Sowaka
Explore temples at sunset, spot geisha in the streets and enjoy authentic Japanese flavours at Sowaka Kyoto
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!
Our Hotel
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
Standard Main 110
Superior City View Annex 209
Superior Garden View Annex 212
Suite Room Main 108
Deluxe Maisonette Main 104
Deluxe with Private Garden Main - Queen 101
Deluxe with Private Garden Main 102
Deluxe Garden View Main 103
Deluxe Mountain View Main - Twin 106
Deluxe Naguri Wall Main 107
Superior Garden View Skip Floor Main 105
Superior City View Main 109
Junior Suite Annex 204
Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 1 201
Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 2 202
Deluxe Garden View Annex 203
Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 3 205
Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 4 207
Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annex 208
Deluxe Courtyard and Mountain View Annex 211
Superior Courtyard with Balcony Annex 206
Standard City View Annex 210
SLH Club Reviews
Peaceful and serene.
This was a peaceful and serene hotel. It was beautifully decorated in a traditional Japanese ryokan style. Service and rooms were also consistent with a traditional ryokan, featuring polite staff, futon beds, tatami mats, sliding doors and indoor garden. Breakfast was served each morning with a choice Read more[SPLIT]Read lessof Japanese or Western selections.
By Sharon Nov ’25 Trip Type Couple
authentic and magical experience
The service and attention to detail was fantastic. Our Experience in Kyoto was Enhanced because of our Stay at Sowaka. The authentic details in our tea ceremony room And the intimate garden view made our entire trip feel special. Highly recommend making Sowaka part of your trip
By Heather Oct ’25 Trip Type Couple
excellent service
They really went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.
By Robert Oct ’25 Trip Type Couple
Key Features
All Hotel Features and Services
- Bell staff/porter
- Concierge desk
- Currency exchange
- Turndown service
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Bar
- Family friendly
- Fire safety compliant
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.jinglesWhere is it?
52 kms to airport Osaka International Airport
100 kms to airport Kansai Airport