Kyoto Sawai

2.5 star property
City centre guesthouse within walking distance of Kenninji Temple

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

Premium bedding, down duvets, individually decorated
City view from property
Premium bedding, down duvets, individually decorated
City view from property
Front of property
VIP Access

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Child-friendly activities

Main amenities (4)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Breakfast available
  • Air conditioning
  • Limited hour front desk

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Microwave
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate sitting area
  • Digital TV service
  • Premium bedding
The price is NZ$302
includes taxes & fees
20 Dec - 21 Dec

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
  • 47 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Single Beds and 3 Single Futons

Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Single Futons

Miya no Ma - Middle (Up to 2 Guests)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
  • 11 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Futons

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About the area

Map
4-320 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0801

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Nishiki Market - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Nijō Castle - 4 min drive - 3.6 km

Getting around

  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 60 min drive
  • Kobe (UKB) - 88 min drive
  • Osaka (KIX-Kansai Intl.) - 90 min drive
  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 6 min walk
  • Gion-shijo Station - 7 min walk
  • Kyoto Kawaramachi Station - 8 min walk
  • Sanjo Keihan Station - 15 min walk
  • Gojo Station - 15 min walk
  • Shiyakusho-mae Station - 19 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪紬屋 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪kawa Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪ろじうさぎ - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪尽膳口福 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪こま屋 - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Kyoto Sawai

Kyoto Sawai offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Kawaramachi Street and Yasaka Shrine. Also, Kiyomizu Temple and Nishiki Market are a short five-minute drive away. Fellow travellers 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 and check-out are available
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
  • Contactless check-out
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

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 Wi-Fi in rooms (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))

Parking

  • No on-site parking

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • English breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–9:00 AM

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)
  • Toys
  • Children's books

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)

Facilities

  • Art gallery on-site
  • Shopping centre 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 duvet
  • Premium bedding
  • Free extra futon

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Electronic bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

Stay connected

  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • Complimentary wireless Internet access (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 checkout. 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

  • English 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 lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that 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 on-site 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 social distancing 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 15 minutes' walk from Kiyomizu Temple.

Kyoto Sawai Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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

Lovely place, lovely staff!
Wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and kind, we had a wonderful stay.
John, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Mary, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

It was what I was looking for . A old time feel that made me love Kyoto
Lisa, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Karen, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Traditional Ryokan ownex by a brsutiful helping and rrspd tful family represrnting the outmost Japanese trait of hospitality
michel, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.
Aiko, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

It was lovely, would stay again
Amanda, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Zach, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Raul, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night family trip
Verified Lastminute guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Ruth, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very historic area with easy access to dinning shopping and traditional japanese cultural places and events
John, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The staff was amazing and so sweet in welcoming us to their Okiya. I’ll definitely be back in the future!
Christopher, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very unique and cool traditional Japanese house.
Heikki, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Margaret, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Property managers are great. Very interesting stay to experience traditional Japanese living.
Wilson, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
5-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A lovely time in old Kyoto
Kyoto Sawai is the real guesthouse (ryokan) experience. Futons with incredibly warm blankets, sliding doors and paper screens etc. Room comes with airconditioner/heater, lamp, fridge, microwave, kettle, green tea, tatami mats and low table to eat and drink at. While the room is traditional and minimalist, the bathroom and shower are completely modern. The owner was incredibly friendly and attentive. Just in case you have problems with your legs, be aware the stairs are quite steep. We had a lovely time here, in the centre of Gion, and wish we had stayed longer.
Eamonn, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review