Simply the most beautiful hotel we have ever been at period! Absolutely beautiful. The staff was spectacular. Hospitality at every turn. Their restaurant recommendations, tour plans, everything! Thank you guys so much!

Stayed in August 2025

Tranquil atmosphere

Stayed in August 2025

Hard to find anything not to like

The place is so thoughtfully designed and managed, it was an ultimate pleasure! The design preserves many original features like the garden, original wall of the building that is made into a wonderful design element, a well, and the division of spaces. And at the same time provides a top level of modern luxury - total privacy, quiet, and amazing stuff!!!

Stayed in August 2025

A heaven of peace in Kyoto - very well located just on the outskirts of Gion, beautiful premises, exceptionally confortable beds and very attentive staff.

Stayed in July 2025

Everything was immaculate I have no complaints.

Stayed in July 2025

Everything. All of the staff went out of their way to assist us every possible way. Our stay was exceptional. Sowaka is a small, boutique hotel and each room is different. I try to seek out properties that are unique and full of character. It exceeded our expectations. A big thank you to your wonderful team!

Stayed in June 2025

We loved everything!!!

The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful The Sowaka experience is like non other!

Stayed in April 2025

Perfect location in Gion. Delightful breakfast - could choose between Japanese or western. We picked Japanese. Room was peaceful and well appointed. We received little gifts each day.

Stayed in June 2025

No

Beyond your expectations

Stayed in June 2025

Everything was exceptional. The most kind and helpful staff, beautiful building, really and experience. Without mentioning the hotel is in a prime location. 11 out of 10!

Stayed in April 2025

The staff was exceptional, the style very authentic and location absolutely perfect for exploring Kyoto

Stayed in April 2025

Exceptional service from lovely staff, beautiful facilities and room, great location.

Stayed in December 2024

It was an amazing stay, each staff member went beyond expectations, we had a hiccup with the laundry (our mistake, we were missing a sock and included clothing we needed sooner than expected) but they went above and beyond to get us our laundry sooner and was so understanding over everything. Nothing negative to say at all!

Stayed in December 2024

Every detail was thought through and executed to perfection at this beautiful Ryokan in Kyoto. The staff was incredibly helpful and kind, helping us book everything from dinners to trains. The food was great but I would only plan one dinner there. The best meal we ate was at Motoi which was nearby. Our room was simply fantastic and the small gifts that came with turndown were delightful. The bar was superb and we found ourselves stopping in for a drink just to enjoy the atmosphere. Don't miss this magical place.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing!

I liked Everything!! The old building filled with warmth and history. The beautiful garden view from my room. The exquisite craftsman woodwork, the inviting tatami mats and the graceful shoji screens. The bottle of wine welcoming me with a personal note, a heart shaped napkin and tasty little sweets. The dinner was the best I have ever had in Japan. Everything was prepared with utmost quality, care and a total joy to my senses. I am already looking forward to one day come back to Sowaka, to fully enjoy this peaceful oasis.

Stayed in November 2024

Overheated and not enough storage.

Beautifully appointed. Impeccable service. Genuinely friendly staff.

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing

Everything, service, cocktails, meals were all exceptional

Stayed in November 2024

an absolut Dream of a hotel! i stayed in the main building..perfect modern spin on a preserved original structure..perfect location in my favorite part of Kyoto and still a walking distance to downtown.. special Nod goes to the nicest and most accommodating staff!! they tried for Hours to get me a dinner reservation.. i will be coming back for sure!

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing, the hotel was amazing.

Everything. Our room was exceptional, the location is perfect, the breakfasts were absolutely great, the team are amazing. It's also well worth splurging on the kaiseki dinner in the restaurant with sake pairing, it was wonderful.

Stayed in October 2024

We are quite tall and the room/hotel had a number of low beams which meant we hit our heads a bit! But loved the old style of the room.

The room we stayed in in the main building was incredible - beautiful old features with a relaxing tea room that looked over the garden, but also modern and comfortable. The staff were very attentive and helpful, and clearly had great pride in the hotel. Excellent location in central Kyoto.

Stayed in October 2024

Didn't like leaving!!!!

Fabulous stay at Sowaka, really quite incredible. The room was amazing, very luxurious, the staff were incredibly friendly and couldn't do enough for you and the food was exceptional, both breakfast and dinner. I thoroughly recommend this hotel. We have just left after 2 nights to another hotel in Kyoto and its not a patch on Sowaka and wish we could go back..... great location, easy for trains/taxis and tours. Complimentary wine, room mini bar and snacks and gifts, all very much appreciated. I hope we return one day!

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing

We’ve been all over the world and frequent Japan. We were at Sowaka to celebrate our anniversary and it did not disappoint! Sowaka has become one of our favorite places to stay in terms of comfort, location, cleanliness, food, and staff - it was first class all around. Dinner with Chef Kato was amazing, he should be a Michelin Chef. What a wonderful experience.

Stayed in September 2024

Nothing!

Beautiful design, extremely helpful and friendly staff, serene surroundings, delicious food. We absolutely loved our stay here and can’t wait to come back. We got engaged during our trip and the staff even surprised us with a beautiful engagement gift!

Stayed in August 2024

Amazing hotel design with excellent service and friendly staff and awesome facilities

Stayed in September 2024