Sowaka Hotel Kyoto | Kyoto ★ Book Spa Rooms, Wellness Deals & Guest Reviews

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Key details

About the Hotel

東山区清井町480, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821

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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Double Room

Max:

2 persons

295 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Superior King Room

Max:

2 persons

345 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Standard Annex Queen Room

Max:

2 persons

380 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

Comprehensive guide to transport options for seamless travel

City Center

Kyoto5000 ft

Airports

Itami (ITM) 30.5 mi

Kobe (UKB) 49.3 mi

Train

Gion Shijo Station2300 ft

Kawaramachi Station3000 ft

Metro stations

Higashiyama3000 ft

Sanjo Keihan3300 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Wi-Fi

Parking

Baggage storage

24-hour services

24-hour reception

24-hour security

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Baggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Spa & wellness center
Massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

東山区清井町480, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821

Map view

東山区清井町480, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821

City landmarks

Castle

Nijo Castle

1.9 mi

609 Nishidaimonjicho Tominokoji Dori Shijoagaru

Nishiki Market Shopping District

1.2 mi

Market

Nishiki Market

1.5 mi

Pagoda

Chion-in

3600 ft

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

2.4 mi

Pagoda

Kennin-ji

3600 ft

Tower

Kyoto Tower

1.5 mi

Pagoda

Sanjusangendo Temple

1.2 mi

Pagoda

Nanzen-ji

1.2 mi

Museums

Kyoto National Museum

1.2 mi

Pagoda

Shoren-in

3600 ft

Pagoda

Temple of the Silver Pavilion

2.1 mi

Pagoda

Kiyomizu-dera Temple 3 Storey Tower

3200 ft

97 Okazaki Nishitennocho

Heian Shrine

1.4 mi

Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

1.8 mi

Pagoda

Rokuharamitsu-ji

3600 ft

Pagoda

Kinkaku-ji

3.8 mi

Museums

Kyoto International Manga Museum

1.3 mi

Pagoda

Nishi-Hongan-ji

1.7 mi

Zoo

Kyoto City Zoo

1.2 mi

Nearby

625 Giommachi Kitagawa

Yasaka Shrine

1400 ft

Pagoda

Kodai-ji

1400 ft

Parks

Maruyama Park

1400 ft

Japan

Nineizaka

1400 ft

463 Maruyamacho

Kyoto cherry blossoms

1400 ft

Higashiyama-ku

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

1400 ft

３９０−１ Kinencho

Yasaka Koshin-do

1400 ft

Higashiyama-ku

Hanami Lane

1400 ft

70 Benten-cho

Yasui Konpiragu Shrine

1400 ft

Higashiyama-ku

Ishibe Alley

1400 ft

Restaurants

Iyemon Salon Atelier Kyoto

300 ft

481-1 KIyoicho Yasaka Tori Mae Sagaru

Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya

500 ft

537-2 Minamigawa Giommachi Higashiyama-ku Hiro Bldg. B1F

Jubanseru

300 ft

Kiyoicho

Cafe Restaurant Yayoi

300 ft

481 Gionshimogawara

Gion Cafe

500 ft

484 Kiyoi-cho

Mavo

400 ft

440 Bentencho

Kyoto Cuisine Jikishonbo Saiki

300 ft

441 Kamibentencho

Mimiko

400 ft

528-6 Giommachi Minamigawa

Teppanyaki & Sake Bar OAGARI

500 ft

537-2 Gion Machi Minamigawa

Dari K Gion Akishino

100 ft

492-22 Kiyoicho

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.

62%

loved their spa retreat and can’t wait to return.

6.2/10

Nice

Rooms

7.8

Location

9.6

Service

7.8

Dining

7.4

Mark

United States of America, January 2025

5.4/10

I had a mixed experience at Sowaka. The location was fantastic, placing me right in the heart of Kyoto, but the service and some amenities left much to be desired. The hotel's beautiful aesthetics were marred by issues like limited toiletries and a lack of natural light in the room. While the dining experience had its highlights, the overall value for the price didn't meet my expectations. 🌸😕

Rooms

5.0

The aesthetics were beautiful, but my room felt cold and lacked natural light. I also found it significantly overpriced compared to other luxury hotels I've stayed in.

Service

5.0

While the staff were polite, the service was chaotic at times. I encountered issues like lingering body odor from staff that impacted my experience.

Location

9.0

The location was superb, allowing me to easily walk to major temples like Kiyomizu Temple and enjoy all that Gion has to offer.

Dining

6.0

I enjoyed the breakfast, but the dining options felt overly pretentious, especially considering other ryokans offered more authentic food experiences. Dinner was nice, but not Michelin star quality.

