The Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei is a luxurious onsen ryokan-style hotel in the heart of Kyoto. Each room includes a private outdoor bath with commanding views. It’s perfect for those who want the best of a ryokan and a hotel in a convenient downtown location.

Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei reception
The Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei is the elite wing of the Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto, which we review here. The two hotels share onsen facilities on their upper floors, as well as the outstanding rooftop terrace, from which the hotel gets its name (“Sora Niwa Terrace” means “Sky Garden Terrace).

Corner guest room on the 8th floor
The rooms in the Bettei are exceptionally large by Japanese standards and all of them boast private outdoor baths on balconies overlooking the city. This is one of the only hotels in the city to offer this feature, and there’s nothing like soaking in a private bath while gazing out over the lights of the city.

Outdoor private bath
For fans of Japanese style and baths, this hotel is an excellent choice. Close your eyes and you might just think you at an onsen ryokan deep in the Japan Alps. Open your eyes and you’ll find all the wonders of Kyoto at your feet.
Name in English:
Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei
Name in Japanese:
空庭テラス京都別邸
English address:
324 Inari-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Shijo-sagaru 2 chome, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
京都市下京区河原町通四条下る2丁目稲荷町324
Price: luxury
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1-minute walk south of Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
Telephone: 092-291-1188
Website:
:: Check availability on Booking.com.
Official site: (English)
shijo-bettei.jp/en/
Near To Here:
Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.