“great place, great location, exceptional staff”
Likedvery traditional place, extremely beautiful and well kept. I stayed in both the original older section and in the newer side, both were exceptional.
Dislikednothing to dislike
★★★★★ · Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Sowaka
605-0821 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Kiyoi-cho 480, Japan · #4 of 18 by guest score in Kyoto
9.6Exceptional269 reviews
From $1,894a night · lowest rate found Oct 2026
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Sowaka guest ratings
Guest category scores, compared with the average across the 18 Kyoto hotels on this site.
| Rating category | Sowaka | Kyoto average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | 9.6 | 9.6 | 0 |
| Comfort | 9.7 | 9.7 | 0 |
| Facilities | 9.7 | 9.5 | +0.2 |
| Location | 9.9 | 9.4 | +0.5 |
| Staff | 9.9 | 9.5 | +0.4 |
| Value for money | 8.8 | 8.7 | +0.1 |
| Free WiFi | 10 | 9.2 | +0.8 |
Sowaka reviews
“A delightful taste of Japan in Kyoto.”
LikedThe property is beautiful and peaceful. There is much vegetation and a lovely garden. My room had a city view with heated floors, which I LOVED. I enjoyed the Japanese breakfast which was quite filling. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. Clearly, they wanted me to enjoy my stay and I did.
“Very quiet and peaceful place. Atmosphere was really great. Very good breakfast.”
LikedAmazing hotel in the very perfect location. Service and staff were brilliant.
“Sowaka is peaceful, serene and low key luxury. I highly recommend it for your stay in Kyoto.”
LikedMy daughter and I absolutely loved our stay at Sokawa. The common spaces were designed beautifully incorporating the older structure, including the entrance, staff welcoming area and dining and lounge areas seamlessly with the newer building which is where our room was located. Every staff member from arrival to departure was professional, kind and helpful with any and every need (anticipated or not). Breakfast was included in our stay and it was fresh and delicious. The attention to detail and responsiveness to each and every question or need, surpassed our expectations.
DislikedOur room was in the new annex and the traditional Japanese beds were less a little tough on our backs. Would have preferred thicker mattresses.
“Amazing, inviting and spectacular”
LikedEverything! The hotel was absolutely beautiful. The location was great and walkable to great sight seeing, shopping, restaurants. We also ate at the hotel and the food was spectacular. The staff was also helpful in providing us directions, helping with luggage or just being there to say hello. I would go back to this place in a heartbeat!
DislikedHonestly nothing really I can say that was bad.
Likedone night we asked the front desk to help us with a dinner reservation for 4. we wanted sushi and the desk made a reservation for us at a sushi bar. we would have better to sit at a table so we could talk together. thank you.
“We loved our stay and would definitely come again! Thank you for their warm and gracious staff!”
LikedEverything! Beautiful hotel, amazing and friendly staff, the food was outstanding.
“Absolutely perfect hotel experience. Cannot recommend it enough.”
LikedBeautiful property, comfortable beds, exceptional staff, delicious restaurant!
Reviews from verified guests.
