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 £790
additional charges may apply
18 Nov - 19 Nov

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 23 of 23 rooms

View all photos for 101:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, 1 Queen Bed(Main)

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low table, a chair, and sliding doors.

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

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 102:Deluxe Room with Private Garden, Hollywood Twin(Main)

A traditional Japanese-style hotel room with tatami flooring, a large bed, a sitting area with a table and chairs, and a view of greenery through the sliding doors.

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

  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Main Building 103: Garden View Deluxe King Bed

A hotel room with a bed, two chairs, a small round table, a wooden desk, and a traditional Japanese sliding door.

Main Building 103: Garden View Deluxe King Bed

  • Garden view
  • 581 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 104:Deluxe Maisonette with Tea Ceremony Room, Hollywood Twin(Main)

A traditional Japanese-style bedroom with tatami flooring, a wooden headboard, and a view of greenery through a shoji screen.

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

  • 646 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

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

A traditional Japanese room with tatami flooring, a low table, a chair, and a sliding door leading to a balcony with a view of greenery.

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

  • Garden view
  • 420 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, two beds, a wooden table, and sliding doors.

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

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

View all photos for 107: Deluxe Room with Naguri Wall, Twin Bed(Main)

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden bed, a wooden chair, and a table.

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

  • 667 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds

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

A traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, a low wooden bed, a sofa, and a view of greenery through large shoji screens.

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1044 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A traditional Japanese-style bedroom with tatami flooring, a low wooden headboard, and two bedside lamps.

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

  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A traditional Japanese-style bedroom with tatami flooring, a large bed with white bedding, sliding doors, and a wooden headboard.

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

  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for 111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a bed with white bedding, a nightstand with a lamp, and a window with vertical blinds.

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

  • 366 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

A cozy room with a sofa, two chairs, a wooden table with a teapot, and a window with a view of greenery.

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A modern living room with a sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a wooden cabinet. Large windows provide a view of a garden.

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

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

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

A rustic interior with a large metal pot, a small stool, and a lantern.

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

  • 506 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

A modern living room with a wooden floor, a sofa, a coffee table, and two chairs.

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

  • 753 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

A room with a large sliding glass door leading to a view of buildings and trees. Inside, there are two wooden chairs and a small round table.

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

  • 474 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A balcony with two chairs and a table, a sliding glass door, and a view of greenery outside.

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

  • 463 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

A modern bedroom with a large bed, wooden headboard, and a view of a garden through floor-to-ceiling windows.

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, and a bench.

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 603 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A modern interior with a wooden ceiling, a sofa, a table, and a bed.

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

  • 506 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a sofa, and a table. There are large windows providing natural light and a view of the outdoors.

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 517 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A modern hotel room with a sofa, a bed, a table, and abstract wall art.

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

  • 624 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

A room with a wooden floor, a table with chairs, a large window, and a dark door.

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

  • City view
  • 377 sq ft
  • 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 gate, a cherry blossom tree, and a stone path.
    Kodai-ji Temple
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A traditional Japanese temple with red and white structures, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of visitors.
    Yasaka Shrine
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Traditional Japanese architecture with ornate lanterns and signage.
    Gion Corner
    4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.
    Kiyomizu Temple
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • A brightly lit urban street at night with illuminated buildings and a tree-lined sidewalk.
    Kawaramachi Street
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ラ・ボンバンス祇園
    1 min walk
  • 特級ラーメン
    2 min walk
  • Hario Cafe Kyoto
    2 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

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 a front desk safe
    • A 24-hour front desk, smoke-free property and concierge services
    • Free newspapers and luggage storage
    • 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

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  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 2,240 reviews
The price is £161
additional charges may apply
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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 25 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SOWAKA on 18 Nov 2026 start from £790, 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. 119 out of 132 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 132 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 132 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 132 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 132 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location with kind and helpful staff. Enjoyed the whiskey tasting at the bar!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were immediately greeted by the warm and smiling staff of this sweet hotel right in the historic Gion district. We loved our large room and the heated floors in our bathroom. We had breakfast each morning that was delicious and ate dinner on our last night there which was out of this world!!! I’m so happy we stayed here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
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
We stayed in 6 high end hotels/ryokans over a 2,5 week period of time. Sowaka by far the most personalized service we received. The staff is highly professional and engaging. They made great recommendations based on our needs and requests. Arriving or leaving Sowaka was met with a warm reception each time. The room was well maintained and we always returned to inspiring messages. Gion Loka provided a great culinary experience both for dinner and breakfast. The location is also hard to beat if you are looking to spend time in the HIgashiyama area. Definitely not a one night and out of there experience. Spend several days here relaxing and exploring
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 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, 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, 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 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

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, 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

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, 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, 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
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