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Explore temples at sunset, spot geisha in the streets and enjoy authentic Japanese flavours at Sowaka Kyoto

A restored ‘ryokan’ in one of Japan’s most alluring destinations, Sowaka Kyoto elegantly fuses the ancient traditions of a Japanese guesthouse with the modern world. After exploring Kyoto’s unique attractions, the hotel’s serene spaces and authentic Japanese restaurant let you relax in true Japanese style. 

Bedrooms and suites at Sowaka Kyoto are discreetly arranged among green courtyards, with long corridors designed to evoke Kyoto’s alleyways. Traditional ryokan elements such as paper sliding doors are interwoven with modern comforts. Think handmade cedar wood speakers, and cushioned, cashmere mattresses. Every considered detail showcases local customs. Bath amenities are made with Japanese camelia oil, and the hotel’s water is drawn from its own underground spring. The intimate bar is the perfect setting to sample a curated selection of the finest Japanese whisky, sake and shochu. 
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At Sowaka Kyoto, the ancient capital is on your doorstep, with private tours available to escape the crowds. Take a morning stroll among cherry blossom in the spring, and sample a tea ceremony in Kodaiji Temple. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizudera Temple for the unforgettable sight of the sun rising over the city’s rooftops. And keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the legendary maiko (geisha in training) as you wander the beautiful streets of Kobu or Shirakawi-dori.
 

Enjoy your stay!


23 Rooms |  2 Floors |  1 Restaurant | 

4.8 /5

217 reviews

Spa

Spa

UNESCO

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fine

Fine Dining

Adventure

Adventure and Activity

Temple Tours

Take-your-breath-away temples

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Japanese culture at Sowaka Kyoto with a guests-only temple tour. Priests will give you the inside track (and off-limits access) at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its 1,200 years of history. Time your visit for sunrise and see the first rays hit Kyoto’s jumbled rooftops. Or bask in the otherworldly sight of golden leaves and ethereal bamboo groves during a private tour of Kodai-ji Temple, illuminated in brilliant colours after dusk.

Our rooms

Superior Casita Main 111


Sleeps 2
Queen
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Standard Main 110


Sleeps 2
Queen
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Superior City View Annexe 209


Sleeps 2
King
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Superior Garden View Annexe 212


Sleeps 2
King
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Suite Room Main 108


Sleeps 2
Twin
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Deluxe Maisonette Main 104


Sleeps 2
Twin
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Deluxe with Private Garden Main - Queen 101


Sleeps 2
Queen
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Deluxe with Private Garden Main 102


Sleeps 2
King
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Deluxe Garden View Main 103


Sleeps 2
Twin
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Deluxe Mountain View Main - Twin 106


Sleeps 2
Twin
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Deluxe Naguri Wall Main 107


Sleeps 3
Twin
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Superior Garden View Skip Floor Main 105


Sleeps 2
Queen
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Superior City View Main 109


Sleeps 2
King
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Junior Suite Annexe 204


Sleeps 4
King
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Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe 1 201


Sleeps 2
King
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Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe 2 202


Sleeps 3
King
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Deluxe Garden View Annexe 203


Sleeps 2
King
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Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe 3 205


Sleeps 2
King
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Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe 4 207


Sleeps 2
King
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Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annexe 208


Sleeps 2
King
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Deluxe Courtyard and Mountain View Annexe 211


Sleeps 2
King
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Superior Courtyard with Balcony Annexe 206


Sleeps 2
King
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Standard City View Annexe 210


Sleeps 2
King
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show all

Ratings

Quality Assured

Mystery Inspected

Global Rating

4.8 /5

4.8

217 reviews

INVITED Rating

5 /5
4.5 /5
Tripadvisor score 4.5

4.5

45 reviews

INVITED Reviews

100 %

of reviewers would recommend this hotel


5

Amazing place, attention to detail is unsurpassed

we loved the room and the internal garden,. it felt like plunging back in time, in the Edo times.

By Pasquale Sep ’24 Trip Type Couple


5

Magical!

Traditional charm combined with modern amenities

By Janet Oct ’23 Trip Type Couple


5

The best hotel I've ever visited

A wonderful small hotel that gives you a feeling of going back a hundred years.

By Paul Jun ’23 Trip Type Couple


Sowaka, Japan

5

(based on 8 reviews)

100 %

of reviewers would recommend this hotel


5

Amazing place, attention to detail is unsurpassed

we loved the room and the internal garden,. it felt like plunging back in time, in the Edo times.

By Pasquale Sep ’24 Trip Type Couple


5

Magical!

Traditional charm combined with modern amenities

By Janet Oct ’23 Trip Type Couple


5

The best hotel I've ever visited

A wonderful small hotel that gives you a feeling of going back a hundred years.

By Paul Jun ’23 Trip Type Couple


5

tranquil ryokan with thoughtful service

Service with heart. We enjoyed an early morning stroll with Ty to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. They go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.

By Leslie May ’23 Trip Type Couple


5

Memorable service by staff

There is not one memorable moment: all moments were memorable

By Elisabeth Apr ’23 Trip Type Individual


5

Fabulous place with accomodating staff

Service, room, hospitality

By Michael Apr ’23 Trip Type Couple


5

Wonderful stay for experiencing ryokan. Location is perfect and staff are extremely helpful.

The atmosphere at the hotel is wonderful. We loved the historical touch. Perfect location for walks in Gion. The staff are so sweet and service minded with great knowledge of restaurants and attractions.

By Anne Jan ’23 Trip Type Couple


5

A fantastic stay A unique atmosphere Wonderful location and staffs. A must see

The rooms were great, same for the breakfast, amenities, service. Great staffs in particular at the front desk

By Ryan Nov ’22 Trip Type Couple


Key Features

Air
Air conditioning
Bar
Bar
Family
Family friendly
Pet
Pet Friendly
Room
Room service
Restaurant
Restaurant

All Hotel Features and Services

  • Bell staff/porter
  • Concierge desk
  • Currency exchange
  • Turndown service
  • 24-hour security
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Family friendly
  • Pet Friendly

All Hotel Features and Services

  • Bell staff/porter
  • Concierge desk
  • Currency exchange
  • Turndown service
  • 24-hour security
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Family friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Fire safety compliant
  • Full service housekeeping
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Security
  • Restaurant
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Room service
  • Room service - limited hours
  • Massage services

Gion Loka

Served Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Japanese cuisine rich with tradition has been pass down through generations Our dishes blend tradition with innovation deliver with a personal touch to each guest. Loka meaning World in Sanskrit reflects our aspiration to share microcosm of diverse forms history meaning and flavors of Japanese cuisine with the world- Gion is a place where diners from all over Japan and around the globe come to experience the unique culinary delights found only in Kyoto.

Location of your stay

Hotel Address

Sowaka

480 Kiyoi cho

Higashiyama ku

Kyoto

6050821

Kyoto

Japan

Check in:

1500

Check out:

1100

What3words location:

types.boarded.jingles

Where is it?

52 kms to airport Itami Airport

100 kms to airport Kansai Airport

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