Brittney
Brittney, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
7 October 2023
Unique property with excellent staff.
Phyllis
Phyllis, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
29 September 2024
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.
Sonal
Sonal, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 August 2024
Excellent service ! Staffs are exceedingly friendly and helpful. The room is nicely furnished with chill vibe. Really enjoyable.
Chi yuen
Chi yuen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 August 2023
Come Stay
Wonderful traditional hotel with excellent service. Rooms are large and comfortable.
Clay
Clay, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
16 September 2024
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!
Jacqueline
Jacqueline, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
29 October 2022
Excellent location…great service
Wai Yin
Wai Yin, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 January 2023
Amazing stay.
Staff was amazing. One of the best places to stay if you want to witness the heart of Gion. Close to everything while being in a quiet and beautiful location.
Andrew
Andrew, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
10 April 2023
I love everything about this place - I hope to come again with my parents. The amenities were great and the dinning experience was beautiful. I really enjoyed my stay here from the moment we entered the door.
Kim
Kim, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
25 June 2024
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!
Luya
Luya, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
28 May 2024
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.
nouf
nouf, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
11 November 2023
A perfect experience in Kyoto
One of the most magical experiences of all our trips we've ever taken! A gem of a hotel. One of a kind experience. And incredibly helpful staff.
Phillip
Phillip, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 July 2023
This hotel was just amazing. The location, design, uniqueness, rooms and especially the staff were top notch. We couldn’t recommend it enough. They went out of their way to make sure we had an enjoyable stay. We can’t recommend this hotel enough.
Christopher
10/10 Exceptional
12 July 2023
Amazing Experience!
My husband and I stayed here on our honeymoon and it was amazing! The hospitality and attention to detail in service will not be beat. And the hotel grounds itself are beautifully traditional. If we return to Kyoto, we will absolutely stay here again
Stephanie
Stephanie, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 April 2024
We stayed in a beautiful suite in the old part of this lovely hotel, which was a restaurant long ago. Our rooms looked out on an internal garden. We enjoyed two breakfasts and a wonderful dinner in the restaurant. One highlight was the traditional Japanese wooden tub in the bath--and of course, a lovely Toto toilet with heated seat, as are present throughout Japan.
Janet
Janet, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
8 June 2024
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!!!
PATTY
PATTY, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 April 2023
Five Stars
Scott
Scott, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
18 March 2023
The Sowaka team and their hospitality was the best we experienced in our two week, four city, trip to Japan. Everyone was extremely nice, accommodating and helpful. The hotel was very clean and the rooms were unique and comfortable. The location is perfect and the front desk is very helpful in calling taxis if you need them. Breakfast is served at the restaurant and a great way to start the day. Would absolutely recommend staying here.
Robert
Robert, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
19 November 2022
This was the 3rd time I stayed at Sowaka. Very convenient location and a beautiful old town part of Kyoto. Yet, you can walk to major shopping areas in a few minutes. All the rooms are different and unique.
Megumi
Megumi, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 April 2024
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.
George
George, 7-night trip
6/10 Good
18 May 2023
Pros:
Beautiful hotel and room in an amazing neighborhood in Kyoto. Close to great restaurants, shopping and activities.
Cons:
Bed was extremely uncomfortable and hard. Hotel has no food except the michelin star restaurant below, so no other dining options if you want to stay and enjoy your room.
Bar and common areas have no ambience. The rooftop that is promoted on their website is not as advertised.
Overall, the hotel is not worth the price. Communication is impossible as they do not answer emails- I have been requesting an invoice for weeks now and have had no response from them.