Exceptional
One of our highest-scored stays, according to its guests.
9.6412Reviews- Check-in from 3:00 PMCheck-out by 11:00 AM. The front desk is staffed around the clock, so a late arrival is fine.
- Exceptional locationGuests rate the location 10.0 out of 10, at 480 Kiyoi-cho.
Traditional Kyoto-Style Decoration Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto at SOWAKA, where the renovated main building showcases traditional Kyoto-style decoration, offering a unique and authentic experience for our guests.
Japanese Garden Retreat Relax and unwind in our serene Japanese garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kyoto, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.
Convenient Location Located near the vibrant Gion district, SOWAKA offers easy access to popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Heian Shrine, allowing you to explore the rich culture and history of Kyoto effortlessly.
Experience the charm of Kyoto at SOWAKA. Book your stay now for an unforgettable journey.
What this place offers
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden
Rooms
9.6
Exceptional
Rated 9.6 out of 10 by 412 guests who stayed here.
- Cleanliness9.2
- Service10.0
- Location10.0
- Rooms9.7
- Amenities9.2
- Value9.2
- Food & drink9.7
Guests mention
Exceptional serviceBeautiful locationHigh-quality food
SonaSKSaying with just a few words- coming as a guest and leaving as a family.
Lovely place in Gion with friendly and helpful staff always ready to take care for the clients. The best matcha I’ve ever had, thank you.
GregoryUnited StatesThe hotel was excellent. The staff were fantastic, extremely accommodating.
Location was great, nice area, plenty to walk to. Staff were excellent, their recommendations for restaurants were great, and they helped us out with travel planning. The general vibe of the place was certainly…
EkaterinaRussian FederationУровень комфорта и сервиса максимальный
Отель с отменным сервисом, все сотрудники стараются во благо комфорта гостей. Комната была большая в старом здании, что способствовало погружению в атмосферу традиционной Японии. Нам предложили приветственный напиток на…
SepiUnited StatesBeautiful staff that goes the extra mile, picturesque walkable area and a refined yet personal luxury experience in a traditional Japanese setting!
EsbeydeUnited StatesAbsolutely amazing
Everything! This is the best place I have been.
N/A
SarahUnited StatesBeautiful hotel. Excellent staff and rooms were outstanding!
Great location
Reviews are written by guests who booked through our supplier and stayed, shown as written and in their own language. Category scores are the supplier’s reading of recent reviews, updated January 2026.
Where you’ll be
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto, Japan
Guests rate the location 10.0 out of 10 — exceptional.
Things to know
Cancellation
Each room shows its own terms before you pay.
Most rates can be cancelled free until a date shown on the room.
Non-refundable rates are marked as such.
House rules
Check-in from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM
Check-out by 11:00 AM
Children welcome
Show more
No pets
Non-smoking rooms available
Payment & property
Paid when you book, not at the desk.
Rates include the taxes and fees we can read.
The property may take a card at check-in for incidentals.
What we’d check for you here
- That the desk is staffed when you land, and that the room is held past cut-off.
- Whether the rate moves for your dates, and what it includes.
- What the property actually charges at the desk on top of the rate.
Questions about Sowaka
What time is check-in and check-out at Sowaka?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM. Check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you're arriving late, tell us and we'll ask the property to hold the room.
Does Sowaka allow pets?
No — the property states that pets are not allowed.
Does Sowaka have Wi-Fi?
Yes — internet access is listed among the property's facilities.
Can I check in late at Sowaka?
The property lists a front desk staffed 24 hours, so a late arrival should be possible. Standard check-in is from 3:00 PM. Rooms are still released after a cut-off at some properties regardless of the desk hours, so tell us your arrival time and we'll have them hold it.
How do I book Sowaka?
Put your dates in above and book online, or call (888) 789-8585 and we'll do it for you — including things a booking form can't handle, like a block of rooms, a monthly rate or an invoice for your employer.
Where is Sowaka?
480 Kiyoi-cho, Kyoto.
Other places we book in Kyoto
Nothing to do with the booking above. The same market, priced the same way, for if this one is not it.
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