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
Lovely place, lovely staff!
Wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and kind, we had a wonderful stay.
jasmin.familyOct 14, 2024 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.
It was what I was looking for . A old time feel that made me love Kyoto
michel.partnerMay 25, 2024 Traditional Ryokan ownex by a brsutiful helping and rrspd tful family represrnting the outmost Japanese trait of hospitality
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.
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!
vince.friendsOct 25, 2023 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
matthew.friendsOct 22, 2023 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.
Excellent service. Charming authentic room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Great location.
amanda.partnerSep 14, 2023 It was lovely, would stay again
belinda.familyJul 15, 2023 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.
Very historic area with easy access to dinning shopping and traditional japanese cultural places and events
christopher.familyMay 02, 2023 The staff was amazing and so sweet in welcoming us to their Okiya. I’ll definitely be back in the future!
heikki.partnerApr 07, 2023 Very unique and cool traditional Japanese house.
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.
mohd z.familyMar 09, 2023 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.
wilson.familyJan 13, 2020 Property managers are great. Very interesting stay to experience traditional Japanese living.
verified t.familyJan 03, 2020 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.
verified t.partnerJan 01, 2020 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.
