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

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.

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

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.

Once in a lifetime experience for us to visit Japan and experience everything Japanese...from the phenomenal hosts to the traditional house and food...highly recommended

The staff were so friendly and attentive. From the most moment arriving, being brought a glass of champagne. The hotel is an exquisite conversion of an old restaurant ~100 years old. It’s a little oasis in the middle of the Gion district, with a short walk to many temples, shops and restaurants. The room was fantastic, beautiful view over many plants. Breakfast - choice of Western or Japanese - was a great way to start the day. The staff were certainly a highlight and we hope to return one day!

This was our 2nd stay at Sowaka and our go-to choice for Kyoto. Everything was perfect. We got a room with garden view in the main building. The garden was mesmerizing. The room was comfortable with full amenities. Dinning at La Bombance was an experience every time. I highly recommend the Japanese breakfast, and their tasting dinner menu. The staff spoke excellent English and was very kind to help us with restaurant booking, direction, transportation. A true 5-star experience!

The Hotel is truly amazing, simply one of the best boutique hotels you can find. The hotel and the staff provide absolute privacy, everything is very quiet and zen, the staff excels in every possible way, a great experience. Location is excellent as well. If I would have to make a remark it would be in relation to the restaurant: amazing staff, delicious food, but still some room for improvement (to reach Michelin star level). All in all, a wonderful experience and we will definitely return.

I love the architecture and the design of the property. It is so beautiful and well made. The location is also really excellent and the staff are wonderful—really helpful and welcoming. We had a dinner with a course meal at their restaurant, La Bombance, and I thought that was quite delicious and a great value for the price.

I’m a light sleeper so not having complete blackout is a negative for me but I do understand that it’s because of the architecture of the property. Our room is also above the connecting doors to the restaurant so it’s easy to hear people going in and coming out.