Stay · Gion / Higashiyama
SOWAKA SOWAKA（そわか）
23-room boutique hotel in a 100-year-old former teahouse below Yasaka Shrine, with a garden and a respected Japanese restaurant; Forbes Four-Star.
HoursFront desk 24 hours; check-in usually from 15:00
PriceTypical room per night: ¥80,000
Getting thereGion-Shijo Station (Keihan), 15 min; Higashiyama Station 15 min
Time needed1-2 nights
Best timeYear-round; book early for cherry blossom (late Mar-early Apr) and autumn leaves (Nov)
Address480 Kiyoi-cho, Shimogawara-dori Yasaka-Toriimae-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Websitesowaka.com
About
SOWAKA's main building is a renovated sukiya-style teahouse with 11 tatami rooms around a courtyard garden; a newer annex has 12 minimalist rooms with city views. The Japanese restaurant Gion Roka serves seasonal Kyoto cuisine and is open to non-guests by reservation. Yasaka Shrine, Kodai-ji and Ishibe-koji lane are a few minutes' walk.
Highlights
- Forbes Four-Star
- Former teahouse with garden
- Restaurant Gion Roka
- Walk to Yasaka Shrine and Ninenzaka
Tips
- Rooms 103 and 104 in the main building have the best garden views (per Forbes).
- Book dinner at Gion Roka when you reserve the room.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-10
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