Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Luggage storage
Fax/photocopying
Ironing service
Massage services
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional service
Beautiful location
Stunning rooms
Delicious food
Cons:
No complaints mentioned
Minor maintenance suggestion

Categories

Cleanliness
9.21
Mentioned as clean with stunning garden.
Service
9.98
Staff praised for exceptional attentiveness and friendliness.
Location
9.82
Repeated mentions of stunning location—central and authentic.
Room Quality
9.67
Rooms described as beautiful, comfy, and stunning.
Amenities
9.2
Amenities were not directly mentioned but implied high quality.
Value for Money
9.36
Overall experience justifies the cost based on reviews.
Food and Beverage
9.61
Food described as fantastic and unbelievable.
Overall Experience
9.98
Overall experience described as unforgettable and fulfilling.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 03:38

Property Description

Traditional Kyoto-Style Decoration
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto at SOWAKA, where the renovated main building showcases traditional Kyoto-style decoration, offering a unique and authentic experience for our guests.

Japanese Garden Retreat
Relax and unwind in our serene Japanese garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kyoto, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Convenient Location
Located near the vibrant Gion district, SOWAKA offers easy access to popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Heian Shrine, allowing you to explore the rich culture and history of Kyoto effortlessly.

Experience the charm of Kyoto at SOWAKA. Book your stay now for an unforgettable journey.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
An accommodation tax per person, per night is not included in the price and must be paid at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:

Property Policies

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children ages 12 and older are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 357 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.21
Service: 9.98
Location: 9.82
Room Quality: 9.67
Amenities: 9.2
Value for Money: 9.36
Food and Beverage: 9.61
Overall Experience: 9.98
L
Leônidas • couple • br
10
Un viaje para recordar en la vida!
Pros:

Fue todo incréible!

Cons:

Nada.

2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
B
Beatrice • couple • us
10
Our stay was absolutely lovely and memorable !
Pros:

The historic building beautifully renovated was so very charming ! The staff was welcoming and warm. Also the location was just perfect !

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
K
Kiera • couple • gb
10
2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
P
Priscila • family_with_children • br
9
Pros:

Como proposta de um hotel japonês, ele é excelente. Os funcionários muito bons e gentis.

Cons:

Café da manhã poderia ser melhor e massagem não foi boa.

2026-01-27 • via Nuitee
S
SOONCHAN • solo_traveller • kr
10
2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
S
Sabrina • family_with_children • us
10
Exceptional experience with a focus on personal service. Restaurant was 5 stars. Truly wonderful.
Pros:

Service was impeccable. Everyone was focused on ensuring an excellent experience and they went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Their follow up on everything was remarkable. Truly a wonderful, authentic experience.

Cons:

Our room was wonderful, but a little dark.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
G
Giulio • couple • it
10
Pros:

The hotel is a gem.

2026-01-18 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • couple • at
10
Pros:

Great small hotel, with every detail perfectly thought through

2026-01-07 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • couple • it
10
2026-01-04 • via Nuitee
N
Noemí • extended_group • es
10
Pros:

Simplemente es increíble. Totalmente recomendable, el lugar es precioso, súper céntrico y el personal es muy muy amable.

2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
A
Allison • couple • us
10
2025-12-23 • via Nuitee
A
Ariane • couple • us
10
Just book SOWAKA it will fulfill your greatest Kyoto dreams!
Pros:

Authenticity & luxury
Location location location
All you could hope for and more!

2025-12-20 • via Nuitee
G
Geanie Haejung Lee • couple • us
10
2025-12-20 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • couple • us
10
Legendary building and location—unforgettable customer service and care.
Pros:

The building is rooted in history but elegant and modern enough to rival any luxury hotel. Many aspects of the property make it unique including the pure water to drink and shower in, the history, the atmosphere, the unique bar, the location is stunning and the staff was so thoughtful, helpful and friendly. Truly exceptional experience.

Cons:

Nothing I didn’t like.

2025-12-19 • via Nuitee
P
Philippe • couple • fr
10
Worth the trip in Kyoto with such a resort
Pros:

Location, clean, stunning garden
Dinner was unbelievable

2025-12-14 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • us
10
Only if you enjoy excellence in every regard should you stay here.
Pros:

We were treated beautifully in every aspect: service, food (breakfasts and dinners) and our room’s decor was stunning as well as comfy.

Cons:

We liked, no, loved, everything and everyone at sowaka.

2025-12-08 • via Nuitee
L
LILIANA • couple • fr
10
Un lugar fabuloso
Pros:

Todo ! Fue precioso agregó magia a nuestro viaje !

2025-12-06 • via Nuitee
R
rachel • couple • il
10
מקום של perfection
2025-11-27 • via Nuitee
A
Abdulelah • solo_traveller • sa
9
2025-11-26 • via Nuitee
P
Phillips • couple • us
9
Pros:

Our room with garden view

2025-11-24 • via Nuitee