The Sowaka is a ryokan-style hotel right in the heart of the Southern Higashiyama sightseeing district. It’s a good choice for those who want a great location and a change from ordinary hotels.
Suite with garden view
Sowaka At A Glance
- Great for: couples, well-heeled travelers who want the convenience of a hotel with the feeling of a ryokan
- Strong points: location, location, location
- Sample rates: from US$700 to $2500 per night
Just steps from the southern gate of Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Maruyama-koen Park, the Sowaka lays claim to one of the most convenient locations in the city for sightseeing. If you want to walk out the front of your hotel and immediately be amongst the sights, this is a good choice. And for romantic evening walks once the crowds have gone home, it’s tops.
Sowaka exterior
The Sowaka looks and feels like a ryokan and the building is very traditional. However, all the modern comforts are there, including Western beds and heated floors. Rooms are spacious and some look out over private gardens (just like at a luxury ryokan).
Deluxe Hollywood twin room with private garden
There’s a good restaurant here that serves a healthy breakfast and some good dinner choices.
Sowaka breakfast
It’s worth noting that the prices are sky-high here, so you really have to want the experience. But for those who crave this kind of traditional feeling and proximity to the sights, it’s a good choice.
Name in English:
Sowaka
Name in Japanese:
そわか
English address:
480 Kiyoi-cho, Shimogawara-dori-Yasakatoriimae-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan 605-0821
Japanese address:
〒605-0821 京都市東山区下河原通八坂鳥居前下ル清井町480
Price range: luxury
Nearest Transport:
5 minutes’ walk from Gion Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station
Telephone: 81-75-541-5323
Website: sowaka.com/eng/
:: Check availability and pricing for Sowaka on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- 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
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- 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
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
