What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

Continental breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee of approximately JPY 6000 per person.

Are pets allowed at the property?

Up to 2 dogs are permitted in the Superior Casita Room. There is no charge for 1 dog; a fee applies only for an additional dog in the room. Service animals are exempt from this policy.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early check-in is available for a fee, subject to availability.

What is the hotel's location in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is located in Kyoto (Gion), within a 5-minute walk of Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. It is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Kawaramachi Street and 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Kiyomizu Temple.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, but specific policies regarding age limits for free stays are not provided.

Sowaka Hotel in Kyoto

Average nightly price at Sowaka by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$678
February	$768
March	$1,131
April	$1,343
May	$1,043
June	$832
July	$683
August	$655
September	$842
October	$1,201
November	$1,133
December	$972

What guests think

At Sowaka, travellers highlight exceptional, personalised service, beautifully designed rooms that blend traditional Kyoto charm with modern comforts, a tranquil atmosphere in a prime Gion location near temples, and consistently praised dining, especially breakfast and kaiseki dinners.

Many also note spotless housekeeping and thoughtful, personalized touches. A few mention firm mattresses. Overall, it suits travellers seeking an intimate, high-touch luxury experience.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The on-site restaurant draws strong praise. The bar and common areas are mentioned occasionally.

Related guest reviews

10

Kevin

Sep 15, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had an amazing stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto - the team at the hotel were incredibly helpful & welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel is stunning & perfectly located in the most historic & traditional part of Kyoto - literally a few steps away from a beautiful temple. We would definitely recommend the Japanese breakfast option & the team in the restaurant were incredibly attentive and accommodating of my wife’s dietary requirements - nothing was too much trouble. An amazing experience from start to finish & we’ll definitely return!

10

Carmen

Dec 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful Roykan and excellent location! Excellent service. The restaurant was amazing. Definitely recommend!

10

VIPUL

Mar 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Best Breakfast & Great Location.

10

Kim

Apr 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Daniela

May 18, 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.

10

Brittney

Oct 1, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

Robert

Mar 18, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

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.

10

Ajay

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great service, stylish westernized ryokan atmosphere. Amazing meal service and location

10

Janet

Apr 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Céline

Jun 26, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Un endroit exceptionnel- personnel très attentionné et excellent service et repas! Une note parfaite! 10/10

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews consistently describe the property and rooms as very clean, with attentive housekeeping.

Related guest reviews

10

Luya

Jun 25, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

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!

10

Brittney

Oct 1, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

Robert

Mar 18, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms blend traditional Japanese design with modern comforts; several are spacious with garden views and wooden tubs. Some guests find the beds firm.

Related guest reviews

10

Ian

Jan 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is a slice of heaven, a tradtional Kyoto experience in a lovely old refurbished building in a quiet street very near a major shrine. But it is also wonderfully modern with more complimentary comforts and perks than I have ever come across in any hotel in the world. You are also within easy walking distance of many sights and museums, shops, bars and restaurants. And the staff are wonderful...pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, incredibly efficient. I could not praise them or the accommodations too highly.

10

Tana

Apr 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Anything from the superb service to the quality of the rooms to the food at the restaurant was top notch. Couldn't recommend this hotel more. Beds are slightly on the firm side but that's literally the only "negative" thing I have to say.

10

Jacqueline

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

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!

10

Michael

Apr 10, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Beautiful new hotel. Modern with traditional touches. Loved the private garden directly in front of the bed. A traditional wooden tub in the room was a great touch. The service was the best!

10

PATTY

Jun 8, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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!!!

6

Daniela

May 18, 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.

10

Clay

Aug 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful traditional hotel with excellent service. Rooms are large and comfortable.

10

Christopher

Jul 23, 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.

10

Janet

Apr 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Chi yuen

Aug 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent service ! Staffs are exceedingly friendly and helpful. The room is nicely furnished with chill vibe. Really enjoyable.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely praised as warm, proactive, and highly personalized, with help on reservations, transport, and local tips. Guests frequently describe staff as going above and beyond.

Related guest reviews

10

Kevin

Sep 15, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had an amazing stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto - the team at the hotel were incredibly helpful & welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel is stunning & perfectly located in the most historic & traditional part of Kyoto - literally a few steps away from a beautiful temple. We would definitely recommend the Japanese breakfast option & the team in the restaurant were incredibly attentive and accommodating of my wife’s dietary requirements - nothing was too much trouble. An amazing experience from start to finish & we’ll definitely return!

10

Sonal

Sep 29, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

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.

10

Ian

Jan 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is a slice of heaven, a tradtional Kyoto experience in a lovely old refurbished building in a quiet street very near a major shrine. But it is also wonderfully modern with more complimentary comforts and perks than I have ever come across in any hotel in the world. You are also within easy walking distance of many sights and museums, shops, bars and restaurants. And the staff are wonderful...pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, incredibly efficient. I could not praise them or the accommodations too highly.

10

Tana

Apr 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Anything from the superb service to the quality of the rooms to the food at the restaurant was top notch. Couldn't recommend this hotel more. Beds are slightly on the firm side but that's literally the only "negative" thing I have to say.

