Kyoto Sawai

2.5 star property
Guesthouse in Kyoto, 3-minute walk to Kenninji Temple

Photo gallery for Kyoto Sawai

Building design
Lobby
Staircase
Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)
Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$300
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
4-320 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0801
  • Place, Kenninji Temple
    โ€ช3 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Place, Nishiki Market
    โ€ช9 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    โ€ช10 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    โ€ช60 min driveโ€ฌ

Room options

Shizu no Ma (Up to 4 Guests)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Premium bedding
Down duvet
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Miya no Ma - Middle (Up to 2 Guests)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
2 bedrooms
Memory foam bed
  • 11 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Futons and 2 Twin Beds

Classic Room, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
2 bedrooms
  • 47 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Beds and 3 Twin Futons

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About the area

Kyoto

Kyoto Sawai puts you in the heart of Kyoto, within just a 10-minute stroll of Kenninji Temple and Yasui Konpiragu. Highlights at this guest house include free in-room WiFi. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Gion guest house include Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market.

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Kenninji Temple - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Gion Corner - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Nishiki Market - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • โ€ชcurry & tempura koisus - โ€ฌ1 min walk
  • โ€ชใ‚ใ˜ใ†ใ•ใŽ - โ€ฌ1 min walk
  • โ€ชๅๆœˆๅ ‚ - โ€ฌ2 min walk
  • โ€ชใŠใ‚„ใ˜ - โ€ฌ3 min walk
  • โ€ชๅฎฎๅท็”บใ•ใ‹ - โ€ฌ1 min walk

About this property

Kyoto Sawai

Guesthouse in Kyoto, 3-minute walk to Kenninji Temple
Kyoto Sawai offers its guests room service (during limited hours). The front desk is open around the clock.

This Kyoto guest house is smoke free.

  • 6 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • No smoking on site
Kyoto Sawai offers 6 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottles of water and a hairdryer. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate dining areas. Beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)). Bathrooms include a shower, toilets with an electronic bidet, complimentary toiletries and toothbrushes and toothpaste. An iron/ironing board, change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

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 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 centre

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

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

Accessibility

  • No lift

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

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Paper towels
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 19

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
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 - 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 3 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • 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've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children aged 3 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels etc). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of 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

Does Kyoto Sawai serve breakfast?

You bet, continental breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

How much does it cost to stay at Kyoto Sawai?

As of 17 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kyoto Sawai on 15 Jan 2026 start from AU$300.28, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Kyoto Sawai?

No, Kyoto Sawai does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Kyoto Sawai?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Kyoto Sawai?

No, pets are not allowed.

Reviews

Kyoto Sawai Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 108 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 108 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 108 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 108 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 108 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This property had great air conditioning Wi-Fi and very modern restrooms.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Cinthya

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mariel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hadji

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

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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Damasa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicky

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

10/10 Excellent

Jean-Luc

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

Nice ryokan in good location

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

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

True Edo period style hotel experience

Sawai is an authentic if no frills experience. However, you canโ€™t beat the location, the look and feel of the place, and the wonderful staff. I will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 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. Itโ€™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

Mildred

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

10/10 Excellent

Shaz, Solana Beach

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. Couldnโ€™t recommend more
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

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

6/10 Okay

Jasmin

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Mary

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Travelled with family
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

Karen

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

10/10 Excellent

Sloane

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

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.
Stayed 7 nights in May 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