To be welcomed with a glass of champagne tells you a great deal about the quality of Sowaka. It was a first class experience from start to finish. The staff couldn’t have been warmer, friendlier or more helpful, they were delightful. We ended up eating twice in La Bombance Gion, the Kaiseki meal was simply wonderful, so much care & attention in the presentation & taste was outstanding. I would highly recommend it. The location of the hotel could not have been better. There is also a secret rooftop where you can order drinks, lovely at dusk after a day of experiencing Kyoto.

Nothing, loved it all

Sowaka is perfectly situated in the Gion district, making it convenient to explore many of Kyoto’s attractions, whether by walking, train, or taxi. We stayed in room 103, which offered a lovely view of the garden. Given the summer heat, returning to a cool and refreshing room was a welcome relief. The true highlight of our stay, however, was the exceptional service provided by the staff. They were consistently helpful, friendly, and attentive, making us feel truly welcomed throughout our visit. The thoughtful touches, like the little gifts left at turndown service, added a special, personal touch that made our experience even more memorable. Sowaka's blend of beautiful surroundings and outstanding service made our stay in Kyoto truly exceptional.

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning. It's got a beautiful combination between the old and new while keeping so much love and respect for the original building. The staff are all absolutely wonderful and polite. They speak great English and are very accommodating and welcoming to their guests. I couldn't fault their service even if I tried. I had a surprise planned for my now Fiance and the hotel staff were extremely accommodating with arranging the surprise and making sure it went off without a hitch! The location is situated in the heart of the old part of Kyoto so you'll be right in the centre of visiting all the main temples and shrines. I really couldn't imagine a more stunningly beautiful hotel and I can't wait to visit it again someday!

Nothing at all! The only slight thing (and this has nothing to do with the hotel, just our poor planning) I'd highly recommend getting a taxi from Kyoto Station if you're travelling via the shinkansen or getting your larger luggage delivered from your previous hotel as you'll need to go through multiple train stations, most of which don't have escalators. You'll then need to walk from the Kawaramachi station which can take about 20-30 mins and can be difficult with large luggage since there's a lot of tourists to navigate through along with some hills to get to the hotel. This was at the height of peak season though.

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!

It's at a perfect location in kyoto, most things you want to see in kyoto are walkable. The staff is very nice and sweet. With the breakfast you can choose between Japanese and western breakfast, we tried both. It was both very fulfilling, organic and super tasty. I felt super home. Room was warm and very japanese feeling. The staff will help you out with reservations and suggestions where to go, and what to do.

The doors of the room are so little, and the walls above it pointy. I am not that tall, but my husband has many swollen balls on his head from hitting it. Maybe it's good for them to put a kuchen around the pointy walls above the dooropenings for tall people, against hitting their heads to hard

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.

The hotel itself is beautiful, but what's even more beautiful were the people and staff at Sowaka! My husband and I came here for our honeymoon, which we let them know ahead of time, and they welcomed us with champagne, sweets, and an even sweeter welcome note in our room. Not only that, but every time we went out and returned back to our room, we found more sweets and notes in our room! We were very touched and moved by the staff's thoughtfulness. This has been the best hotel we've ever stayed at, and we hope to be back soon. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much to the staff for a wonderful stay!

Incredible beautiful aesthetic in 2 floors ryokan with authentic Japanese garden view, the tea ceremony room is wonderful. Once you arrive, you are served matcha with Japanese dessert. The bathroom is traditional wood; shower and toilet are modern. All drinks in mini bar are included in the room rate. Beds were comfortable but not soft. Comfortable pyjamas, socks and slippers are provided. We loved live music performances in the lobby to celebrate New Year. Staff is friendly. The location is central Gion within walking distance to all major shrines and temples.

We did not enjoy breakfast and dinner at La Bombance. In other ryokans in Japan the food was less pretentious and not so expensive. The toiletries were not enough for 2 people and did not feel premium for the price we paid. We found dust and dirt on many storage shelves. A cold draft was coming from some windows.

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!!!!

Beautiful boutique hotel in Ryokan-style where they found a great balance between traditional and modern (quiet ac, bathroom heated floor, automated everything but shoes off, tatami, beautiful small grounds). Staff is very helpful and attentive. Overall we had a relaxing and very comfortable stay. Highly recommended.

A few nitpicks only: laundry was not well folded, breakfast onsite is a bit expensive and they are not too many options around before 9am but nothing that would come to knocking the fantastic stay.