"The room we stayed in in the main building was incredible - beautiful old features with a relaxing tea room that looked over the garden, but also modern and comfortable."
Emma from United Kingdom
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"The hotel is a 100 year old restaurant that they renovated and a few years ago added an addition to, so they'll show you some of the remaining parts of the restaurant like a well they used for water."
Alexi Z
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"One highlight was the traditional Japanese wooden tub in the bath--and of course, a lovely Toto toilet with heated seat, as are present throughout Japan."
Janet
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Luxury adults-only ryokan in Kyoto's Gion district with Michelin-starred dining
Rooms & Design
Sowaka offers 23 individually furnished rooms in a main building renovated from a 100-year-old ryotei and an annex. Each room includes heated floors, premium bedding, and private bathrooms with deep soaking Hinoki wood tubs and rainfall showerheads. The accommodations were designed by over 100 skilled craftsmen, resulting in traditional Kyoto-style décor with antique and contemporary furnishings.
Culinary Experience
Gion Loka, the hotel's restaurant, offers Japanese cuisine under Executive Chef Takaaki Kato. Guests can choose between a Japanese breakfast with cod and Japanese omelette or a Western option. Friday and Saturday happy hour includes live performances on the koto, a traditional Japanese harp.
Wellness & Relaxation
In-room spa treatments can be arranged, including massages and body therapies. The property has a Japanese garden with a stream, accessible from some rooms. Guests can also use the bicycle rental to explore the surrounding area.
Location & Access
The hotel is located in the Gion district, directly next to Yasaka Shrine. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is 1 km away, and Heian Shrine is 1.6 km from the property. Guests can walk to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, known for preserved traditional architecture.
Services & Hospitality
Staff provide omotenashi hospitality in English and Japanese, addressing guests by name. Turn-down service includes small gifts sourced from local artisans. The adults-only property is non-smoking throughout and offers key card access for security.
Highlights
Rooms: 23 individually furnished suites with Hinoki wood tubs
Dining: Gion Loka with Michelin-inspired cuisine
Wellness: In-room spa treatments and Japanese garden
Location: Steps from Yasaka Shrine and Gion district
Service: Omotenashi hospitality with multilingual staff
Adults-only: Quiet and serene environment
Craftsmen: Accommodations designed by over 100 skilled artisans
“Sowaka crafts a distinctive Kyoto experience, subtly blending the serenity of a traditional ryokan with thoughtful modern enhancements. Its location in Gion places guests within easy reach of cultural treasures, while the hotel itself features cuisine inspired by Michelin-starred chefs and accommodations fashioned by skilled artisans. In my view, Sowaka offers a poised and luxurious immersion into Kyoto's heart.”
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
Select room type
Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
Standard Double Room Mountain View Main
2 persons
27 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Mountain view
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Superior King Room City View Main
2 persons
32 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
City view
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Superior Queen Room
2 persons
34 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
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Check Availability & Prices
Find the best rates for your travel dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
Facilities: Perfect
9.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Massage
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
Sowaka offers an exquisite dining experience with two exceptional venues that celebrate the artistry of Japanese cuisine. Guests can relish in the elegant ambiance of traditional culinary artistry, complemented by a serene atmosphere that invites indulgence from breakfast to dinner.
祇園 ろか
Japanese
Ambiance
A serene setting infused with traditional Japanese aesthetics, ideal for leisurely meals throughout the day.
Key Offerings
Indulge in expertly crafted dishes that reflect the season, with an emphasis on authentic flavors and presentation. Popular dishes showcase the sophistication of Japanese culinary tradition.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open daily from 07:30 to 22:00.
La Bombance Gion
Abstract Japanese cuisine
Ambiance
A modern yet intimate environment where art meets food, providing a unique dining experience that transports guests into a world of creative flavors.
Key Offerings
Experience an abstract visual interpretation of traditional Japanese dishes, elegantly presented by adept chefs, alongside a curated selection of beverages that elevate the meal.