SOWAKA

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Luxury
VIP Access
4.5 star property
9.8

Exceptional

Luxury hotel near Kodai-ji Temple

Located close to Maruyama Park and Kiyomizu Temple, 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.

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
The current price is NZ$1,775
23 Sept - 24 Sept

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 26 of 26 rooms

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

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

  • 51 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Main Building 103: Garden View Deluxe King Bed

  • Garden view
  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

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

  • Garden view
  • 39 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 59 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds

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

  • 62 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 97 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 49 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 47 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 70 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 44 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 43 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 48 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 58 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • City view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

City View Superior 1 King Bed Non-Smoking Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

Located in Gion, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, SOWAKA is in the entertainment district and near a train station. Kodai-ji Temple and Heian Shrine are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market. Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto Tower are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Kyoto travel guide
Map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821

What's nearby

  • A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.
    Kodai-ji Temple
    1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • A traditional Japanese temple with red and white structures, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of visitors.
    Yasaka Shrine
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Traditional Japanese architecture with ornate lanterns and signage.
    Gion Corner
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.
    Kiyomizu Temple
    10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • A brightly lit urban street at night with illuminated buildings and a tree-lined sidewalk.
    Kawaramachi Street
    11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station
    10 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station
    13 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    65 min drive

Restaurants

  • 特級ラーメン
    2 min walk
  • ラ・ボンバンス祇園
    1 min walk
  • 京都勝牛 祇園八坂店
    2 min walk
  • 札幌かに家 京都店
    2 min walk
  • Hario Cafe Kyoto
    2 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

  • Luxury hotel near Kodai-ji Temple
  • Located close to Maruyama Park and Kiyomizu Temple, 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 hire and smoke-free property
    • 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 guest rooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts, such as premium bedding and heated floors, as well as perks, such as air conditioning and bathrobes.
  • Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep-soaking baths
    • Heated floors, fridges and tablet computers

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 6,000 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 lift

More

  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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
  • Phone
  • 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 at the property
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

American ExpressDiners ClubJCB InternationalMastercardVisa

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 100-10,000 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: from approximately JPY 6000 per person
  • 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 any lifts
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

Frequently asked questions

Is SOWAKA pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at SOWAKA?

As of 21 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SOWAKA on 23 Sept 2026 start from NZ$1,775, including 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?

Checkout 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. Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is 13 minutes by foot and Sanjo Keihan Station is 14 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

SOWAKA Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 114 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 127 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a surprise a true beauty the feeling of a Ryoken yet with all the necessities of a boutique hotel. I could have stayed there a month.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean hotel. Very authentic. Staff are excellent
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was amazing and I loved the traditional Japanese style hotel. Great experience all around
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best Breakfast & Great Location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location - walking distance to restaurants and many temples and parks - room was well organized
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel in a nice location with excellent service
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service, stylish westernized ryokan atmosphere. Amazing meal service and location
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, amazing service, great location and climate control in the room was a little challenging.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Where do I start, everything was great at here. The Kaseki breakfast (if you like that albeit, western breakfast looked decent too) to winding down with a meditation bell and a leaflet to help you relax before bed. The hotel is beautiful and the staff make you feel extra special with their personal touches, only 23 rooms and so the staff know everyone and will go out their way to help you. The whole experience is calming and peaceful and it’s like a small retreat, there’s no TV in the room but for a beautiful speaker that’s endlessly playing calming tunes, the lounge space for snacks and matcha is great and the restaurant serves an awesome dinner. Can’t say enough good things about the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique property with excellent staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Roykan and excellent location! Excellent service. The restaurant was amazing. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Most fabulous stay

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent service ! Staffs are exceedingly friendly and helpful. The room is nicely furnished with chill vibe. Really enjoyable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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