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SOWAKA

4.5 star property
4.5-star luxury hotel near Maruyama Park

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for SOWAKA

106:Deluxe Room with Higashiyama View, Twin Bed(Main)
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Exterior
Property entrance
211:Deluxe Room with Courtyard View Bath, Higashiyama View, King Bed(Annex) | Bathroom

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0821
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Gion Corner
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

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

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

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

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

  • 51 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

103:Deluxe Room with Garden View, Hollywood Twin(Main)

  • Garden view
  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

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

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

  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

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

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

  • Garden view
  • 39 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 59 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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

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

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

  • 62 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 97 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

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

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

  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

111:Superior Casita Room, Queen Bed(Main)

  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 49 sq m
  • 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)

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

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

  • 47 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • 70 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • 44 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • 43 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 56 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 48 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • 58 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • City view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Higashiyama Ward
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, 151 reviews
The price is CA $935
CA $1,033 total
May 6 - May 7
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

About the area

Kyoto

Gion stay.At this Gion hotel, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Temple. Kiyomizu Temple and Kawaramachi Street are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Kodai-ji Temple - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Gion Corner - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪京都勝牛 祇園八坂店 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Hario Cafe Kyoto - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪特級ラーメン - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪ラーメン 勝鞍 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪家傳 ちりめん山椒 やよい - ‬1 min walk

About this property

SOWAKA

4.5-star luxury hotel near Maruyama Park
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. Spa services, a terrace, and a garden are also featured at the luxury SOWAKA.

This 4.5-star Kyoto hotel is smoke free.

  • 23 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
SOWAKA offers 23 accommodations with tablet computers and safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. This Kyoto hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Refrigerators and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers, and bidets. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages.

Similar properties

Front of property
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Gion
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,771 reviews
The price is CA $216
CA $238 total
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 6,000 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Tablet computer

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heated floor
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 100–10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately JPY 6000 per person
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No onsite parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, Union Pay, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

Up to 2 dogs are permitted in 111:Superior Casita Room, Pet-friendly, Queen Bed(Main). There is no charge for 1 dog in the room; the listed pet fee is charged only if there is an additional dog in the room.

We should mention

  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.

Property is also known as

SOWAKA Hotel Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel
SOWAKA Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel
SOWAKA Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel Kyoto
Luxury hotel SOWAKA

Frequently asked questions

How close is SOWAKA to the airport?

SOWAKA is 28.7 mi (65-min drive) away from the Itami Airport (ITM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at SOWAKA?

As of Apr 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SOWAKA on Apr 26, 2026 start from CA $1,256, excluding 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.

Does SOWAKA have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at SOWAKA.

Does SOWAKA offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at SOWAKA, but continental breakfast is offered for a fee of JPY 6000 per person. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at SOWAKA?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

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.

Is there free parking at SOWAKA?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does SOWAKA have a pool?

SOWAKA does not have a pool.

Does SOWAKA have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does SOWAKA have a spa?

This hotel doesn't have a spa, but it does offer massages.

How close is SOWAKA to downtown Kyoto?

SOWAKA is 0.9 mi away from Kyoto.

SOWAKA Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 99 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 112 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely ryokan in the middle of the insanity. Was so nice returning here at the end of the day with all the tourists around you it’s just one simple door from the street and you’re transported to the oasis of Sowaka. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Even gave us really great tips for somewhere in Osaka on our next stop. Would stay again and just stay inside enjoying the peace and quiet of the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

An amazing hotel & wonderful team!

We had an amazing stay at SOWAKA in Kyoto - the team at the hotel were incredibly helpful & welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel is stunning & perfectly located in the most historic & traditional part of Kyoto - literally a few steps away from a beautiful temple. We would definitely recommend the Japanese breakfast option & the team in the restaurant were incredibly attentive and accommodating of my wife’s dietary requirements - nothing was too much trouble. An amazing experience from start to finish & we’ll definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lea F

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ajay

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

10/10 Excellent

Ajay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel in a nice location with excellent service
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tana

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Celina

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing property!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

VIPUL

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best Breakfast & Great Location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roozbeh

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a slice of heaven, a tradtional Kyoto experience in a lovely old refurbished building in a quiet street very near a major shrine. But it is also wonderfully modern with more complimentary comforts and perks than I have ever come across in any hotel in the world. You are also within easy walking distance of many sights and museums, shops, bars and restaurants. And the staff are wonderful...pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, incredibly efficient. I could not praise them or the accommodations too highly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wei Li

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yan Ki Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Myriam

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

10/10 Excellent

Brittney

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sonal

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel, the staff, the service, the location and the food options within the hotel are all excellent. Wendy and the team went over and above to make us feel welcome. All the team have excellent knowledge of Kyoto and the local area. All their recommendations were excellent! Highly recommend Sowaka if you want the perfect stay in Kyoto with a personalised service from a top class boutique hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was amazing. The staff, the service, the smell of the old cedar wood, the room! It is the perfect balance of old Japanese ryokan but with modern comforts. Every evening, they left a little gift during turn down, a Japanese sweet, a little local craft, such a nice touch. The location could not be better. Loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024