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Ryokan Sawaya Honten

3.0 star property
A traditional ryokan with a peaceful Japanese garden offers travelers a serene retreat near Kyoto's landmarks, perfect for unwinding after sightseeing

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Ryokan Sawaya Honten offers an authentic Japanese experience near Kyoto University and the Imperial Palace. Guests can relax in the Japanese garden or indoor public bath after exploring the city. The property features free WiFi and a highly praised staff.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Superior Triple Room

Superior Triple Room

Superior Triple Room

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Single Futons

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Superior Quadruple Room

Superior Quadruple Room

Superior Quadruple Room

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 29 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Futons

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Economy Twin Room

Economy Twin Room

Economy Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room

Standard Quadruple Room

Standard Quadruple Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Futons

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room

Economy Quadruple Room

Economy Quadruple Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Futons

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

In-room safe, individually decorated, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room

Bathroom

Standard Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Superior Quadruple Room

Bathroom

Superior Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Superior Triple Room

Bathroom

Superior Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

In-room safe, individually decorated, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Economy Twin

In-room safe, individually decorated, desk, iron/ironing board

Economy Twin

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room

Bathroom

Economy Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4

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About the area

Located in Sakyo Ward, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, Ryokan Sawaya Honten is near a train station. Heian Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street. Kyoto University and Ginkaku-ji Temple are two other places to visit that come recommended.
Visit our Kyoto travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
25 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8397

What's nearby

  • Heian Shrine - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Kyoto International Exhibition Hall - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Kyoto University - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace - 5 min drive - 2.0 km

Getting around

  • Jingu-marutamachi Station - 6 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 16 min walk
  • Osaka (KIX-Kansai Intl.) - 111 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪アラシのキッチン - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Basement base - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪カレー専門店 ビィヤント - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪スパイシー 熊野神社店 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪EL LATINO - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Ryokan Sawaya Honten

Ryokan near Heian Shrine
Located close to Kyoto University and Kyoto Imperial Palace, Ryokan Sawaya Honten provides an indoor public bath (no minerals), a Japanese garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this ryokan include:
  • Breakfast (surcharge), smoke-free property and a TV in reception
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All rooms are individually decorated, and include comforts such as laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning, in addition to thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with toilets with electronic bidets and shower/bath combinations
  • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Fridges, heating and limited housekeeping

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  • Air-conditioning
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (weekly)

Outdoors

  • Japanese garden

Spa

  • Public bath open from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Public indoor bath (no minerals)
  • Separate men/women areas in public bath
  • 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.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 2 floors
  • Genkan (entryway)
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Fusuma (room partition)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Tatami (woven mat) flooring
  • Tokonoma (alcove)
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 15

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Breakfast is available to guests booked in breakfast rates only and cannot be requested after check-in.
Luggage storage after check-out is only available until 3 PM.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 12 and younger are not allowed at this property; all guests older than 12 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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 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.

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

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or 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 15 years old.
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bath facility
This property accepts credit cards and cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Japanese futons are provided based on the number of adults in the reservation.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Children 12 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
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
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
Guests with tattoos are welcome to use the on-site public bathing facilities

Property is also known as

Ryokan Sawaya
Ryokan Sawaya Honten
Ryokan Sawaya Honten Kyoto
Sawaya Honten
Sawaya Honten Kyoto
Sawaya Honten Ryokan
Sawaya Ryokan
Sawaya Honten Hotel Kyoto
Ryokan Sawaya Honten Kyoto
Ryokan Sawaya Honten Ryokan
Ryokan Sawaya Honten Ryokan Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

Is Ryokan Sawaya Honten pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Ryokan Sawaya Honten?

Ryokan Sawaya Honten doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Ryokan Sawaya Honten?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Ryokan Sawaya Honten?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is Ryokan Sawaya Honten located?

Located in Sakyo Ward, this ryokan is within a 15-minute walk of Heian Shrine and Kawaramachi Street. Kyoto University and Kyoto Imperial Palace are also within 1 mi (2 km). Higashiyama Station is 16 minutes by foot and Sanjo Keihan Station is 17 minutes.

