FINDING BLISS IN OLD-WORLD CHARM

Stepped into the restored ‘ryokan’, you will find a long corridor designed to evoke Kyoto’s alleyways.

With a remarkable history stretching back a thousand years, Kyoto–the ancient capital of Japan–is a mix of traditions, art and culture. For those visiting Kansai, Japan, you must also see Kyoto. Picture yourself standing atop the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy majestic views of the city, then take a slow stroll along Hanami-koji to get a taste of the times in Heian Period, or pay a visit to the mesmerizing Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama.

Famous for its masterpieces of Japanese architecture, Kyoto is full of quaint and traditional buildings. Recently settled in Kyoto’s Gion district, the Sowaka hotel is an elegantly restored ‘ryokan’ that combines traditional Kyotostyle and modern city life. The hotel’s main building was originally an old established restaurant built in the 20th century. The renovated building effuses ethereal elegance in its luxurious space combining nostalgia with modernity.

Sowaka is a Sanskrit word meaning “happiness” or “wellbeing.” You are instantly transported to an oasis of calm the moment you set foot in the hotel, luring you into a tranquil, peaceful, Japanese-style open space.

You are instantly transported to an oasis of calm the moment you set foot in the hotel, luring you into a tranquil, peaceful, Japanese-style open space.

Sowaka’s guestrooms and suites are discreetly arranged among green courtyards, with long corridors designed to evoke Kyoto’s alleyways. Traditional ryokan elements such as paper sliding doors and tea ceremony rooms are interwoven with modern comforts, bringing you an authentic Kyoto experience.

Meticulously decorated with selected furniture, fixtures and amenities, every considered detail at the guestrooms showcases local customs: cedar wood speakers, and cushioned, cashmere mattresses, bath amenities made with Japanese camelia oil from Kazurasei Shinise, a long-established skin care and hair care brand in Kyoto; while the hotel’s water is drawn from its own underground spring.

There is also a Michelin-starred restaurant next door. The award-winning Tokyo restaurant La BOMBANCE Gion offers exquisite, traditional Japanese cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also sample a curated selection of the finest Japanese whisky, sake and shochu at the on-site bar.

At Sowaka, the ancient streets and charming neighborhoods of Kyoto are on your doorstep. With private tours available to escape the crowds, guests are provided with specially tailored tours to experience Kyoto’s captivating history, exquisite craftsmanship and fascinating cultures.

Imagine taking a morning stroll among cherry blossom in the spring and sampling a tea ceremony in Kodaiji Temple; or going to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizudera Temple for the breathtaking view of the sun rising over the city’s rooftops. You might also run into a legendary maiko as you wander along the beautiful streets of Hanamikoji and Yasaka.

01 The spacious Hollywood suite covers a total area of 97 square meters, interweaves traditional Kyoto-style with modern comforts.

02 After exploring the unique attractions of Kyoto, the best way to unwind is soaking in the hot spring at the hotel.

03 The Naguri wall deluxe double twin room in the main building is a perfect combination of traditional Kyoto charms and exquisite local craftsmanship.