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1910
SOWAKA, Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
480 Kiyoi-cho, Yasaka Toriimae-sagaru, Shimogawara-dori, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0821
Original Property Opened in 1910
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2016
gardens
tours
SOWAKA, Kyoto offers a historic stay in the heart of Kyoto's Gion District, featuring a boutique hotel experience. SOWAKA, Kyoto was originally constructed as a ryotei, a high-end, invitation-only restaurant where guests could enjoy kaiseki cuisine and geisha performances in close proximity to the Yasaka Shrine, which was established to prevent perceived epidemic-causing spirits. Today, guests can experience Kyoto's geisha culture while enjoying tranquil private garden spaces and modern accommodations in the heart of the city.
Discover
- Discover SOWAKA, Kyoto, which was originally constructed as a ryotei, a high-end, invitation-only restaurant where guests could enjoy kaiseki cuisine and geisha performances. Guests are invited to a traditional, historical experience in this Taisho-era heritage and meticulously restored historic hotel.
- Enjoy the many distinctively Japanese original architectural features, including wooden structures, tatami elements, and tranquil garden spaces, which create an atmosphere of refined simplicity all without sacrificing modern amenities.
- Stroll through the tranquil garden spaces of SOWAKA as a respite from the city of Kyoto while being in the center of it all or enjoy special events for hotel guests only in the summer on the Roof Balcony with a view of Higashiyama and the town of Kyoto.
Explore
- Explore the Gion District, known as the “Geisha district,” a lively urban area recognized for upscale commerce, live performance, and seasonal festivals. While wandering, it is not uncommon to occasionally see geiko (Kyoto's geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to continue their work with traditional Japanese cultural arts.
- Stroll down Hanamikoji Street, which is lined with historic machiya (wooden townhouses) that are excellent examples of adaptive reuse as they have been converted to teahouses, restaurants, and upscale artisan boutiques. This street allows guests to step back in time to experience Kyoto in a historical fashion.
- Just steps from Yasaka Shrine and within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, guests can experience one of Kyoto's most iconic historic neighborhoods before and after the daytime crowds arrive.
Experience
- Experience the tranquil town of Gion in the pre-dawn light, as an expert guide from the hotel leads guests to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Chion-in Temple. This unique experience can be booked through the hotel on-site or prior to arrival via email.
- Guests may take part in a variety of experiences offered by SOWAKA, Kyoto such as learning about Zen practices from a Zen monk, participating in a private ancient Buddhist ceremony called Goma ceremony which has reverence towards fire, or joining a private yoga session basking in the sunlight.
- Take a rickshaw tour around the Gion District to experience Kyoto’s famous historic neighborhoods from a traditional mode of transportation.
Taste
- Taste seasonal Japanese dishes at Gion Loka, the refined restaurant at SOWAKA, Kyoto. The menu draws from traditional Japanese cuisine and seasonal ingredients while focusing on a modern dining experience.
- Feel welcome when walking into the Library in the Lounge at SOWAKA, Kyoto. A thoughtful space that reflects the hotel's commitment to history with modern amenities. Upon arrival, guests can relax during the check-in process, and a welcome drink is served. Throughout the day, traditional beverages are available, and complimentary Japanese sake is offered during an evening hospitality hour.
- Enjoy a private mindfulness tea ceremony. While this ceremony is not meant to teach the formal traditions of Japanese tea, it provides an opportunity to explore the philosophy of Japanese culture.
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Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organization.
