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From1 004US$ /night
Check-in
26Feb2026Select date
Check-out
27Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

No. 480, Seikei-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821
-
Steps from Yasaka Shrine
Perfect
9.7
9.8
/10
4.2
4.7
/5

Amenities

Sowaka offers traditional Japanese baths that enhance relaxation experiences, inviting guests to unwind in soothing surroundings. The hotel hosts a striking courtyard garden that provides a serene outdoor space amidst the city bustle. Guests can also enjoy private dining rooms, perfect for intimate gatherings and celebrations.

Rooms

Accommodations at Sowaka include 23 rooms uniquely designed to evoke a sense of Japanese heritage. Many rooms offer private onsen baths, encouraging relaxation directly within the guest's quarters. The decor emphasizes traditional craftsmanship, ensuring an authentic Kyoto experience.

Location

Situated in the historic Gion district, Sowaka places guests within a 10-minute walk of major attractions like Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The hotel is also conveniently located near bustling streets filled with shops, tea houses, and traditional performances. Nearby, the Jawakuten Shrine offers an opportunity for peaceful exploration.

Dining

Dining at Sowaka is a curated experience that celebrates local cuisine, with breakfast options featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from Kyoto's markets. The hotel offers an intimate bar with a selection of local sake and premium spirits, enhancing the cultural experience. In-room dining allows guests to enjoy meals in the privacy of their accommodations.

Wellness

The wellness offerings include the signature herbal steam bath, created to rejuvenate the mind and body and encourage tranquility. Guests can partake in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. The hotel also provides yoga sessions that harmonize the physical and mental well-being of visitors.

Highlights

Location: Historic Gion district, 10 min walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Rooms: 23 rooms with traditional Japanese design

Dining: Seasonal local cuisine and in-room dining options

Wellness: Herbal steam bath & yoga sessions

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at sunrise for peace.
  • Visit the hidden Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple for intriguing stone sculptures.
  • Taste yudofu at Nanzen-ji Junsei for an authentic Kyoto meal.
  • Don't miss the Nishiki Market for local snacks and unique souvenirs.
  • Explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens, a serene oasis in the city.
View all

Select your room type

Sowaka Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double Room Mountain View Main
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Superior King Room City View Main
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Queen Room
2 persons
370 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Suite Garden View Main
2 persons
1045 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Sowaka Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.6/10Review score

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
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Dining Onsite

Sowaka offers a delightful exploration of Japanese cuisine, featuring refined dining experiences at two distinct venues. Immerse in the elegance of traditional flavors presented in innovative ways within serene settings that reflect Kyoto's cultural heritage.

祇園 ろか

Japanese
Ambiance
A warm and inviting atmosphere that blends modern aesthetics with traditional charm, creating a serene backdrop for every meal.
Key Offerings
A menu focusing on authentic Japanese dishes, inspired by seasonal ingredients and local flavors. Perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a lavish dinner.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner to ensure a perfect table.
07:30 AM - 10:00 PM daily

La Bombance Gion

Contemporary Japanese
Ambiance
An intimate space that celebrates Japanese aesthetics, enhanced by artistic presentations and a comfortable yet elegant setting, perfect for special occasions.
Key Offerings
An abstract visual interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine crafted by chefs who are masters in the art of blending flavors and presentation. A unique dining experience that reflects Kyoto's culinary heritage.
Reservation
Recommended to secure a table at this sought-after dining destination.
No specific hours provided; please check for meal times.

