KYOTO, JAPAN – In the historic heart of Kyoto's Gion district, SOWAKA Hotel unveils a new suite of refined cultural experiences designed to bring guests closer to Japan's spiritual heritage.

From Zen meditation with a monk to sacred fire rituals, curated forest treks, and rooftop yoga at sunrise, each new offering reflects SOWAKA's commitment to stillness, authenticity, and self-discovery.

“What we offer is more than a stay—it is a quiet invitation to experience the soul of Kyoto; our ancient capital, rich in history and tradition” said Yuki Yamano, General Manager of SOWAKA. “These new experiences invite our guests to pause, reflect, and discover a renewed perspective on life—through Zen, through nature and authenticity.”

New Experiences Now Offered at SOWAKA:

Private Zen Experience: Learn Zazen with a Zen Monk

Guests are invited to learn the philosophy and practice of zazen, or seated meditation, in an intimate session led by a Zen monk. This is not simply a meditative practice—it is a path to understanding why we sit. By confronting the emotional and existential challenges of life with acceptance, guests may find quiet realisations that linger long after the session ends. This experience transcends religion, distilling Zen into its purest, most accessible form. Time:1 hour

Kyoto Trekking: A Mindful Journey into Nature

A tranquil counterpoint to Kyoto's bustling temples, this guided trekking experience takes guests through lesser-known mountain trails which are selected and tailored just for them. With over 150 km of forest paths around the city, the curated journey encourages reconnection with the natural world. Listen to birdsong, feel the dappled sunlight, and rediscover the grounding simplicity of nature's rhythms. Time: 1 hour

Goma Fire Ceremony: A Spiritual Rite of Renewal

In an authentic Esoteric Buddhist fire ritual, guests take part in the Goma Ceremony—an intense, sacred moment of spiritual clarity. Facing the flame, participants chant the Heart Sutra and Fudo Myoo mantra, invoking transformation, protection, and deep personal intention. Non-Japanese speakers receive phonetic guides in advance to support full participation in this powerful rite. Time: 2 hours

Rooftop Yoga: Sunrise Above Gion

Held before sunrise on SOWAKA's tranquil rooftop, this private yoga session offers serenity with sweeping views of Higashiyama and the gentle sounds of morning birds. Each session is customized to the guest's ability, from beginner to advanced, offering a beautiful way to start the day with energy, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Private Tea Ceremony

This tea ceremony experience is not a step-by-step lesson but an invitation to quietly immerse yourself in the philosophy of mindful presence cherished by generations. Set in a traditional machiya townhouse with the soft sounds of charcoal and kettle steam, the serene atmosphere encourages inward reflection similar to Zen meditation. Guests are invited to surrender to subtle shifts in mood and sensation, discovering the essence of the tea ceremony as a way of being rooted in stillness and attention. This 45-minute experience accommodates up to six people, is priced at 70,000 JPY.

About SOWAKA

Nestled in the heart of the historic Gion district, SOWAKA is a masterful renovation of a century-old sukiya-style teahouse, skilfully reimagined with modern luxury, by award-winning architect Shigenori Uoya. Every inch of the property pays tribute to traditional craftsmanship: from hand-laid tatami floors and shoji screens to handpicked antiques curated by Kyoto expert Masa. No two rooms are alike, with features such as private gardens, open-air baths, and tearooms, offering a truly individualised stay.

For bookings and additional information, visit sowaka.com
High-res images and Press Contact:
Hannah Shepherd
marketing@sowaka.com | +44 7785 776 591

Hotel Contact:
SOWAKA Kyoto
480 Kiyoi-cho, Yasaka Toriimae-sagaru,
Shimogawara-dori, Higashiyama-ku,
Kyoto 605-0821, JAPAN
Tel: +81 75-541-5323