Kyoto Sawai

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Omar

True ryokan experience, which was very comfortable. Would definitely come back!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2025

Adam

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2025

Ruixin

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

Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Nov 2025

Raul

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2025

Kerri

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Melanie

A lovely stay in a historic tea house. Friendly staff and owner.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Meghan

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

Maryam

Great experience

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Brian

This property had great air conditioning Wi-Fi and very modern restrooms.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Alicia

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!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Lindsey

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2025

Hadji

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2025

John

Owner was very nice and everything was better than expected!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2025

Nicky

Beautiful location in an old tea house. A twin room and 3 beds on the floor - the mats on the floor were not as comfortable as others in Japan. Duvets were lovely. The owner was very nice. Bathroom is outstanding and shower pressure was great. Overall a very quaint place to stay in a lovely area.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2025

John

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2025

David

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.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2024

Shaz

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

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2024

John

Lovely place, lovely staff!

Wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and kind, we had a wonderful stay.

6/10

Pleasant

14 Oct 2024

Jasmin

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2024

Lisa

It was what I was looking for . A old time feel that made me love Kyoto

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2024

Sloane

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2024

michel

Traditional Ryokan ownex by a brsutiful helping and rrspd tful family represrnting the outmost Japanese trait of hospitality

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2024

Jihad

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2024

Kathleen

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!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2023

vince

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

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2023

Matthew

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.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2023

Aiko

Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2023

Amanda

It was lovely, would stay again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2023

Belinda

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2023

John

Very historic area with easy access to dinning shopping and traditional japanese cultural places and events

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2023

Christopher

The staff was amazing and so sweet in welcoming us to their Okiya. I’ll definitely be back in the future!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2023

Heikki

Very unique and cool traditional Japanese house.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2023

Kate

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2023

Mohd Zaki

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.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2020

Wilson

Property managers are great. Very interesting stay to experience traditional Japanese living.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2019

Eamonn

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.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

great location

The inn was quaint, as we had wanted, total Japanese home style, and adequate, but 2 things stood out that colored the experience.
My reservation said:
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, and a down duvet
Bathroom - Deep soaking bathtub

When we arrived, I asked to take a bath later, and the innkeeper said there was none. I said my reservation had it down. As we were talking, her assistant who spoke better english, came in and he got involved in the convo. I showed the reservation info. Long story short, after some back and forth amongst them, we were told a bath was available. Ok? So we were shown where it was in back of the minshuku. Next to a bedroom, sort of like a private set up for those guests only. Why were we told no initially?

The beds were super hard, in that the bedding was not memory foam as advertised. Just a thin futon. Warm comforter, good sheets, no complaints there. When we checked out, hotels.com sent a quick check out questionnaire, where I was able to say the comfort was bad as way too hard. Shortly after, I received a reply from the innkeeper, saying had she known, if I had asked, she could have provided additional bedding for comfort. Ok? That doesn't make sense considering the reservation stated I should already have had that. How was I to know to ask? Why did innkeeper not check with us?

Listing on your site needs to be clarified, as not what is offered.

Innkeeper and assistant were both nice and polite.Great location.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great location. Beautiful building over 100 years old right in the heart of Gion.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2019

Debra

Traditional Japanese room in old quarter of Kyoto very near beautiful sites of interest.
Very friendly and kind host but could speak very little English.
Noisy for sleeping as the walls are traditional sliding paper room dividers so take ear plugs as you can hear every sound.
We had to share a bathroom though it was very modern and clean.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

This property was beautiful and traditional, and in a wonderful area. The hosts were very accommodating and provided us with everything we asked for, including Japanese tea with the traditional cups and tea pot. The location was very convenient, and everyone we passed seemed to be very friendly. We saw maiko-san and geiko-san (also known as geisha) pass by from the balcony in the evenings. The only bathroom available to us was shared, but it was clean and spacious. No bath, only a shower.

We learnt a very small amount of Japanese for our trip, which was useful and was very appreciated buy the people we encountered, so I would recommend trying this.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2019

William

Loved the Japanese traditional style house. Very comfortable and great location.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2019

DUCHAUSSOY

The old and beautiful Japanese house is located in a quiet street in Gion. Very easy to visit from here,on foot, by bus or train. The tenant looks very well after customers whit happiness. A very nice place to stay for a japanese typical ryokan.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2025

Mohammed

Very goo

8/10

Excellent

31 Dec 2024

Verified traveler

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。

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

12 Dec 2024

RYOTA

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。

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2024

Carina

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2024

francois

Superbe

Ryokan typique , les propriétaires sont très serviables. Très bien placé dans le quartier de Gion

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2024

Florence