Sowaka Hotel Location

No. 480, Seikei-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821
Map view
No. 480, Seikei-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821
Nearby
625 Giommachi Kitagawa
Yasaka Shrine
1400 ft
Pagoda
Kodai-ji
1400 ft
Park
Maruyama Park
1400 ft
Japan
Nineizaka
1400 ft
463 Maruyamacho
Kyoto cherry blossoms
1400 ft
Higashiyama-ku
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
1400 ft
390−1 Kinencho
Yasaka Koshin-do
1400 ft
Higashiyama-ku
Hanami Lane
1400 ft
70 Benten-cho
Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
1400 ft
Higashiyama-ku
Ishibe Alley
1400 ft
Restaurants
Iyemon Salon Atelier Kyoto
300 ft
481-1 KIyoicho Yasaka Tori Mae Sagaru
Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya
500 ft
537-2 Minamigawa Giommachi Higashiyama-ku Hiro Bldg. B1F
Jubanseru
300 ft
Kiyoicho
Cafe Restaurant Yayoi
300 ft
481 Gionshimogawara
Gion Cafe
500 ft
484 Kiyoi-cho
Mavo
400 ft
440 Bentencho
Kyoto Cuisine Jikishonbo Saiki
300 ft
441 Kamibentencho
Mimiko
400 ft
528-6 Giommachi Minamigawa
京都風お好み焼と酒おあがり
500 ft
537-2 Gion Machi Minamigawa
Dari K Gion Akishino
100 ft
492-22 Kiyoicho
Explore Kyoto
Explore Kyoto's Vibrant Surroundings
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine
6 minutes' walk
A bustling Shinto shrine known for its vibrant festivals and historic structures, perfect for cultural immersion.
Kodai-ji
Kodai-ji
6 minutes' walk
Famous for its Zen gardens and impressive architecture, offering tranquility and beauty in the heart of Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
9 minutes' drive
Iconic shrine with thousands of red torii gates winding through the forest, ideal for hiking and photography.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle
7 minutes' drive
Historic castle featuring stunning gardens and ornate architecture, showcasing Japan's feudal past.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park
6 minutes' walk
A beautiful park with cherry blossoms, ideal for picnicking and leisurely strolls during springtime.
Hiking at Fushimi Inari
9 minutes' drive
Thrilling hiking trails through thousands of torii gates at one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks.
Spa Refael
10 minutes' drive
A relaxing spa offering traditional Japanese treatments and therapies, perfect for unwinding after explorations.
Kiyomizu Sannei-Zaka Seiryu-en
6 minutes' walk
A serene cultural site featuring beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, perfect for a quiet retreat.
Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya
Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya
2 minutes' walk
Casual eatery serving delicious teppanyaki with a cozy ambience. Reservations recommended for peak times.
Café Restaurant Yayoi
2 minutes' walk
Charming cafe offering a mix of Japanese and Western cuisines. Great for brunch or a light dinner.
Iyemon Salon Atelier Kyoto
Iyemon Salon Atelier Kyoto
2 minutes' walk
A stylish tea house specializing in matcha and Japanese sweets, ideal for an afternoon treat.
Jubanseru
Jubanseru
2 minutes' walk
Famous for its udon noodles, this family-friendly spot combines tradition with a casual dining atmosphere.
Gion Cafe
Gion Cafe
2 minutes' walk
Vibrant atmosphere with live music events. Visit for a taste of local culture and performances.
Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower
6 minutes' drive
The tallest building in Kyoto, offering panoramic views and a variety of shops and restaurants on-site.
Shoren-in
Shoren-in
13 minutes' walk
A tranquil temple featuring stunning gardens, perfect for peaceful strolls and all-ages enjoyment.
Nanzen-ji
Nanzen-ji
25 minutes' walk
A prominent Zen temple with impressive architecture and gardens, hosting various cultural events throughout the year.
Getting around
City Centre
Kyoto18 min  ·  5000 ft
Airports
Osaka International Airport (ITM)74 min  ·  30.5 mi
Kobe Airport (UKB)119 min  ·  49.3 mi
Train
Gion Shijo Station9 min  ·  2300 ft
Kawaramachi Station11 min  ·  3000 ft
Underground
Higashiyama11 min  ·  3000 ft
Sanjo Keihan12 min  ·  3300 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs JPY5,445 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
23

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Sowaka Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 136 verified reviews
9.5/10
Perfect
94%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.5/10
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.8/10
Facilities
9.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
9.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
9.9/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Guest reviews
based on 333 reviews
9.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Sowaka
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sowaka?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
What is the distance from Sowaka to Kiyomizu-dera Temple?
Sowaka is located 1 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Are there any dining options at Sowaka?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Sowaka?
Rooms at Sowaka include air conditioning, an electric kettle, a minibar, a fridge, and private bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs.
Is Wi-Fi available at Sowaka?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
How far is Sowaka from the nearest airport?
Sowaka is 39 km from Itami Airport.
What are some nearby restaurants to Sowaka?
Nearby restaurants include 京都風お好み焼と酒おあがり, Jouvencelle, Saijiki Toshigami, Kyo Tsukudani Shop Yayoi, Gion Cafe, Jubanseru, and Mavo, all within 0.5 km.
What kind of spa services are available at Sowaka?
The hotel offers spa and wellness services for guests to enjoy.

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