Luxury hotel SOWAKA

This is probably the best hotel I've stayed in. Rooms are beautiful, the building layout is nice and it's such a quiet respite from the crowds on Kyoto. The location was perfect for us. The beds are firm and comfortable, the cypress tub is spacious and deep, and the room is perfect for resting and relaxing. No TVs but that's not necessary at such a property as this. Would highly recommend.

Very nice hotel and one of the very best hotels we have stayed at. From beginning to end, the service was top notch. Upon arrival, we were greeted & helped with luggage. Then Issa, approached us and gave a thorough introduction to the hotel. It was very individualized and above the norm we usually get at most hotels. Throughout our stay, the staff went above and beyond. If we had a question or request, it was always handled promptly. As far as the actual room itself, it was one of the most beautiful rooms we have ever stayed in, which was room 109. The rest of the hotel, in regards to the main building section where we stayed, was lovely as well. Breakfast was excellent. We had some food restrictions and hotel went above & beyond. There was also a happy hour at 5. I wish I could remember the name of the female staff who served us saki the second night. She was very charming. The rest of staff was also excellent as well. A hotel a cut above most of the rest.

Such a memorable stay in this small but beautiful hotel. We were upgraded in a suit room and the room is not only very spacious and comfortable but also very lovely.Authentic Japanese breakfast serve every morning, this is one of our highlights. And the home made ginger tea was so perfect during the cold weather. Location is great just few minutes walk to Gion. Everything was amazing. Except that there is a small problem between hotel and our agent- which still bugging me until a week after but then sorted because of their internal team communication. Other than that, we have a pleasant stay in here.

The hotel is incredible. There’s a very peaceful serenity you feel immediately when you enter. The attention to detail is beyond belief. Please try the Japanese breakfast if you’re lucky enough to visit the hotel. ||When we checked in, I realized that I’d left my phone on the train. I mentioned it to Kaoru at the front desk and she relentlessly worked the phones with the train companies to see if they could help me find it and they did. Even in the best hotels in the US and the rest of the world I wouldn’t expect that to happen. Arigato Kaoru. My hero.

We stayed at Sowaka in June and it’s one of my best memories in Japan! The room was clean, the staff was nice, the breakfast was remarkable and the location and aesthetic of the hotel is simply remarkable. I’ll definitely come back!

Staying at SOWAKA was an unforgettable experience — it truly felt like a home away from home. From the moment we arrived, every single detail was taken care of with such precision and care, making our stay feel not just comfortable, but deeply special. The team at SOWAKA goes above and beyond — offering us sightseeing recommendations that brought tranquility and peace, far from the usual tourist crowds. Their thoughtful curation allowed us to experience Kyoto in a uniquely serene and personal way. A special thank you to Fang, who looked after us with all her heart. Her warmth, attentiveness, and genuine kindness made us feel like we were visiting a close friend rather than staying at a hotel. Her presence added something truly irreplaceable to our time in Kyoto. SOWAKA is more than a hotel — it’s an experience of elegance, calm, and heartfelt hospitality. We can’t wait to return.

Great stay.... Kıvanç T.G. Great location and best of all great service with great people. Wonderfull place to experience Japanese traditions! Hotel is in very central location and yet very quite. I also met some other Turkish tourist to stay this serenity, heaven on earth.

I rarely write reviews about hotel experiences, but hotel Sowaka was such an exceptional place that I felt I needed to write one. From the moment we arrived (leaving our shoes at the front door), to the tearful goodbye, we were treated with the utmost hospitality and service. We stayed a total of 7 nights in 2 different rooms. Both were extremely comfortable from the beds/bedding to the heated bathroom floors. We ate in the restaurant every morning for breakfast experiencing both the Japanese and Western meals - they were both outstanding! We had dinner 3 times and, once again, it was an exceptional experience from the service to the presentation and taste. The location in Gion is superb - you walk out the door and are in front of temples within minutes. We plan to come back as often as possible! Truly a magical place.