Near Yasui Konpiragu and Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Sawai offers a serene retreat with an on-site art gallery and shopping mall. Connect to free in-room WiFi while discovering local treasures. Guests rave about the helpful staff.
Kyoto Sawai puts you in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Kenninji Temple and Yasui Konpiragu. Also, Kawaramachi Street and Shijo Street are within just a 10-minute walk. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. Public transportation is close by: Sanjo Keihan Station is just 15 minutes by foot.
At a glance
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Hotel size
6 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
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Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 19
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Children
Children (3 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
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Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
No onsite parking
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Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Continental breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–9:00 AM
Room service (limited hours)
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
Room amenities
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
Freshen up
Shower only
Electronic bidet
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
Microwave
Free bottled water
Paper towels
More
Housekeeping on request
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
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 100–10,000 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
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Late check-in between 10:00 PM and midnight can be arranged for an extra charge of JPY 3000
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
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 carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, 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: 10:00 PM. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
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.
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Reviews
Kyoto Sawai Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
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.
9.2
Cleanliness
9.0
Location
9.4
Staff & service
9.0
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Service staff
Location
Room
Reviews
Verified
4/10 Fair
Apr 5, 2026
Definitely a great location. Over priced to for we got. Our room was in a maze of tiny hallways. Although clean, the room was a storage closet. Staff was kind, the inn keeper was okay.
Gerard
Gerard, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 4, 2025
Great central location to the Old Town in Gion and walkable to plenty of nearby temples. Also close to a train station for easy access to everything else. Staff is very kind and accommodating and gave us small gifts on our way out!
Meghan
Meghan, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 23, 2025
The room is cozy and comfortable, and we felt right at home. An electric kettle to make tea was an amazing touch.
The surrounding area is beautiful and we had a great time exploring.
Keiko is the most gracious and welcoming hostess, and we loved our stay at Sawai! We are already looking forward to returning to Kyoto in the future and staying here again.
Kerri
Kerri, 3-night trip
Verified
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
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 18, 2025
Everything was amazing. The owner is so lovely and greeted me the moment I arrived. She also made delightful breakfast for me each morning, even at like 6:30am when I tried to get to the tourist spots early. The house is amazing, an old tea house in the heart of Gion. There are a lot of stairs and narrow alleyways tho, so keep that in mind. Next time I'm in Kyoto I'm 100% coming back to the Kyoto Sawai
Ruixin
Ruixin, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 18, 2025
Great Japanese style guesthouse experience. Not a hotel more like a guesthouse, staying with a family. The people running the place are super warm. No breakfast. It was quiet but since I was with my kids I felt like I was disturbing the rest of the guests or owners. They live there. I still recommend it.
Raul
Raul, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 7, 2025
True Edo period style hotel experience
Sawai is an authentic if no frills experience. However, you can’t beat the location, the look and feel of the place, and the wonderful staff. I will stay here again.
John
John, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 20, 2024
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
Shaz
Shaz, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 20, 2025
Excellent Stay
Our stay at Sawai was superb Keiko the owner welcomed us with traditional matcha tea at homemade sweets it was delicious. The bed was so comfortable and the experience in a traditional Japanese Inn or Ryokan was something I was looking forward to in this trip in Kyoto. The place was easy to find and navigate. Closed to downtown but,away from hustle and bustle.
Hadji
Hadji, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 10, 2025
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.
David
David, 1-night trip
Verified
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 trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2025
My family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) stayed here for 4 nights and we loved it. The host and staff were so kind and thoughtful and very accomodating.
Pros:
* Good sized room
* Clean
* Staff are so kind and helpful
* Beds were large
* Traditional appeal. Not only is it an old tea house, geishas in training live next door
* The location is close to shopping and transportation options.
* It's on a very quiet street - no car traffic.
Cons:
* Our room was a little cluttered with extra furniture that didn't need to be there.
* As previous reviewers have said, the hallways are comically tiny, so getting your oversized luggage into the room will be a challenge or pack light. The location is near coin laundry.
Lindsey
Lindsey, 3-night trip
Verified
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
Verified
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 trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2025
A lovely stay in a historic tea house. Friendly staff and owner.
Melanie
Melanie, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 20, 2025
If your looking for a traditional Japanese experience then look no further this stay is great offers you the experience of living in a samurais house with all the modern features that make your stay perfect and the area is peaceful beautiful and quiet.
Adam
Adam, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 11, 2025
This property had great air conditioning Wi-Fi and very modern restrooms.
Brian
Brian, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 14, 2023
It was lovely, would stay again
Amanda
Amanda, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 29, 2025
Great experience
Maryam
Maryam, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 28, 2025
We loved it! We wanted the traditional old Japanese experience and this was exactly that for us. Plus the street is magical with lanterns and is very cozy. We will stay here again!
Alicia
Alicia, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 29, 2025
Owner was very nice and everything was better than expected!
John
John, 5-night trip
Verified
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
10/10 Exceptional
May 10, 2025
Very goo
Mohammed
Mohammed, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2024
150 year old tea house, our lovely Kyoto home
We absolutely loved staying here and the owner and her husband were so welcoming and sweet to us. Location is great we watched ladies in kimonos walking by. We walked everywhere and the restaurants were great. It really was our lovely home in Kyoto.
Sloane
Sloane, 7-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 14, 2023
Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.