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Kyoto Sawai

2.5 star property
Guesthouse in Kyoto, a quick walk to Kenninji Temple

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Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests) | Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated
Exterior
Interior entrance
Lobby
Staircase

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom | Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated

Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated

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 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

View all photos for Miya no Ma - Middle (Up to 2 Guests)

Premium bedding, down comforters, individually decorated

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 Twin Futons

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About the neighborhood

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

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Yasaka Shrine - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Nishiki Market - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Nijō Castle - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles

Getting around

  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 6 min walk
  • Sanjo Keihan Station - 15 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 60 min drive

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

Guesthouse near Kenninji Temple
Located close to Yasui Konpiragu and Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Sawai provides an art gallery on site and a shopping mall on site. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this guesthouse include:
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge) and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as thoughtful touches like air conditioning and separate sitting areas.
More amenities include:
  • Showers, toilets with electronic bidets, and free toiletries
  • 18-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Separate sitting areas, separate dining areas, and mini fridges

Languages

English, Japanese

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 2,000 for adults and JPY 2,000 for children

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Shopping mall

Family friendly

  • Baby toys
  • Children's books
  • Children's toys
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Spa

  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 18-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 3 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. 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.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately JPY 2000 for adults and JPY 2000 for children
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 17 years old
This property accepts cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and window guards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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

Property is 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

Is Kyoto Sawai pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Kyoto Sawai?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Kyoto Sawai?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at Kyoto Sawai?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is Kyoto Sawai located?

Located in Gion, this guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of Kenninji Temple and Yasui Konpiragu. Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market are also within 15 minutes. Kiyomizu-gojo Station is 6 minutes by foot and Gion-shijo Station is 7 minutes.

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Kyoto Sawai Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 90 reviews

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 Excellent

John

Liked: Amenities
Owner was very nice and everything was better than expected!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mohammed

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very goo
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very picturesque traditional family run hotel in a 160 year old Kyoto house. It’s quite an experience to enjoy Gion area - close to all shopping and the famous Geisha area of old Kyoto. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely place, lovely staff!

Wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and kind, we had a wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shaz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic ryokan. Very affordable all things considered and the owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. The lodgings are wonderful, as they are both beautiful and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend more
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was lovely, would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was what I was looking for . A old time feel that made me love Kyoto
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very historic area with easy access to dinning shopping and traditional japanese cultural places and events
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

michel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Traditional Ryokan ownex by a brsutiful helping and rrspd tful family represrnting the outmost Japanese trait of hospitality
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aiko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

vince

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was amazing and so sweet in welcoming us to their Okiya. I’ll definitely be back in the future!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heikki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very unique and cool traditional Japanese house.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jihad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Jasmin

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Belinda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mohd Zaki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mildred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
静かで落ち着いた雰囲気で快適に滞在できました。 ありがとうございました。
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

RYOTA

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
場所がとても良かったです。近くに銭湯もあり、満喫できました。
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Traditionellt hotell i Kyoto

Väldigt traditionellt och mysigt hotell i gamla delen av kyoto med mycket charm. Smala atmosfäriska gränder och nära till fantastiska restauranger och barer. Väldigt prisvärt.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024