Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto

Very well managed hotel with gorgeous views from the rooftop bar and complimentary coffee and ice cream at their reception desk. Our rooms were very comfortable during our stay and we appreciated the kurakatas they had in our rooms to wear around the hotel. Service workers are all extremely friendly and nice. Excellent location as well as we were able to walk to many nearby attractions like nishiki market and gion. PSA not to lose your room keys as you will be charged 3000 yen for each key, we learned that the hard way!

This was by far the best hotel we stayed at during our 2-week trip to Japan. The location was perfect, easy access to public transportation and right by a popular shopping area. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the amenities were top-notch. I had no idea how much I needed that rooftop foot bath until I tried it after walking 25k steps in Kyoto. After that first visit, it became something we looked forward to every single day. The city view, paired with the complimentary drink, was simply incredible. Our room was very comfortable. Small, but exactly what we expected for Japan. The shower was AMAZING (the toilet too!). We also loved the yukatas. We stayed at a ryokan in Hakone that had yukatas as well, but the ones here were so comfortable I honestly wished the hotel sold them. The onsen was fantastic, much cleaner and more spacious than the one at another hotel we stayed in. I can’t say enough good things. This was one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at in all my travels, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Staying at this hotel in Kyoto felt like a perfect harmony of tradition and modern elegance. Contemporary comfort blends beautifully with classic Japanese design, creating a calm and refined atmosphere. The staff were genuinely warm and attentive, making every interaction feel welcoming. The onsen was absolutely amazing—a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. With a great location that makes getting around easy, this hotel truly captures the soul of Kyoto while offering all the comforts of today.

This was my absolute favorite hotel during my travels in Japan. Great location- near a major bus depot to get wherever you want to go and big shopping area- fantastic service, and the amenities were fabulous! A great marriage of true Japanese ambience with hotel amenities- something I was keen on, since I was traveling solo and didn’t want to stay in a ryokan by myself, but really wanted to be immersed in the cultural beauty of Kyoto. I loved the rooftop bar and private onsen- great views of the outskirts of the city toward Gion, and the room was really spacious for Japan. A bit pricey for me on my own, but a birthday treat to myself. I ended up doing one night at the Four Seasons to splurge and enjoy their authentic Japanese garden, but I wish I would have done my full Kyoto stay at Sora Niwa. Important to note the hotel has two ‘levels’ of stay, and I’m glad I went with the Bettei (more upscale). And the entry was a little tricky, but cool once you figure it out. If you’re looking for a great vacation hotel in a great location in Kyoto (and I noticed quite popular with couples), I highly recommend. If I return, will definitely stay there again.

Excellent stay here and would highly recommend! Great for couples, hotel staff is very kind, and location is great close walking distance to restaurants and bus and train stations. Room was a bit on the smaller side, but it was high quality. All shower products, robe, and pajamas provided felt high end and luxurious. Bedsheets were ultra soft and comfortable - the entire ambiance was relaxing and spa like, especially with the private open air onsen in our room that we used multiple times. We wished we had booked more days here! Many appreciated hotel perks including fully stocked and complimentary drink fridge in room, 9th floor drinks (coffee and soft drinks) and popsicles available all day, and stunning rooftop terrace views with hot foot bath and free unlimited drinks (beer, wine, cocktails) during daily happy hour. They also have hotel onsen available for guests to use. Male and female facilities. Looked nice and well maintained, but we only really used the private one in our room during our stay. Customer service went above and beyond for me. I left behind a work phone in my hotel room that was found after i checked out. I was already on route to Tokyo when it was discovered and also flying home to the states the following day. Hotel staff kindly arranged and covered for my phone to be mailed to my Tokyo hotel within 24 hours. Now that’s 5 star service! This would have been a very stressful oversight on my part, but they made it so easy and stress free. Thank you so much!

Excellent location to the main shopping district. Very clean very pleasant and helpful staff. Great onsen Hot tub views of Kyoto mountains close by. Lovely hotel to immerse yourself in the culture local traditions and night life. The bar is great, open air sit and soak your feet in the hot springs water on the rooftop. Very cool a must stay location

Our favourite hotel for the whole Japan experience. Great location in down town Kyoto in the shopping district, just off the main street. Subway station very close and many major bus stops too (although buses are very packed by the looks of the lines). The look and feel of the hotel was amazing, extremely details and clean. Loved the Onsen and nightly rooftop complementary drinks (although it is a little hard to get a seat especially in the hot water foot bath on the rooftop). My wife and I loved the 24/7 complimentary hot/cold drink station and dessert fridge. Staff were very friendly and also helped us to find some good food locations as there is almost too much choice around (many of which have long lines). Even though it can be extremely busy down on the street level after you step inside it immediately calms down

Fantastic hotel! While not charging five-star prices, the service and extras (products in room, robes, onsen, rooftop terrace, staff) make it feel very high end. Location is ideal - to reach Gion and more historic areas or the shopping district. Room and bathroom extremely well designed with a space for absolutely everything (cleverly- space under the bed is for suitcases). Manage to also keep a traditional feel with tatami floor in the room and sliding rice-paper windows.