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Kyoto Sawai
2.5 star property

Guesthouse in Kyoto, a quick walk to Kenninji Temple

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your current months are October, 2024 and November, 2024.
October 2024
November 2024

Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi

Perks for members at select top-rated stays

Our Silver and Gold members get perks at select VIP Access properties, on top of exceptional service.
Silver tier member
A perk like food and drink extras, free breakfast, or parking credits
Gold tier member
Room upgrades when available, plus Silver perks
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Room options

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

Premium bedding, down duvets, individually decorated

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

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

Premium bedding, down duvets, 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 3
  • 3 Single Futons

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

Premium bedding, down duvets, 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 Single Futons

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Reception
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Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
Kitchen
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M's Inn Higashiyama

About the area

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

What's nearby

  • Kenninji Temple - 3 min walk
  • Yasaka Shrine - 12 min walk
  • Nishiki Market - 13 min walk
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 15 min walk
  • Nijō Castle - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 6 min walk
  • Sanjo Keihan Station - 15 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 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

Guest house near Kenninji Temple
Located close to Yasui Konpiragu and Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Sawai provides an art gallery on-site and a shopping centre on-site. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this guest house include:
  • English breakfast (surcharge) and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms are individually furnished, and include comforts, such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as thoughtful touches, such as air conditioning and separate sitting areas.
More amenities include:
  • Down duvets and free extra futons
  • 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 transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily English breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 1,500 for adults and JPY 1,500 for children

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Shopping centre

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 lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

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

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Free extra futon
  • 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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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 English breakfast: from approximately JPY 1500 for adults and from JPY 1500 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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and window guards

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
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?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM. Late checkout 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.

Kyoto Sawai Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 73 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Mary

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

michel

Travelled with partner
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

Jihad

Travelled with group
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

Kathleen

Travelled with family
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

vince

Travelled with group
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

Matthew

Travelled with group
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

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

Amanda

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

10/10 Excellent

Zach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Raul

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Belinda, Scarborough

Travelled with family
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

Ruth

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John, Del Mar

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

Christopher

Travelled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Mohd Zaki

Travelled with family
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

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Wilson

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property managers are great. Very interesting stay to experience traditional Japanese living.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Eamonn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Lok Kwan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Connor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019