Facilities

5.0

The hotel provided basic amenities and room service, but toiletries were not sufficient for two guests, and I had to request replenishment frequently.

Fred

United States of America, January 2025

7.4/10

Sowaka is a charming blend of traditional Japanese design and modern comfort, located conveniently within Kyoto's historic Gion district. The staff is exceptionally attentive and friendly, making my stay even more enjoyable. However, my room's lighting was a bit dim, and the mattress was firmer than what I'm used to, which affected my sleep quality.

Rooms

8.0

I loved the unique multi-level design of my room, complete with a comfortable bed and beautiful garden views. The Dyson hairdryer was a great touch, but the firmness of the mattress was quite taxing on my back.

Service

10.0

The staff were incredibly polite and eager to assist me with anything I needed, from providing complimentary drinks to ensuring my breakfast preferences were met.

Location

10.0

Located in the heart of Gion, Sowaka is just steps away from Yasaka Shrine and other major sites, making it perfect for exploring Kyoto on foot.

Dining

8.0

I enjoyed both the Western and Japanese breakfast options, and the dinner I had was beautifully presented and delicious, though I found the prices a bit high.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel offers great amenities, including room service and a lovely bar that opens at 5 PM; the complimentary mini-bar was a nice bonus during my stay.

John

United States of America, December 2024

6.0/10

My stay at Sowaka was simply good, blending traditional Japanese design with modern comforts. The service was really good; the staff greeted me warmly and went out of their way to assist me, particularly with dining recommendations. However, the breakfast options could be improved, particularly the coffee, and the overall price might be a bit steep for some. That said, the unique experience and fantastic location made it worth every penny.

Rooms

10.0

I stayed in a uniquely designed room with a meditation area, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. The tea service and complimentary drinks were a nice touch, and I loved the Dyson hairdryer.

Service

10.0

The staff at Sowaka were attentive and friendly, always ready to help with anything I needed, from check-in to dinner reservations. Their warm welcome made me feel at home.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location in Gion is perfect for exploring Kyoto on foot, with easy access to temples, shrines, and good dining options in the area.

Dining

9.0

Dining at Gion Loko was a highlight; the flavors and presentation of each course were really good. While the breakfast options could use some improvement, my dinner experience was truly nice.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities like room service and the lovely bar added to the overall experience of my stay, although I found the breakfast coffee lacking.

Charles

United States of America, December 2024

6.4/10

I had a mixed experience at Sowaka. The location is fantastic, right in the heart of Gion near major attractions, and the room was unique and comfortable. However, I faced some issues with service that really affected my enjoyment. The restaurant staff were overly familiar without providing excellent service, and I encountered wait times that were unnecessary.

Rooms

8.0

The room I stayed in was unique with a multi-level layout, featuring a comfortable bed and a nice meditation area. However, I would have liked a better view from the balcony, as it felt obstructed.

Service

5.0

While the staff were friendly and attentive, my experience was marred by a lack of professionalism. There was confusion with my dinner reservations that left me embarrassed, and the manager's approach felt awkward rather than welcoming.

Location

9.0

The location was ideal, just steps from Yasaka Shrine and central to major tourist sites, making it easy to explore Gion and beyond.

Dining

7.0

I had breakfast and dinner at their restaurant. While the food was good, I expected more flair. The breakfast options were ample and I enjoyed both Western and Japanese styles, though nothing stood out as really good.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel had nice amenities, including tea service in the room and a lovely bar that opened in the evening, but overall I expected a bit more given the price point.

Alex

United States of America, October 2024

6.2/10

My stay at Sowaka was overall lovely, though I did encounter a few hiccups. The hotel itself is beautiful and in a fantastic location, just a short walk from Kyoto's main attractions. However, I was a bit disappointed with the limited toiletries provided. The attentive staff and the charm of the ryokan definitely elevated the experience for me.

Rooms

8.0

I stayed in a Deluxe King Room with Courtyard View, which was beautiful and had a lovely atmosphere. The wooden details and traditional elements were particularly enchanting.

Service

9.0

The staff were incredibly polite and helpful. They went above and beyond to accommodate my requests, which made my stay quite enjoyable.

Location

10.0

Sowaka is perfectly situated in the heart of old Kyoto, making it easy to explore the temples and local restaurants. I appreciated how close we were to all of the major sights.

Dining

7.0

I enjoyed the daily breakfast, though I didn't opt for half board due to the many dining options in the area. The meals had quality offerings, but I didn't experience anything that blew me away.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities like dry cleaning and housekeeping were readily available. I also loved the welcome drink and the complimentary snacks in the room.