Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
Garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional service
Beautiful location
High-quality food
Cons:
No significant complaints
Minor mention of a need for maintenance in one review

Categories

Cleanliness
9.2
Cleanliness mentioned positively, with a focus on stunning gardens and a well-maintained property.
Service
10
Exceptional service highlighted across multiple reviews, with staff described as kind, helpful, and attentive.
Location
10
Repeated emphasis on prime location in Kyoto, described as stunning and central.
Room Quality
9.7
Rooms described as beautiful, comfortable, and unique, enhancing the overall stay.
Amenities
9.2
Amenities mentioned positively, including unique offerings like garden views and exceptional dining experiences.
Value for Money
9.2
Overall value perceived as high given the luxury experience provided.
Food and Beverage
9.7
Food quality praised with specific mention of incredible dining experiences.
Overall Experience
9.8
Overwhelmingly positive overall experiences cited, with many reviewers calling it unforgettable.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 04:00

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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 412 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.2
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 9.7
Amenities: 9.2
Value for Money: 9.2
Food and Beverage: 9.7
Overall Experience: 9.8
A
Ana • couple • pt
10
Sensacional
Pros:

Adiramos o pequeno almoço, o atendimento mas sobretudo as sensações que nos foram proporcionadas, simplesmente maravilhoso.

Cons:

nada

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
A
ariella • couple • it
9
da tornare ogni volta che si è kyoto
Pros:

tutto eccezionale!
Staff gentilissimo efficiente preparato ha soddisfatto con puntualità ogni nostro desiderio

Cons:

nulla

2026-09-01 • via Nuitee
L
Ludvik • couple • de
7
2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • couple • us
10
A delightful taste of Japan in Kyoto.
Pros:

The property is beautiful and peaceful. There is much vegetation and a lovely garden. My room had a city view with heated floors, which I LOVED. I enjoyed the Japanese breakfast which was quite filling. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. Clearly, they wanted me to enjoy my stay and I did.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
M
Medyyah • family_with_children • ae
10
2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
S
Sona • extended_group • sk
10
Saying with just a few words- coming as a guest and leaving as a family.
Pros:

Lovely place in Gion with friendly and helpful staff always ready to take care for the clients. The best matcha I’ve ever had, thank you.

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
J
Julien • family_with_children • us
10
2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
P
patricia • solo_traveller • es
10
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
G
Gregory • couple • us
9
The hotel was excellent. The staff were fantastic, extremely accommodating.
Pros:

Location was great, nice area, plenty to walk to. Staff were excellent, their recommendations for restaurants were great, and they helped us out with travel planning. The general vibe of the place was certainly relaxing.

Cons:

Bed was a bit hard for my liking. The smell from guests smoking cigars in the courtyard came into our room one night.

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
T
Tomas • extended_group • sk
10
2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
E
Ekaterina • couple • ru
10
Уровень комфорта и сервиса максимальный
Pros:

Отель с отменным сервисом, все сотрудники стараются во благо комфорта гостей. Комната была большая в старом здании, что способствовало погружению в атмосферу традиционной Японии. Нам предложили приветственный напиток на выбор, уточнили предпочтения к завтраку, в номере был комплимент в виде японского сливового вина, очень вкусно. Это был невероятный опыт.

Cons:

Такого не было

2026-08-10 • via Nuitee
S
Sepi • couple • us
10
Pros:

Beautiful staff that goes the extra mile, picturesque walkable area and a refined yet personal luxury experience in a traditional Japanese setting!

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
E
Esbeyde • couple • us
10
Absolutely amazing
Pros:

Everything! This is the best place I have been.

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • family_with_children • us
10
Beautiful hotel. Excellent staff and rooms were outstanding!
Pros:

Great location

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
A
Artem • family_with_children • ua
10
Very quiet and peaceful place. Atmosphere was really great. Very good breakfast.
Pros:

Amazing hotel in the very perfect location. Service and staff were brilliant.

Cons:

None

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
M
Maselli • couple • mq
10
Our stay was wonderful in every way.
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
N
Nancy • family_with_children • us
10
Sowaka is peaceful, serene and low key luxury. I highly recommend it for your stay in Kyoto.
Pros:

My daughter and I absolutely loved our stay at Sokawa. The common spaces were designed beautifully incorporating the older structure, including the entrance, staff welcoming area and dining and lounge areas seamlessly with the newer building which is where our room was located. Every staff member from arrival to departure was professional, kind and helpful with any and every need (anticipated or not). Breakfast was included in our stay and it was fresh and delicious. The attention to detail and responsiveness to each and every question or need, surpassed our expectations.

Cons:

Our room was in the new annex and the traditional Japanese beds were less a little tough on our backs. Would have preferred thicker mattresses.

2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
J
jean jacques • couple • fr
10
Séjour parfait à Kyoto
Pros:

Hôtel très apaisant !

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
T
Terrye • couple • gb
9
Excellent location but felt it was very expensive for facilities on offer
Pros:

Hotel well appointed in area good for tourists. Easy to walk out to the shrine, park and the village -full of tourists. There was a long shopping street with various restaurants. The room was large and the bathroom had a square wooden bath which I’ve never seen before. The room and bed were comfortable but lacked the wow factor. Sitting area could be more comfortable . The roof seating would be nice on cooler days - needs more shaded areas as impossible to dit in on a hot day

Cons:

The lounge downstairs was pleasant enough but again the styling of the room could have been better. This is an expensive place to stay and although it was perfectly comfortable I didn’t feel it met my expectations. The location is great. The bar only seats in low bar stools so you need to be agile. The bartender was brilliant snd we enjoyed a cheese platter with our cocktail.

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
R
Rodrigo • couple • pt
10
Dreamy
Pros:

How perfect our was. The most relaxing and beautiful room we’ve been in!

Cons:

Nothing!

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee