Kyoto Sawai offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market. Also, Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto Tower are just a 5-minute drive away. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
Languages
English, Japanese
At a glance
Hotel size
6 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - midnight
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 17
Children
Children (3 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
Parking
No onsite parking
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Continental breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–9:00 AM
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Toys
Children's books
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Facilities
Art gallery on site
Shopping mall on site
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
18-inch flat-screen TV
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Down comforter
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
Shower only
Electronic bidet
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Stay connected
Laptop-friendly workspace
Free WiFi (speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
Freezer
Microwave
Free bottled water
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Special features
Spa
Public bath/onsen services include a yukata (Japanese robe).
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 200-1,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Optional extras
Continental breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately JPY 2000 for adults and JPY 2000 for children
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Policies
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and window guards on site.
This property accepts cash.
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse
Guesthouse Kyoto Sawai Kyoto
Kyoto Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse
Guesthouse Kyoto Sawai
Kyoto Sawai Kyoto
Sawai Guesthouse
Sawai
Kyoto Sawai Kyoto
Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse
Kyoto Sawai Guesthouse Kyoto
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at Kyoto Sawai?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Kyoto Sawai?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Kyoto Sawai.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Kyoto Sawai?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Kyoto Sawai and nearby?
Recommended spots to visit include Kenninji Temple (3-min walk) and Yasui Konpiragu (10-min walk), along with Yasaka Shrine (12-min walk) and Nishiki Market (13-min walk).
What's the area around Kyoto Sawai like?
Kyoto Sawai is in Gion, a short 6-minute walk from Kiyomizu-gojo Station and 6 minutes' walk from Kawaramachi Street.
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Staff & service
8.4/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 15, 2024
Lovely place, lovely staff!
Wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and kind, we had a wonderful stay.
John
John, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Oct 14, 2024
The owner of the property was kind and seemed like a lovely woman but the other staff didn't really seem to know what was going on. The check in, while early which we absolutely appreciated, was basically us getting the keys and giving our passports. No explanation of amenities or the room itself. I noticed they offered tours of the building with sweets and tea but we didn't get any tour.
The room itself was spacious and very comfortable. The self filling tub and shower room was the highlight and we made sure to maximize our use!
We were supposed to get a VIP 4500 yen drink credit but we were told it just consisted of coffee or matcha tea at night and I'm unsure if we received that full value over two nights.
I understand that Kyoto is pricey, especially in the area of this guesthouse, but I feel like we overpayed for what we got. Overall, it was an average stay.
Jasmin
Jasmin, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
Sep 18, 2024
Mary
Mary, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 10, 2024
It was what I was looking for . A old time feel that made me love Kyoto
Lisa
Lisa, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2024
Karen
Karen, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 25, 2024
Traditional Ryokan ownex by a brsutiful helping and rrspd tful family represrnting the outmost Japanese trait of hospitality
michel
michel, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 20, 2024
Experience the past with the comfort of the future
We were looking for a slice of old Japan after a week in Tokyo. I can say that that desire was thoroughly fulfilled. Our room was like one straight out of the pass, but their were enough modern renovations to make it feel comfortable. We didn't explore the immediate area to much but with just a short train ride to access Fushimi inari I think it's a great place to stay. The staff are also very friendly and helpful. My friends bag was broken in transit by a delivery company and they handled all the talks themselves on our behalf and we ended up getting a 3000 yen compensation. It's a great hub to explore a lot of kansai and a great way to experience old Japan.
Jihad
Jihad, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 14, 2024
Great experience in Kyoto
This was an excellent Ryokan - down a quiet street across the river from a busy area in Kyoto. The hostess and her family made us feel welcome and provided the type of experience we were looking for in Kyoto.
The bathrooms were up to date and well stocked, the tatami and beds comfortable for all of us to sleep in.
Would highly recommend this as a traditional stay while in Kyoto!
