An elegant balance between old and new Sowaka is one of the newest additions to Kyoto’s boutique hotel and luxury ryokan scene, and opened in 2018. The Sowaka luxury ryokan is set in the heart of the ancient Geisha district, Gion, the beating heart of Kyoto’s cultural history. Much of Kyoto’s must-see cultural sights are on your doorstep when staying at Sowaka. The 23 rooms and suites are set within 2 buildings - the main building was a restaurant built at the end of the Taisho Period, about 100years ago, that has been expertly repurposed as a stunning luxury ryokan boutique hotel by the renowned architect Shigenori Uoya and has been artfully complemented with the addition of the newly built Annex, in a perfect melding of traditional and modern architectural styles.
Interiors, created by Masa, reflect the best of Japanese interior design with attention to detail both traditional and modern in use of décor, art and antiques, creating harmonious and restful spaces wherever you may rest your gaze. Elegant, pleasing, and comfortable spaces are the signature of Sowaka. This luxury ryokan includes a restaurant, La Bombance Gion, headed by a Michelin starred team from La Bombance restaurant in Tokyo, serving stunning Japanese cuisine created from the finest seasonal produce. Sowaka also shares a well-stocked bar, lobby lounge, beautiful manicured Japanese garden and a rooftop balcony. The professional hotel team also provide unique travel experiences with tours to unseen Kyoto, shrines and temples rarely opened to general visitors, exclusive for our guests staying at Sowaka Kyoto.