10

Michael

Nov 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely ryokan in the middle of the insanity. Was so nice returning here at the end of the day with all the tourists around you it’s just one simple door from the street and you’re transported to the oasis of Sowaka. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Even gave us really great tips for somewhere in Osaka on our next stop. Would stay again and just stay inside enjoying the peace and quiet of the hotel.

10

Jacqueline

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

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!

10

Sarah

Nov 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff went above and beyond in taking care of my husband and myself during our visit. They helped with meal reservations/suggestions, calling taxis, and generally being incredibly welcoming.

10

Ajay

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel in a nice location with excellent service

10

nouf

May 28, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

George

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Set in the historic Gion area, the hotel is close to temples, sights, shops and dining yet on a quiet street. Many find it easy to walk to major attractions.

Related guest reviews

10

Kevin

Sep 15, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had an amazing stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto - the team at the hotel were incredibly helpful & welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel is stunning & perfectly located in the most historic & traditional part of Kyoto - literally a few steps away from a beautiful temple. We would definitely recommend the Japanese breakfast option & the team in the restaurant were incredibly attentive and accommodating of my wife’s dietary requirements - nothing was too much trouble. An amazing experience from start to finish & we’ll definitely return!

10

Ian

Jan 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is a slice of heaven, a tradtional Kyoto experience in a lovely old refurbished building in a quiet street very near a major shrine. But it is also wonderfully modern with more complimentary comforts and perks than I have ever come across in any hotel in the world. You are also within easy walking distance of many sights and museums, shops, bars and restaurants. And the staff are wonderful...pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, incredibly efficient. I could not praise them or the accommodations too highly.

10

Andrew

Jan 21, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

Michael

Nov 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely ryokan in the middle of the insanity. Was so nice returning here at the end of the day with all the tourists around you it’s just one simple door from the street and you’re transported to the oasis of Sowaka. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Even gave us really great tips for somewhere in Osaka on our next stop. Would stay again and just stay inside enjoying the peace and quiet of the hotel.

10

Jacqueline

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

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!

10

Carmen

Dec 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful Roykan and excellent location! Excellent service. The restaurant was amazing. Definitely recommend!

10

VIPUL

Mar 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Best Breakfast & Great Location.

10

PATTY

Jun 8, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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!!!

10

George

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

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.

10

Ajay

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great service, stylish westernized ryokan atmosphere. Amazing meal service and location

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast and the on-site restaurant receive frequent acclaim for quality, with kaiseki dinners often highlighted. Many guests recommend the breakfast.

Related guest reviews

10

Kevin

Sep 15, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had an amazing stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto - the team at the hotel were incredibly helpful & welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel is stunning & perfectly located in the most historic & traditional part of Kyoto - literally a few steps away from a beautiful temple. We would definitely recommend the Japanese breakfast option & the team in the restaurant were incredibly attentive and accommodating of my wife’s dietary requirements - nothing was too much trouble. An amazing experience from start to finish & we’ll definitely return!

10

Sonal

Sep 29, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

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.

10

Tana

Apr 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Anything from the superb service to the quality of the rooms to the food at the restaurant was top notch. Couldn't recommend this hotel more. Beds are slightly on the firm side but that's literally the only "negative" thing I have to say.

8

YOSHIKO

Feb 9, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

静かで、ゆっくり過ごすことが出来る。祇園散策が楽しめる。朝ごはんが洋食和食ともに楽しませてくれる演出で、素晴らしい。

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10

Carmen

Dec 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful Roykan and excellent location! Excellent service. The restaurant was amazing. Definitely recommend!

10

VIPUL

Mar 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Best Breakfast & Great Location.

10

George

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

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.

10

Ajay

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great service, stylish westernized ryokan atmosphere. Amazing meal service and location

10

Myriam

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Janet

Apr 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $1,444	2 $1,366	3 $1,294
4 $1,294	5 $1,294	6 $1,295	7 $1,293	8 $1,293	9 $1,502	10 $1,485
11 $1,465	12 $1,294	13 $1,294	14 $1,294	15 $1,294	16 $1,828	17 $1,514
18 $1,258	19 $1,295	20 $1,284	21 $1,508	22 $1,294	23 $1,294	24 $1,597
25 $1,506	26 $1,443	27 $1,293	28 $1,290	29 $1,289	30 $1,293	31 $1,258

Sowaka

Prices for Sowaka

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

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

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

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

201:Deluxe Room with Open-Air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

109:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Main)

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

106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main)

210:Standard Room with City View, Queen Bed(Annex)

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

203:Deluxe Room with Open-Air Bath and Tatami Space, Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

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

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

110:Standard Room with Higashiyama View, Double Bed(Main)

209:Superior Room with City View, King Bed(Annex)

108:Suite Room Horagai No Ma with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

Main Building 103: Garden View Deluxe King Bed

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

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

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

212:Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed(Annex)

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

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

205:Deluxe Room with Open-Air Bath, Courtyard View, King Bed(Annex)

Guest reviews of Sowaka

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Sowaka

Considering this hotel for your Kyoto trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25 $1,035	26 $1,105
27 $1,382	28 $1,166	29 $1,177	30 $1,232