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Reviews

Ryokan Sawaya Honten Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 370 out of 514 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 114 out of 514 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 23 out of 514 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 514 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 514 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Solimar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente service. Breakfast was superb. Highly recommend if you want to have the Ryokan experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Yutong

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room is very clean and tiny. I love the Japanese style environment. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Excellent service.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phoebe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A wonderful, peaceful place to stay! Even our economy room was large and comfortable, and the public baths were immaculately clean. Even though it is not in the more “popular” areas of Kyoto, we found it very easy to navigate transit and found some great nearby restaurants and temples to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

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

Loved this traditional ryokan

Loved everything about this traditional ryokan. Comfortable, clean rooms and relaxing public onsen as well as really nice bathtubs in the rooms. There was the most serene koi poi out my window. Easy location to all the Kyoto sights and close to the train as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing facilities and very friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really quiet, great location staff are friendly willing to help you
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay here at Ryokan Sawaya Honton. For me i wanted an authentic older style accomadation, and this place delivered. They do have washing machines and dryers, so you can do yourself when it suits. Its clean and quiet, and on a relatively quiet street. The best was the public bath at the end of the day it was so lovely to soak in the hot tub. Tattoos ok. I highly recommend this great establishment for long or shorter stays. Thank you Ryokan 🙏😊👌
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at ryokan sawaya honten. The traditional Japanese breakfast was very nice and we also enjoyed the peaceful public bath.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nilufer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a small little place that is unique and features little things that make it special - a koi fish feature, spacious rooms in traditional Japanese style. Comfortable and most of all the service was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great authentic Ryokan. Bus stops were close which made it easy to get around, lots of good restaurants close by with an amazing bakery. The hot bath was a great way to relax after a long day of exploring the city. Would highly reccomend staying here if youre travelling to Kyoto!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adeline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, clean, and unique traditional hotel that smells nice. Wonderful and helpful staff. Breakfast is delicious and nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice ryokan with great breakfast. Staff is very welcoming. Enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent ryokan with all the amenities you need.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yuhsi

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

I want my YUCATA!!! 😀

The decorstions, ambiance and service sre top notch. Very clean, very nice. Highly recommended.. If I can add something is they should seriously think about selling the yucatas (new onws, of course) to hosts. Make them available for purchase.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katrine

Liked: Amenities
Beautiful traditional Inn. Easy communication with staff in English. Beautiful running water feature with Koi ourside sliding doors in room. Beautiful and wonderful all around. Would 100% book again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

RICARDO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing experience, the room was pristine and the hospitality incredible.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed here 2 nights and my stay was incredible! Since the moment I arrived the staff was very friendly explaining me the rules while staying, and the room was everything I expected. The public baths were also an amazing experience, so I highly recommend to take a bath there at least once! The location was well connected with the bus and metro system, and the surroundings were perfectly quiet, with some nice places to eat close by. Definitely recommended, and hope I can come back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I wanted the experience of staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan, so we decided on staying here for the Kyoto leg of our trip, and it did not disappoint. The room was charming and wonderfully decorated and accessorized, the bedding comfortable, and the staff were so kind and patient with us. From the koi pond visible from our room to the fantastic traditional breakfast, everything about the Ryokan Sawaya Honten made our trip to Japan that much more memorable.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tuoc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place to stay. We loved the traditional Japanese beds! What a wonderful experience with excellent service!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harjit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very helpful
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great Ryokan. We enjoyed our stay.

Our stay was great. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The hotel is in a good stay and gives a great experience in the traditional hotels by having futons to sleep on and having the communal bath.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely wonderful people operating the ryokan and front desk! Extremely welcoming and funny! And the actual rooms were wonderful as well!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thanh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charming ryokan. We had a lovely stay. It was clean and well kept. I enjoyed the public bath. Staff were very nice and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

arthur

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
A wonderful experience with very sweet and helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staying here was a highlight of our trip. The Ryokan was so peaceful and beautiful - we loved the little gardens and water features. Breakfast is delicious! The public bath was so relaxing
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023