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Sowaka

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Children 12 year old and below must be accommodated in Annex building.

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. 
Read more[SPLIT]Read less
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 | 

4.7 /5

241 reviews

Spa

Spa

UNESCO

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fine

Fine Dining

Adventure

Adventure and Activity

Our Hotel

  • Deluxe Garden View
    Deluxe Garden View
  • Entrance
    Entrance
  • Hotel Exterior
    Hotel Exterior
  • Suite Bedroom
    Suite Bedroom
  • Superior Garden View
    Superior Garden View
  • Superior City View
    Superior City View
  • Superior City View Annexe
    Superior City View Annexe
  • Superior Courtyard with Balcony
    Superior Courtyard with Balcony
  • Deluxe Mountain View - Twin
    Deluxe Mountain View - Twin
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Bathroom
    Deluxe Courtyard View Bathroom
  • Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annexe
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
  • Deluxe Garden View
    Deluxe Garden View
  • Rooftop
    Rooftop
  • Sowaka Loka
    Sowaka Loka
  • Sowaka
    Sowaka
  • Facade
    Facade
1 / 18
  • Deluxe Garden View
  • Entrance
  • Hotel Exterior
  • Suite Bedroom
  • Superior Garden View
  • Superior City View
  • Superior City View Annexe
  • Superior Courtyard with Balcony
  • Deluxe Mountain View - Twin
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Bathroom
  • Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annexe
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
  • Deluxe Garden View
  • Rooftop
  • Sowaka Loka
  • Sowaka
  • Facade
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 Room
    Superior Room
1 / 1

Superior Casita Main 111

Sleeps 2
Queen
Please enter dates to check availability
  • Standard Room
    Standard Room
1 / 1

Standard Main 110

Sleeps 2
Queen
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  • Superior City View Annexe
    Superior City View Annexe
1 / 1

Superior City View Annex 209

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Superior Garden View Annexe
    Superior Garden View Annexe
1 / 1

Superior Garden View Annex 212

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Suite Bedroom
    Suite Bedroom
1 / 1

Suite Room Main 108

Sleeps 2
Twin
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  • Deluxe Maisonette Main
    Deluxe Maisonette Main
1 / 1

Deluxe Maisonette Main 104

Sleeps 2
Twin
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  • Deluxe with Private Garden Main - Queen
    Deluxe with Private Garden Main - Queen
1 / 1

Deluxe with Private Garden Main - Queen 101

Sleeps 2
Queen
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  • Deluxe with Private Garden
    Deluxe with Private Garden
1 / 1

Deluxe with Private Garden Main 102

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Deluxe Garden View
    Deluxe Garden View
1 / 1

Deluxe Garden View Main 103

Sleeps 2
Twin
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  • Deluxe Mountain View - Twin
    Deluxe Mountain View - Twin
1 / 1

Deluxe Mountain View Main - Twin 106

Sleeps 2
Twin
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  • Deluxe Naguri Wall Main - Twin
    Deluxe Naguri Wall Main - Twin
1 / 1

Deluxe Naguri Wall Main 107

Sleeps 2
Twin
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  • Superior Garden View
    Superior Garden View
1 / 1

Superior Garden View Skip Floor Main 105

Sleeps 2
Queen
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  • Superior City View
    Superior City View
1 / 1

Superior City View Main 109

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Junior Suite Annexe
    Junior Suite Annexe
1 / 1

Junior Suite Annex 204

Sleeps 3
King
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  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 1 201

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 2 202

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Deluxe Garden View Annexe
    Deluxe Garden View Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Garden View Annex 203

Sleeps 2
King
Please enter dates to check availability
  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 3 205

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Courtyard View Annex 4 207

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Courtyard View with Balcony Annex 208

Sleeps 2
King
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  • Deluxe Courtyard and Mountain View Annexe
    Deluxe Courtyard and Mountain View Annexe
1 / 1

Deluxe Courtyard and Mountain View Annex 211

Sleeps 2
King
Please enter dates to check availability
  • Superior Courtyard with Balcony Annexe
    Superior Courtyard with Balcony Annexe
1 / 1

Superior Courtyard with Balcony Annex 206

Sleeps 2
King
Please enter dates to check availability
  • Standard City View Annexe
    Standard City View Annexe
1 / 1

Standard City View Annex 210

Sleeps 2
King
Please enter dates to check availability
show all

Ratings

Quality Assured

Mystery Inspected

Global Rating

4.7 /5

4.7

241 reviews

SLH Club Rating

4.9 /5

4.9

11 reviews
4.5 /5
Tripadvisor score 4.5

4.5

47 reviews

SLH Club Reviews

100 %

of reviewers would recommend this hotel

5

a beautiful hotel with superb service in an historic part of Kyoto

traditional but immaculate ryokan near Gion with beautiful rooms and suites and such kind and courteous people who made us feel welcome and looked after.

By Stephen Feb ’25 Trip Type Couple

4

Beautiful, friendly, true luxury hotel

The property was beautiful and historical. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive and knowledgeable- from giving excellent advice on local places to eat, to letting us know about the history of the place. They couldn't go enough. The generous sake hour, beautiful bar and cocktails werexwonderful. Read more[SPLIT]Read lessThe restaurant was outstanding - delicious breakfasts and an absolutely unforgettable dinner.

By William Jan ’25 Trip Type Couple

5

Beatiful mix of the old and new

Wonderful restaurant

By Jason Jan ’25 Trip Type Couple

Sowaka, Japan

4.9

(based on 11 reviews)

100 %

of reviewers would recommend this hotel

5

a beautiful hotel with superb service in an historic part of Kyoto

traditional but immaculate ryokan near Gion with beautiful rooms and suites and such kind and courteous people who made us feel welcome and looked after.

By Stephen Feb ’25 Trip Type Couple

4

Beautiful, friendly, true luxury hotel

The property was beautiful and historical. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive and knowledgeable- from giving excellent advice on local places to eat, to letting us know about the history of the place. They couldn't go enough. The generous sake hour, beautiful bar and cocktails werexwonderful. Read more[SPLIT]Read lessThe restaurant was outstanding - delicious breakfasts and an absolutely unforgettable dinner.

By William Jan ’25 Trip Type Couple

5

Beatiful mix of the old and new

Wonderful restaurant

By Jason Jan ’25 Trip Type Couple

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
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
  • Fire safety compliant

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
  • 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
  • Pets not allowed

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

52 kms to airport Osaka International Airport

100 kms to airport Kansai Airport

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