SOWAKA

4.5 star property
Luxury Kyoto hotel in Gion with spa services
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for SOWAKA

102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)
202:Deluxe Room with Tatami Space, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)
Point of interest
Property entrance
212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Guests liked:

Friendly staff

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821
  • Yasaka Shrine
    2 min walk
  • Shijo Street
    3 min walk
  • Hanamikoji Street
    4 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    56 min drive

Room options

Studio Suite

Highlights

Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Junior Studio Suite

Highlights

Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 70 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

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

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

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

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

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

206:Standard Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, Queen Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Garden
Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
  • 43 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 43 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

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

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

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

Suite

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 97 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

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

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

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

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

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

Deluxe Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

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

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

111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, 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

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

Highlights

Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Twin Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 59 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Kyoto

A luxury stay in Kyoto awaits you at SOWAKA. Within a short 5-minute stroll, you'll find Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi, tablet computers and heated floors. .At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, spa services and laundry facilities. Continental breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. .Places within a 15-minute walk of this 4.5-property class Gion hotel include Kawaramachi Street and Kiyomizu Temple.

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Nishiki Market - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Heian Shrine - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Kyoto Tower - 4 min drive - 3.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪にしぶち飯店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪牛カツ京都勝牛祇園八坂店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪札幌かに家京都店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪ジュヴァンセル祇園店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Swing-By合同会社 - ‬1 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

Luxury Kyoto hotel in Gion with spa services
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. Spa services, a terrace, and a garden are also featured at the luxury SOWAKA.

This 4.5-star Kyoto hotel is smoke free.

  • 23 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
SOWAKA offers 23 accommodations with tablet computers and a safe. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. This Kyoto hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Fridges and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath and a rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms are also outfitted with dressing gowns, slippers and bidets. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and a hairdryer. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages.

Languages

English, Japanese

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 4,235 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

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 lift

More

  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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
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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: JPY 8470 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • 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.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: from approximately JPY 4235 per person
  • Pet fee: JPY 8470 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, Union Pay and cash.

We should mention

  • 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.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

What is the cancellation policy at SOWAKA?

SOWAKA offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at SOWAKA?

As of 25 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SOWAKA on 5 Dec 2024 start from AU$1,416.36, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there a spa on site at SOWAKA?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like deep-tissue massages.

What makes SOWAKA a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at SOWAKA.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at SOWAKA?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does SOWAKA serve breakfast?

Sure does, continental breakfast is served daily between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at SOWAKA?

No, SOWAKA does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at SOWAKA?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at SOWAKA?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at SOWAKA?

Dogs are welcome at SOWAKA, with food and water bowls on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets.

SOWAKA Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 80 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Luya

Travelled 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 traveller
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

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Phyllis

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique property with excellent staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clay

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Come Stay
Wonderful traditional hotel with excellent service. Rooms are large and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Murray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wenshi, new york

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Daniela, Miami

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

JOHN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim, Melbourne

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Five Stars
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

brande

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bryce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Megumi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022