宮川町の宿 澤食
Two futon beds on tatami with sliding doors at auberge de Miyagawachō Kyoto
Rectangular white sink with chrome faucet and dispenser at Sawashoku auberge de Miyagawacho Kyoto
Red lacquer low table with tea set next to lamp and wooden chest in a Kyoto ryokan room
Tatami room with futon bedding and shoji screens at auberge de Miyagawachō in Kyoto
Tatami room with futons and shoji at Sawashoku auberge de Miyagawachō, Kyoto
Twin beds in a traditional room with shoji screens, low table and wooden flooring at Sawashoku in Kyoto
Indoor bathroom with red ceramic tub, shower fixtures and wooden buckets at Sawashoku auberge de Miyagawachō, Kyoto

Sawashoku, auberge de Miyagawachō

8.4
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.4/10, based on 2 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 4:00 PM
Old Town Temple District Food District
Staff 8,5/10
Facilities 7,5/10
Cleanliness 7,5/10
Comfort 7,5/10
Value for money 8,7/10
Location 10,0/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic Miyagawacho machiya lodging in Kyoto’s geisha district, focused on atmosphere and walkable sightseeing.

Historic Teahouse StayA former ochaya-style machiya with over a century of preserved character.
Miyagawacho AddressSet in Kyoto’s traditional Miyagawacho district for a distinctly local old-town atmosphere.
Walkable Rail AccessAbout 550 meters from both Kiyomizu-Gojo and Gion-Shijo stations.
Distinctive ArchitectureRetains rare period details like hidden stairs and old teahouse design features.
Kyoto Sightseeing BaseWell placed for Gion, Kamo River walks, and major eastern Kyoto sights.
Optional In-Room BreakfastBreakfast is available on request and served in-room for added ease.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsLocation is the strongest stay-length driver: you can arrive in the afternoon, enjoy the preserved Miyagawacho streets at night, sleep in a historic machiya, have breakfast if arranged, then walk into eastern Kyoto sights the next morning. A second night works if you want slower Higashiyama sightseeing and evening atmosphere without changing hotels.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1- to 2-night cultural Kyoto stay for travelers who want a historic machiya base in Miyagawacho rather than an onsen retreat or resort ryokan.

Know before booking

No onsen stayThis is not a hot-spring ryokan and verified details point to shower-focused facilities rather than destination bathing.
Historic house limitsOld machiya charm can mean tighter layouts, stairs, and less hotel-like sound insulation or convenience.
Not a long baseThe property suits short Kyoto immersion better than a long regional base for repeated rail day trips.

Food & drinks

Verified as a small ryokan in Miyagawasuji, with no clearly named on-site restaurant found, so the best dining picks are nearby Kyoto spots.

Maikohan (nearby)
nearby1 min walk

Popular nearby Kyoto meal spot on Miyagawasuji.

  • Tempura setfoodBite-sized tempura meal.
  • KamameshifoodRice cooked in a pot.
  • Sukiyaki bowlfoodBeef bowl style set.
  • Kyoto cuisinespecialtyLocal-style Japanese dishes.
Yoshikaki (nearby)
nearby6 min walk

Small omakase kappo and sushi restaurant.

  • SushifoodHand-crafted sushi pieces.
  • SashimifoodSeasonal raw seafood.
  • TempurafoodLight fried course item.
  • SakedrinkJapanese sake pairings.
RAI (nearby)
nearby10 min walk

Creative Kyoto cuisine with a bar element near Gion-Shijo.

  • Seasonal Kyoto dishesfoodCreative Japanese plates.
  • Bar drinksdrinkCocktails and other drinks.
  • SakedrinkJapanese rice wine options.
  • Seasonal ingredientsspecialtyMenu changes with the season.

Access, transport and nearby sights

A traditional ryokan in Kyoto's Miyagawacho district with easy access on foot from Keihan and Hankyu stations, plus practical airport access via Kyoto Station or direct airport services.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a very small traditional Kyoto stay in Miyagawacho, well placed for exploring Gion on foot while sleeping in a historic machiya setting. It suits travelers who value atmosphere and personal charm more than hotel-like space, amenities, or consistency.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Historic teahouse atmosphereThe inn is set in a traditional Kyoto machiya with over a century of history, giving the stay a stronger sense of place than a standard hotel. It feels tied to Miyagawacho’s old geisha-district character rather than being a generic lodging.
  • Excellent Gion-side locationYou are in Miyagawacho, close to Gion and within walking reach of major Kyoto sightseeing areas, restaurants, and evening streets. The location works especially well for travelers who want to explore Higashiyama without relying heavily on transit.
  • Very small and intimateWith only a handful of rooms, the property offers a quieter, more personal experience than large hotels. This can make the stay feel more home-like and relaxed.
  • Traditional stay with practical upgradesDespite the old-house character, rooms include useful modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, a microwave, a kettle, and separate bath and toilet setups. That mix is appealing if you want Kyoto style without giving up basic convenience.
  • Good fit for walkersThe inn sits within easy reach of Gion-Shijo and Kiyomizu-Gojo areas, so many guests can cover a lot of Kyoto on foot. It is especially convenient for early-morning or evening strolls in the old streets nearby.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Limited full-service hotel featuresThis is a compact guesthouse-style property, so you should not expect the facilities, dining options, or broad services of a larger ryokan or hotel. Travelers wanting lounges, big baths, or extensive staff support may find it too simple.
  • Potential comfort trade-offsAs with many traditional-style stays, bedding and room setup may feel less plush than a modern hotel. Light sleepers or guests who prioritize premium mattress comfort may want to be cautious.
  • Historic building quirksA preserved machiya can be atmospheric, but older buildings often come with tighter layouts, steeper stairs, or more compact rooms and bathrooms. Charm is high here, but ease and spaciousness are not the main selling points.
  • Not ideal for driversThe property does not appear to offer parking, which can be inconvenient if you are traveling by car. In this part of Kyoto, that usually means extra planning and added parking cost nearby.
  • Best for niche tastesThis inn is most appealing if you specifically want a small, traditional Kyoto stay in a historic entertainment district. If you prefer standardized comfort, broad amenities, or a more contemporary design, it may feel too specialized.

Ranking around this ryokan in Kyoto

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 97th out of 141 ryokans in Kyoto.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
92nd Ryokan Sanoya 8.8/10 270
93rd Ryokan Nenrinbo 8.8/10 341
94th Yuhigauraonsen ShizukaHanaogi 8.8/10 369
95th Ranzan 8.8/10 1,918
96th Kamoya Ryokan 8.8/10 2,328
97th Sawashoku, auberge de Miyagawachō Current ryokan 8.4/10 2
98th Minshuku Oe 8.7/10 14
99th add-Hostel Uji Cha-gan-ju-tei 8.7/10 44
100th Gion Fukuzumi 8.7/10 166
101st Kamogawakan 8.7/10 306
102nd Kamishichiken Oku 8.7/10 309
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Traveler routes

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This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

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