# SOWAKA > Sowaka, a 5-star Kyoto retreat near Gion, blends traditional design with modern luxury, offering serene garden views, a spa, and exceptional breakfast in a beautifully renovated building with easy access to iconic temples. **Key facts** - 5-star hotel - Kyoto, Japan - Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Kiyoi-cho 480, Japan - Page: https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/japan/kyoto/sowaka ## About Sowaka in Kyoto is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. This intimate five-star hotel, opened in late 2018, occupies a beautifully renovated building adorned with classic Kyoto-style decor. Its prime location near the historic Gion district puts guests in the heart of Kyoto's cultural treasures, with the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Heian Shrine just a short stroll away. The hotel's crowning jewel is its tranquil Japanese garden, offering a serene retreat from the bustling city. Guests can start their day with an exceptional breakfast while overlooking the meticulously manicured greenery or the charming inner courtyard. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the on-site spa provides rejuvenating massages and treatments. Each air-conditioned room is a haven of comfort, featuring private balconies with garden or courtyard views, modern amenities like electric kettles and refrigerators, and luxurious bathrooms stocked with premium toiletries. At Sowaka, attentive 24-hour service ensures that every need is met with grace and efficiency. Whether you're looking to explore Kyoto's rich cultural heritage or simply unwind in a refined setting, this exquisite hotel offers an unforgettable stay that captures the essence of Japanese hospitality. First Row Travel is a preferred partner for SOWAKA and can book it with exclusive benefits such as daily complimentary breakfast for 2 and upgrade at time of check-in, at no extra cost and with no booking fees. ## Exclusive benefits Included when you book with First Row Travel: - Daily complimentary breakfast for 2 - Upgrade at time of check-in* - Early check-in/Late Check-out* - Property Credit ($50-$100 depending on hotel) - Personalized Trip Planning & Support ## Accommodations - **Standard Double Room with Mountain View (Main)** (291 m², sleeps 2) - **Superior King Room with City View (Main)** (344 m², sleeps 2) - **Superior Queen Room** (366 m², sleeps 2) - **Superior Queen Room with Garden view (Main)** (420 m², sleeps 2, Designated smoking area) - **Superior Queen Room with Balcony(Annex)** (463 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe King Room with Open Air Bath and Courtyard View(Annex) - Second Floor** (474 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe King Room with Balcony(Annex)** (484 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe King Room with Tatami Area and Open Air Bath (with Garden View)(Annex)** (506 m², sleeps 3) - **Superior King Room with City View(Annex)** (506 m², sleeps 2) - **Superior King Room with Garden View(Annex)** (517 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe King Room with Tatami Area and Courtyard view(Annex)** (527 m², sleeps 3) - **Deluxe Queen Room with Private Garden (Main)** (538 m², sleeps 2, Designated smoking area) - **Deluxe Hollywood Twin Room with Private Garden (Main)** (549 m², sleeps 2, Designated smoking area) - **Deluxe King Room with Open Air Bath and Courtyard View (Annex) - Ground Floor** (560 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe Hollywood Twin Room with Garden View (Main)** (581 m², sleeps 2, Designated smoking area) - **Deluxe King Room with Courtyard View(Annex)** (603 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe King Room with Courtyard View(Annex)** (624 m², sleeps 2, Fax/Photocopying) - **Deluxe King Room with Courtyard View(Annex)** (624 m², sleeps 2, Fax/Photocopying) - **Deluxe Twin Room with Mountain View (Main)** (635 m², sleeps 3) - **Deluxe Hollywood Twin Room with Tea Ceremony (Main)** (646 m², sleeps 2) - **Deluxe Twin Room with Naguri Wall (Main)** (667 m², sleeps 3) - **Junior Suite with Tatami Area and Garden View(Annex)** (754 m², sleeps 4) - **Suite with Garden View (Main)** (1044 m², sleeps 2) ## Amenities Exceptional breakfast, Balcony, View, Garden view, Inner courtyard view, Spa, Massage, Electric kettle, Refrigerator ## Common questions **What are the unique features of Sowaka in Kyoto?** Sowaka is a 5-star luxury hotel that opened in November 2018 near Kyoto's Gion district. It features a beautiful Japanese garden, renovated main building with traditional Kyoto-style decor, and a variety of room types including suites with private gardens and rooms with open-air baths. The property seamlessly blends modern amenities with traditional Japanese aesthetics. **How close is Sowaka to popular Kyoto attractions?