Sowaka Hotel - Kyoto
35.001721, 135.778329Overview
5-star luxury ryokan in Kyoto's Gion district, housed in a restored 100-year-old building
Accommodation
Sowaka offers 23 rooms, each designed differently by over 100 skilled craftsmen. Every room includes heated floors, a private bathroom with a deep soaking tub and rainfall showerhead, and either a garden view or a tea ceremony space. Room 208 provides an all-glass wall overlooking the garden, while room 111 offers a two-story suite with a cypress wood bathtub.
Dining
The on-site restaurant Gion Loka serves Japanese cuisine inspired by Michelin-starred techniques, with a kaiseki dinner menu and a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast. The bar stocks a wide selection of Japanese whiskeys, and the hotel can arrange sake pairings with meals. Room service is available, and the chef, Takaaki Kato, personally explains each course to guests.
Location
Hotel Sowaka sits in the historic Gion district, steps from Yasaka Shrine and a 15-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Heian Shrine is 1 mile away, and the hotel is within walking distance of Ninenzaka and Maruyama Park. The property's entrance opens directly onto a quiet street lined with traditional machiya townhouses.
Wellness & Services
Sowaka provides a spa and wellness center offering in-room massage treatments, including options for couples. Bicycle rental is available for exploring the neighborhood, and the 24-hour front desk can arrange concierge services and taxi bookings. The hotel also has a garden where guests can relax, and the staff delivers daily turndown gifts from local artisans.
History & Design
The main building of luxury hotel Sowaka is a restored 100-year-old ryotei, renovated with traditional Kyoto-style decoration and modern comforts. Each room is individually furnished with antique and contemporary pieces, and the property includes a Japanese garden that has existed for centuries. The architecture features heated floors throughout, shoji screens, and tatami mats, preserving the original character of the building.
- Location: Gion district, steps from Yasaka Shrine
- Rooms: 23 individually designed rooms with heated floors
- Dining: Gion Loka restaurant with Michelin-starred cuisine
- Wellness: Spa treatments, in-room massage, bicycle rental
- History: Restored 100-year-old ryotei with original Japanese garden
- Adults-only: Guests aged 18 and older only
License number: 京都市指令保医セ第 582号
Rooms and availability
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Max:2 persons
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Bed options:1 Double bed1 King Size Bed
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Max:2 persons
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Bed options:1 King Size Bed
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Max:4 persons
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Bed options:1 King Size Bed
Facilities
Main facilities
24-hour reception
24-hour security
Bar/ Lounge area
Restaurant
Massage
Spa & wellness center
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Happy hour
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness center
- Massage
Room view
- Garden view
- Courtyard view
- Mountain view
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Essential information about Sowaka Hotel
| 💵 Lowest room price | 462 US$ |
| 📏 Distance to center | 200 yd |
| ✈️ Distance to airport | 30.5 mi |
| 🧳 Nearest airport | Itami, ITM |
Location
- City landmarks
- Nearby
- Restaurants
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