SOWAKA, Kyoto

Sowaka - A century-old teahouse transformed into a luxury ryokan with Michelin-starred dining in historic Gion

Housed in a 100-year-old former teahouse in Gion district, this 5-star Kyoto hotel features 23 individually furnished rooms with heated floors and premium bedding. The atmospheric sukiya-style main building, renovated by over 100 specialist craftsmen, showcases traditional elements including tatami mat floors, sliding shoji screens, and decorative carvings, complemented by modern furniture in sea blue and orange shades. Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, and private bathrooms featuring deep soaking wooden tubs and rainfall showerheads. La Bombance Gion, the Kyoto sister of Tokyo's Michelin-starred restaurant, serves a 10-course interpretation of traditional Kyoto cuisine on distinctive tableware. Sowaka's rooms include modern amenities such as Bluetooth speakers crafted from Kyoto cedarwood and complimentary wireless internet. The property's location places guests within 1640.4 ft of Yasaka Shrine, 0.5 miles from Shoren-in temple, and 1 mile from Kyoto Tower.

Pros

Staff dressed in traditional kimono or modern Sou Sou brand clothing provide discrete omotenashi service

Custom-made natural wool mattresses from Iwata Prefecture ensure comfort

Exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours of Kiyomizudera Temple

Inner gardens and angular windows offer city views

Cons

1.5 miles from central Kyoto Tower area

Some rooms are accessible only via wooden corridors with steps