** Sowaka is conveniently located near several popular Kyoto attractions. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is just 0.6 miles away, while Heian Shrine is 1 mile from the hotel. The property's location near the Gion district also puts guests in close proximity to many other cultural sites and experiences in Kyoto. **What types of rooms are available at Sowaka?** Sowaka offers a wide range of room types to suit different preferences. Options include Suites with Garden Views, Deluxe Rooms with Private Gardens, rooms with mountain or city views, and rooms in both the Main building and Annex. Some unique offerings include rooms with open-air baths, tatami areas, and tea ceremony spaces. Room sizes and layouts vary to accommodate different group sizes and needs. **Does Sowaka offer any special amenities or services?** Yes, Sowaka provides several special amenities and services. The hotel is known for its exceptional breakfast. It also features a spa offering massage services, and many rooms have balconies with garden, courtyard, or city views. All rooms are equipped with modern conveniences like electric kettles and refrigerators. The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk service to assist guests with any needs or inquiries. **Is there Wi-Fi available at Sowaka?** Yes, Sowaka provides free Wi-Fi throughout the entire property, ensuring guests can stay connected during their stay. **What can guests expect in their rooms at Sowaka?** All rooms at Sowaka are air-conditioned and come equipped with modern amenities. Each room features an electric kettle, mini-bar, refrigerator, and wardrobe. Private bathrooms are standard in all rooms and include extras such as a hairdryer, bathrobe, and nightwear for guest comfort and convenience. **Are there any rooms at Sowaka with traditional Japanese elements?** Yes, Sowaka offers several room types that incorporate traditional Japanese elements. Some rooms feature tatami areas, while others offer tea ceremony spaces. The main building itself showcases traditional Kyoto-style decoration. Guests can choose rooms that blend modern comfort with authentic Japanese aesthetics. **What dining options are available at Sowaka?** While specific restaurant details aren't provided, Sowaka is renowned for its exceptional breakfast service. Given its 5-star rating, it's likely that the hotel offers high-quality dining options, though guests may want to inquire directly about full-service restaurants or in-room dining availability. **How far is Sowaka from the nearest airport?** Sowaka is located approximately 24 miles from Itami Airport, which is also known as Osaka International Airport. This makes it conveniently accessible for travelers flying into the Kansai region. **Does Sowaka offer rooms with outdoor bathing facilities?** Yes, Sowaka offers select rooms with outdoor bathing facilities. For example, the 'Deluxe King Room with Open Air Bath and Courtyard View' in the Annex building provides guests with a private open-air bath experience, allowing them to enjoy the traditional Japanese practice of outdoor bathing in the comfort of their own room. **Does Sowaka offer breakfast?** Sowaka breakfast is offered on certain rates. However, when you book through First Row travel we can offer you special partner rates with breakfast included, amongst other benefits. **How to get free upgrade at Sowaka?** Sowaka is a partner of First Row Travel. When you book an eligible rate through us, you'll get a room upgrade subject to availability at time of check-in : no status with the chain needed **Can I get late-checkout or early check-in at Sowaka?** Late checkout or early check-in can be provided at Sowaka for an additional cost. However, when you book an eligible rate through First Row Travel you get complimentary early check-in/late check-out subject to availability ## Photos - https://firstrowtravel.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/withINbySLH/88/1.jpg - https://firstrowtravel.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/withINbySLH/88/2.jpg - https://firstrowtravel.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/withINbySLH/88/3.jpg - https://firstrowtravel.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/withINbySLH/88/4.jpg - https://firstrowtravel.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/withINbySLH/88/5.jpg - https://firstrowtravel.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/withINbySLH/88/6.jpg ## How to book - WhatsApp: https://wa.me/19453939299 - Email: advisor@firstrowtravel.com - Mention SOWAKA and your dates; booking through First Row Travel adds the benefits above at no extra cost — no booking fees.