Reviews of Sowaka 5 stars
605-0821 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Kiyoi-cho 480, Japan
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Reviewed: 1 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewSimply 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!
Reviewed: 31 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewService was impeccable. Everyone was focused on ensuring an excellent experience and they went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Their follow up on everything was remarkable. Truly a wonderful, authentic experience.
Our room was wonderful, but a little dark.
Reviewed: 20 August 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewTranquil atmosphere
Dear Mr. Rooney, Thank you very much for choosing SOWAKA among the many accommodations available. We are truly grateful that you enjoyed your stay in our property, which carries a history of over 100 years. Each of our rooms is designed with its own unique character and detail, ensuring that every return visit offers new discoveries. We warmly encourage you to experience Kyoto again in a different season, when the city reveals yet another facet of its beauty. It would be our great pleasure to welcome you back to SOWAKA. Kind regards, Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Mr. Rooney, Thank you very much for choosing SOWAKA among the many accommodations available. We are truly grateful that you enjoyed your stay in our property, which carries a history of over 100 years. Each of our rooms is designed w… Show more
Reviewed: 9 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe 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!!!
Hard to find anything not to like
Dear Alla, Thank you very much for staying with us at SOWAKA. We are truly delighted that you took the time to appreciate the details of our property, a former traditional Japanese restaurant built over a century ago and carefully renovated. At SOWAKA, we strive to preserve the charm of Japan’s timeless traditions while providing the comfort and modern luxury of a hotel, along with personalized service for each of our guests. Kyoto, with its seasonal beauty, offers something new to discover in every visit. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back to SOWAKA on your next trip to Kyoto. Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Alla, Thank you very much for staying with us at SOWAKA. We are truly delighted that you took the time to appreciate the details of our property, a former traditional Japanese restaurant built over a century ago and carefully renovate… Show more
Reviewed: 5 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewA heaven of peace in Kyoto - very well located just on the outskirts of Gion, beautiful premises, exceptionally confortable beds and very attentive staff.
Dear Kamal, Thank you very much for choosing to stay at SOWAKA. As you experienced, SOWAKA is located just slightly away from the center of Gion, offering a uniquely peaceful atmosphere—especially once the nearby temples and shrines have closed for the day. We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed the distinctive blend of old and new that defines our property. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back to SOWAKA the next time your travels bring you to Kyoto. Best regards, Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Kamal, Thank you very much for choosing to stay at SOWAKA. As you experienced, SOWAKA is located just slightly away from the center of Gion, offering a uniquely peaceful atmosphere—especially once the nearby temples and shrines have … Show more
Reviewed: 17 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewEverything was immaculate I have no complaints.
Dear Alondra, Thank you very much for choosing to stay at SOWAKA. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. Should you have the opportunity to return to Kyoto, we would be honored to welcome you back to SOWAKA. Warmest regards, Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Alondra, Thank you very much for choosing to stay at SOWAKA. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. Should you have the opportunity to return to Kyoto, we would be honored to… Show more
Reviewed: 1 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewEverything. 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!
Reviewed: 30 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 June 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful The Sowaka experience is like non other!
We loved everything!!!
Dear Debra, Thank you very much for staying at SOWAKA and for sharing such a warm and thoughtful review. We are truly grateful for your kind words regarding our staff. At SOWAKA, our front desk team works seamlessly across both reception and concierge roles, so every staff member you encounter is dedicated to sharing the charm of SOWAKA—and of Kyoto itself. Whether it’s an early morning stroll or a rare experience such as a Goma fire ritual at a temple, we take pride in assisting with unique moments that are not easily found elsewhere. If there is anything new you wish to try on your next visit, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back to SOWAKA. Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Debra, Thank you very much for staying at SOWAKA and for sharing such a warm and thoughtful review. We are truly grateful for your kind words regarding our staff. At SOWAKA, our front desk team works seamlessly across both reception … Show more
Reviewed: 12 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 11 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 10 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 9 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 9 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewPerfect 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.
Dear Julie, Thank you very much for staying at SOWAKA and for sharing such a warm and thoughtful review. As you experienced, SOWAKA is located in the heart of Gion, just a short walk from iconic sites such as Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine—making it an ideal base for exploring Kyoto. Staying nearby also offers the rare privilege of visiting these spots early in the morning, away from the crowds. Our hotel uses natural groundwater, which pairs wonderfully with our cuisine. The miso soup served with our Japanese breakfast is especially well received by our guests. Kyoto is home to countless temples and shrines, and each season brings a different charm. We hope you’ll return again to experience the city in another beautiful moment. We look forward to welcoming you back to SOWAKA. Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Julie, Thank you very much for staying at SOWAKA and for sharing such a warm and thoughtful review. As you experienced, SOWAKA is located in the heart of Gion, just a short walk from iconic sites such as Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shri… Show more
Reviewed: 3 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewBeyond your expectations
No
Dear MEICHIA, Thank you very much for staying with us at SOWAKA. We are truly pleased to hear that you had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Your kind words for our staff are sincerely appreciated. We hope you will have a chance to speak with her again on your next visit. It would be our pleasure to welcome you back to SOWAKA. Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear MEICHIA, Thank you very much for staying with us at SOWAKA. We are truly pleased to hear that you had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Your kind words for our staff are sincerely appreciated. We hope you will have a chance to speak… Show more
Reviewed: 5 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewEverything 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!
Dear Sofia, Thank you very much for staying at SOWAKA. We are truly glad to hear that you were able to relax and enjoy your time with us, surrounded by the charm of our main building with over 100 years of history and the comfort of our modern annex. Famous landmarks such as Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine are within walking distance—how was your visit? As the seasons change, the area offers beautiful views of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back to SOWAKA for another memorable stay. Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Sofia, Thank you very much for staying at SOWAKA. We are truly glad to hear that you were able to relax and enjoy your time with us, surrounded by the charm of our main building with over 100 years of history and the comfort of our mod… Show more
Reviewed: 5 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe staff was exceptional, the style very authentic and location absolutely perfect for exploring Kyoto
Dear Filip, Thank you very much for choosing to stay at SOWAKA. We are truly delighted to hear that we were able to be of help during your stay. As you mentioned, our location—surrounded by numerous temples and shrines and nestled in a nature-rich setting—is indeed perfect for exploring Kyoto. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back to Kyoto again in the future. Yoshizawa SOWAKA
Dear Filip, Thank you very much for choosing to stay at SOWAKA. We are truly delighted to hear that we were able to be of help during your stay. As you mentioned, our location—surrounded by numerous temples and shrines and nestled in a nat… Show more
Reviewed: 17 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review