Luxury hotel SOWAKA

A Memorable Stay for Our Anniversary – Thoughtful Service with Room for Refinement We had a truly wonderful stay at Sowaka while celebrating our first wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, courteous, and attentive, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for our entire visit. One of the highlights was the evening happy hour, where we were introduced to what has now become our favorite sake—an unexpected and delightful discovery. The hotel’s attention to detail was also evident in the small but thoughtful gestures, such as drying our shoes after we returned from a rainy day out, and the beautifully presented gift during the turndown service, which made our anniversary feel even more special. The location is excellent, with easy access to the Gion area, allowing us to explore Kyoto's rich history and culture with ease. While our overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, there were a couple of details that felt out of place for a property of this caliber. At check-out, we were surprised that none of the staff inquired about how our stay was and ask for feedback—especially after such a personalized experience during the rest of our visit. Additionally, as guests who prefer taking the stairs, we noticed that the stairwells were being used for storage, with boxes, uniforms, and cleaning supplies visible. For a 5-star property, and given the premium price point, we expected these back-of-house elements to be kept out of guest view. That said, these were relatively minor issues in an otherwise exceptional stay. Sowaka is a beautiful, tranquil retreat in the heart of Kyoto, and we are grateful for the care and hospitality shown to us during our special celebration.

A beautiful place with excellent service. Was here a while ago but wheneve in come back to Tokyo, reminds me of this beautiful place. Hightlight for me waa offocurse the top level service and suprisingly thr breakfast. It was set meal but wow, maybe one of thebest ever. Recall it was my birthday and having xoxktail At their super mini but thoughtful bar. Quality over quantity. Super recommened ahead of all the big chain luxury hotels

This small, boutique luxury hotel sits in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion District, right next to Yasaka-Jinja Shrine and within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera. We stayed in Unit 111, a two-story suite at the front of the property. Its entrance opens directly onto the street beside the hotel’s main door—which made coming and going a bit amusing, as we often caught the curious glances of passersby.||The rooms were clean, comfortable, and felt more spacious than the 34 sqm listed on the website. The cypress wood bathtub was a standout feature, with a lovely natural fragrance. Because the suite sits along the street, the first floor can be a bit noisy during the day, but it becomes quiet at night. The bedroom on the second floor is very peaceful. The only inconvenience is that the bathroom is on the first floor, which may not be ideal for those who need to get up frequently at night.||Breakfast was included, with a choice of Western or Japanese options. We chose the Japanese breakfast throughout our stay and enjoyed it very much.||Service was excellent, friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. We loved the hotel’s convenience; exploring the temples and small streets of Gion was easy, and whenever we felt tired, we simply returned to our room for a rest and a cup of tea (the hotel provides a kettle and a generous selection of tea bags). Overall, we truly enjoyed our stay.

My husband and I stayed at SOWAKA to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and it was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had. The hospitality of the staff was beyond exceptional — every interaction reflected genuine warmth, grace, and an extraordinary attention to detail that perfectly embodies Japanese omotenashi. The Japanese-style breakfast was absolutely fantastic — beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and a true reflection of Kyoto’s culinary tradition. Every morning felt like a quiet, refined ceremony. The location is also superb — tucked away in a peaceful area yet within easy walking distance of Gion and many cultural sights. From start to finish, SOWAKA made our anniversary celebration incredibly special. It’s not just a stay, but an experience that captures the heart of Japanese elegance and hospitality. We can’t wait to return.

One of the best hotels in Japan and easily the most memorable stay in Kyoto. The environment, the room, the service, and the overall vibe were all exceptional. The staff speak fluent English and are always eager to help, making it easy to enjoy the very best of Kyoto. Special thanks to Yoshi-san for your warm hospitality. You made our trip truly perfect.

The peak of this stay was the staff, and it applies to all of them. The cleaners cleaned so perfectly that they would have been allowed to help my mom at home, they’re up to her standards. The overall staff was just amazing. Incredible helpful and professional with everything. Arranging dinner plans, sight seeing, taxis or whatever questions you have, they’ll help you solve it and make it the best decision you’d ever make. Location is just perfect, not too many tourists or crowded, near the “real” authentic Japan culture which was just amazing as an early morning stroll or late. This will be my spot to come back to whenever I’m in Kyoto. highly recommend it !

We had an amazing stay, and a huge part of that was thanks to Emin. He was always available, incredibly helpful, and genuinely cared about making sure everything was perfect for us. Any question or request we had—big or small—he handled quickly and with a smile. His constant assistance really made our experience feel effortless and comfortable. We truly appreciate his dedication and kindness. Thank you, Emin, for being such a reliable and thoughtful host. Highly recommended!

We had the most wonderful stay at this hotel, truly the definition of a boutique experience. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality and attention to detail were unmatched. There was always someone at the door to greet us with a smile, take our shoes, or simply make us feel at home. The place itself carries such rich history, and you can feel it in every corner, from the architecture to the small gestures of care. The 5 AM tour was absolutely amazing, not only beautifully organized but also full of thoughtful recommendations that made our trip even more special. The restaurant was mind-blowing; every dish prepared with care and a true sense of craft. The team was also incredibly kind and we looked forward to seeing them every morning! One of the highlights was coming back at the end of the day to find a little surprise by our bed: a local souvenir with its history written on it, such a thoughtful gesture. We stayed in the tea ceremony room, which was simply out of this world: serene, elegant, and unlike anywhere we’ve ever been. Everywhere we looked there was beauty…I genuinely miss the team and the warmth they gave us, as they made us feel at home. We will cherish this memory forever and can’t recommend this place enough.

What an amazing stay at the beautiful Sowaka Hotel in Kyoto. Sowaka is part of the Small Luxury Hotel brand, which is now part of Hilton. This is great news for Hilton loyalists as Hilton free night certificates can be used here for great value, as well as points-redemption. This hotel operates and feels like a high-quality ryokan. Staff are extremely friendly, professional, attentive, and courteous. Understated elegance runs throughout the property, from the simple yet inviting entrance to the garden path that leads to the entrance into the interior lobby, to the rooms that have all the modern luxury amenities including the free mini-bars in each room. From start to finish, our stay was magical and it was a great Kyoto experience. Location was also perfect as you're only 5 minute-walk away from the famous Ninenzaka street. Looking forward to returning to this amazing hotel.

This hotel was absolutely lovely. The decor is beautiful, staff are really friendly, and food at the restaurant (Gion Loka) is superb. Highly recommend to those with discerning tastes. My only complaint is that there are no amenities in terms of spa or gym, etc., but it makes up for it in character.