SOWAKA

Service 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.

The building is rooted in history but elegant and modern enough to rival any luxury hotel. Many aspects of the property make it unique including the pure water to drink and shower in, the history, the atmosphere, the unique bar, the location is stunning and the staff was so thoughtful, helpful and friendly. Truly exceptional experience.

Nothing I didn’t like.

We were treated beautifully in every aspect: service, food (breakfasts and dinners) and our room’s decor was stunning as well as comfy.

We liked, no, loved, everything and everyone at sowaka.

Stunningly beautiful rooms, warm and welcoming and helpful staff, excellent food. All comforts were met.

Nothing! Everything was wonderful!

Customer service was exceptional - went the extra mile to make us feel at home with personal touches that we so appreciated and loved! Also enjoyed the super convenient location, amazing meals, and what we called the hidden bar.

All staff are super nice and great on customer service . They made us feel like we are well taken care of .

We like everything, the only think I will suggest is to change the happy hour drink selection . Maybe rotate through few different option . It is as great time to meet other travelers and exchange travel experiences in Japan .

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!!!

Hard to find anything not to like

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!

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.

Breakfast, heated floors, and location were great

Value for money

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

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!

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.

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.

Nothing!

Beautifully appointed. Impeccable service. Genuinely friendly staff.

Overheated and not enough storage.

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!

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.

Nothing, the hotel was amazing.

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.

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.

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!

Didn't like leaving!!!!

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.