SOWAKA

4.5 star property
Luxury Kyoto hotel in Gion with spa services

Choose dates to view prices

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) | 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
Point of interest
Property entrance
212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex) | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Laundry
    Laundry
  • Room service
    Room service
  • Spa
    Spa
  • 24/7 front desk
    24/7 front desk
The price is ₩1,105,127
₩1,215,640 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 16 - Dec 17

Perks for members at select top-rated stays

Our Silver and Gold members get perks at select VIP Access properties, on top of exceptional service.
Silver tier member
A perk like food and drink extras, free breakfast, or parking credits
Gold tier member
Room upgrades when available, plus Silver perks

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 28 of 28 rooms

Studio Suite

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Junior Studio Suite

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
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

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
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

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
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

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 44 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

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

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

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

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 51 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

208:Deluxe Room with Balcony, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 54 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Suite

Highlights

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

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 39 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
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
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub 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
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 48 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 58 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub 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
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 59 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 62 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 97 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, Queen Bed(Main)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

Highlights

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

Superior Room

Highlights

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

Deluxe Twin Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • 59 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

Standard Double Room

Highlights

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

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About the neighborhood

Map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821

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
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 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 hotel near Kodai-ji Temple
Located close to Maruyama Park and Kawaramachi Street, SOWAKA provides a terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Treat yourself to a deep-tissue massage or other spa services. In addition to a bar and a restaurant, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and smoke-free premises
  • Concierge services, free newspapers, and a front-desk safe
  • Luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding and heated floors, as well as perks like air conditioning and bathrobes.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
  • Heated floors, refrigerators, and tablet computers

Languages

English, Japanese

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 4,235 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)
  • Smoke-free property

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
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 allowed for an extra charge of JPY 8470 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. 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.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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
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.

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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

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 SOWAKA pet-friendly?

Yes, SOWAKA allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of JPY 8470 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at SOWAKA?

As of Nov 21, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SOWAKA on Dec 16, 2024 start from ₩1,105,127, excluding 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.

How much is parking at SOWAKA?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at SOWAKA?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at SOWAKA?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is SOWAKA located?

Located in Gion, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. Kawaramachi Street and Kiyomizu Temple are also within 15 minutes. Gion-shijo Station is 9 minutes by foot and Higashiyama Station is 12 minutes.

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

Yan Ki Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night 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

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Kim, Melbourne

Traveled 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