SOWAKA, Kyoto – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Traditional Rooms Modern Comfort
Sowaka offers 23 individually furnished rooms in a 100-year-old former teahouse and contemporary annex. Rooms feature tatami mat floors, sliding shoji screens, and private bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers. All include heated floors, premium wool mattresses from Iwata Prefecture, minibars, and air conditioning. Some rooms offer private open-air baths and views of inner gardens or the city.
Michelin-Starred Kyoto Cuisine
La Bombance Gion, the Kyoto sister of Tokyo's Michelin-starred restaurant, serves a 10-course interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine. Meals are presented on striking tableware in a space with garden views. The restaurant specializes in visually abstract presentations of Kyoto dishes.
Gion District Location
Sowaka is located in Kyoto's Gion district, known for its traditional architecture and geisha culture. The hotel is surrounded by narrow stone streets, low-rise wooden buildings, and multiple temples and shrines. Nishiki Market is 2.5 km away, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is 4 km away, and Nijo Castle is 3 km from the property.
Craftsmanship And Cultural Details
The property features still-creaking wooden corridors, circular papered windows, decorative carvings, and plaster walls with cut-out interior windows covered in white washi paper. Alcoves display scrolls and seasonal ikebana blooms. The main building is a sukiya-style teahouse where Kyoto's elite gathered for over a century.
Concierge And Additional Services
The 24-hour front desk staff provides area information and concierge services. Additional services include dry cleaning, laundry, complimentary wireless internet access, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Kiyomizudera Temple. Staff wear traditional kimono or modern Kyoto clothing from brand Sou Sou.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free 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
- Patio
- Terrace
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
The hotel offers spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms stocked with water, complimentary chocolate, and tea, along with traditional Japanese and Western-styled robes and slippers. The heating/aircon units outside slightly impact the room ambiance. The service is professional, polite, and accommodating, offering great decor, facilities, and a delightful breakfast. The location is perfect, within walking distance to restaurants, bars, major tourist sites, and the heart of old Kyoto. The dining experience is exceptional, and the hotel provides a range of amenities for guests to enjoy.
I had an amazing time staying at this hotel. The room was spectacular and allowed us to escape the hustle and bustle of life. The old-fashioned Japanese garden attached to the room was a lovely touch. The spaciousness and the heated floors in the living area and bathroom were fantastic. The service was top-notch, very professional and accommodating. The location was perfect, situated in the heart of old Kyoto, next to restaurants and temples. The dining experience was one of the highlights of our stay. Overall, a wonderful place to stay with great value for money.
My stay at the hotel was simply amazing. The location was perfect, allowing us to explore Gion and Higashiyama easily. The rooms were cozy, stocked with complimentary treats, but the old-fashioned Japanese garden added a unique touch. The service was top-notch, with the staff going above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. Dining was a highlight, offering delicate and delicious meals. However, the limited dining options were a slight downside. Facilities were great, enhancing our overall experience.
The hotel is nestled in the heart of old Kyoto, offering a mix of modern and traditional charm. The rooms are lovely and modern, yet still exuding a traditional vibe. The service was exceptional with a welcoming and accommodating staff. The location is perfect for exploring temples and dining, although some noise factors are present. The dining experience is artful but falls slightly short of excellence. Overall, it's a great choice for a stay in Kyoto.
Staying at this hotel was truly a delightful experience. The rooms were cozy and had a lovely view of the Zen garden, but the noise from the connecting doors to the restaurant was a minor inconvenience. The service was exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate us, even providing a taste of a traditional Japanese breakfast with gluten-free soy sauce. The location couldn't have been better, situated right in the heart of old Kyoto, making it easy to explore the city's treasures. The dining options were varied and satisfying, offering a mix of American and Japanese styles. Overall, a superb choice for luxury, tradition, and convenience in Kyoto.
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