Kathleen
Kathleen, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 25, 2023
The property and the owner Keiko was great,Keiko could not have been more helpful,if you want to experience old Japan you could not start at a better place
vince
vince, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 22, 2023
We loved staying at Sawai. It was a great experience staying at a traditional style inn. The bathroom is very nice, if you don't try the public bathroom you have a wonderful option back at your room. They speak fairly good English so if you are having a hard time the staff are always able to help. You must try the traditional Japanese breakfast, just ask the day before so they can prepare. I would totally book again when I head back to Kyoto in the future.
Things to note traditional Japanese style rooms tend to have smaller frames on the doors, so you will need to lower your head.
Matthew
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 14, 2023
Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.
Aiko
Aiko, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 14, 2023
It was lovely, would stay again
Amanda
Amanda, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 2, 2023
Zach
Zach, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 15, 2023
Raul
Raul, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 15, 2023
Kyoto Sawai is a 150 year old converted teahouse close to the river Sawai and easy walking distance from the rail line, central Kyoto shopping precinct and Kiyomizu Temple (albeit up a rather steep hill). The Inn was very comfortable despite sleeping on futons on tatami matting. The rooms were air conditioned and had western toilets and electricity, but other than that the inn had been left unchanged so a steep climb up a ships ladder style staircase, and narrow 70cm wide passageways to our room meant the property would be unsuitable for mobility impaired, prams or large guests. We LOVED it though - their manager was very helpful and exceedingly polite and we will definitely stay here if we get back to Kyoto.
Belinda
Belinda, 2-night family trip
Verified Lastminute guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 7, 2023
Ruth
Ruth, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 22, 2023
Very historic area with easy access to dinning shopping and traditional japanese cultural places and events
John
John, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 2, 2023
The staff was amazing and so sweet in welcoming us to their Okiya. I’ll definitely be back in the future!
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 7, 2023
Very unique and cool traditional Japanese house.
Heikki
Heikki, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 5, 2023
Gorgeous Japanese inn next door to a Geisha house in a beautiful street in the best location in Kyoto. Walking distance to the hussle and bustle of Kyoto (just 5 mins away) but super quiet pretty street. The beds were comfy, we loved the room and absolutely loved seeing the geishas pass on the street below as we stood on the little balcony over the street. Lovely shower, nice robes. And the hosts were so friendly and kind and helpful. It’s walking distance to the main shrine, and nishiki market and station and downtown. Easy to get train from there to inari shrine and bamboo grove. We had no idea which area to be in for our stay in Kyoto but couldn’t have been happier with this place.
Kate
Kate, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 9, 2023
We had such an enjoyable stay here. I really like the area, in terms of convenience, quietness and the vibe/location. I really recommend this property to all who wants to experience Edo period Japan-feels. Look out for real life geikos and maikos walking about at night on the way to their workplaces or appointments, but be sure to practice proper behaviour when meeting them, they are working humans just like everyone else. Various attractions are located within walking distance, Kiyomizu Temple is just 15mins away. The cleanliness and facilities provided at this property are tip-top, and the owners are just lovely and are really nice. They can speak English. I give it a rating of 9/10.
Mohd Zaki
Mohd Zaki, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 28, 2020
Margaret
Margaret, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jan 13, 2020
Property managers are great. Very interesting stay to experience traditional Japanese living.
Wilson
Wilson, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 3, 2020
The inn was excellent. If you want to stay somewhere traditionally Japanese, this is a beautiful building. The location is also close to many shops and restaurants as well as sightseeing spots. The entire street it’s on is gorgeous.
The owner is also very sweet and welcoming. She helped us a lot, including lending us umbrellas one day when it rained during our trip.
I strongly recommend staying here during your trip to Kyoto.
The only downside I can think of is that the stairs to get to the rooms might be difficult for anyone who can’t climb stairs.
Verified traveler
5-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 1, 2020
We stayed here for one night on New Years Eve but I wish we stayed a bit longer. It is in such a great location and the property itself is well maintained.
While it was very cold that night, we were given a heater and heavy duvets to keep warm.
The host was lovely and very welcoming.
I would highly recommend staying here - we will definitely be back (for longer next time!) when we visit Kyoto in future.