Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question or would like to confirm some points, start by looking into this list. You may find the answers right away.
If not, you can write to us — go to the end of this page.
Here are the different categories you may have a question about. Just click on the category.
If you don’t find your answer or still have a question, simply write to us.
Registration and Check-in
If you’re wondering about your arrival in Kyoto
Luggage
Sending your luggage to Kyoto or to your next destination
Transportation
Wondering how to move around?
Restaurant reservations
How to reserve a table!
Garbage:
What to do when it’s full!
Amenities:
What is and isn’t provided…
Cleaning during your Stay:
Cleaning the house
Traveling with a Baby:
About a baby cot and a high chair
Registration and Check-in
Q: How do I check-in?
A: You will receive all the necessary information in an automatic message (“IMPORTANT – FOR YOUR ARRIVAL”), a couple of weeks before your check-in date. The information includes a map to the check-in office (“Machiya Inns and Hotels”) next to the Kyoto station, its address, and the actual address of your machiya house, with a map and explanation of how to get there. There are also instructions in Japanese for a taxi driver (recommended means to get to the house).
There are two methods for the check-in.
- For guests who rented Gojo Machiya, Gojozaka Machiya, or Miyagawacho Machiya: You should go to the Check-in office (“Machiya Inns and Hotels”), near the Kyoto station for the registration process, and you will get all the necessary information there. (If you prefer to preregister online, please let us know. But you should let us know at least 3 days before your check-in date.)
- For guests who rented Tofukuji Machiya: You should preregister online via email. You will send us and get all the necessary documents and information via email. (Please, let us know if you prefer to go to the Check-in office next to Kyoto station)
Q: Where is the Office?
A: The Office, or Check-in Office (Machiya Inns and Hotels), is located next to the Kyoto Station. Here is its address:
住所 (Address in Japanese)
町家インズ＆ホテルズ (10:00-19:00)
〒600-8216 京都市下京区東塩小路町685-2
(旅館京舞インビル１階）
電話: 090-8161-3870
Address in English
Machiya Inns and Hotels (10:00-19:00)
685-2 Higashishiokōjichō Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, 600-8216
(1F of Ryokan Kyomai Inn)
TEL: 090-8161-3870
Email: info@kyoto-rentals.com
You can download a map to easily find the place at: https://mykyotomachiya.com/Docs/Check-in-Office.pdf
And here are the directions on Google Maps: https://g.page/machiya-inns-hotels?share
Q: How do I contact the Office?
A: The Office is open from 10:00 to 19:00.
Use the following phone number to call them 24/7: 090-8161-3870 (Intl +81-90-8161-3870)
Email: info@kyoto-rentals.com
You can download a map to easily find the place at:
https://mykyotomachiya.com/Docs/Check-in-Office.pdf
And here are the directions on Google Maps: https://g.page/machiya-inns-hotels?share
When you are in Kyoto, if you have any questions, please do not contact us (we are not always in Japan and may not be able to answer promptly). Contact the bi-lingual staff at the office for immediate assistance.
Q: My train will arrive after 19:00. How do I get the access information?
A: Please contact the Check-in office before their closing time (19:00). They will provide you with the necessary information to access the Machiya, and you will go to the check-in office the next day for the registration process.
Alternatively, you could preregister online via email directly with us. In this case, you should let us know at least three days in advance via email at akiko@myotomachiya.com).
Q: We are party of nine. Do we all need to go to the office?
Or is it possible that only one person, with all the passports, go to the check-in office?
A: Yes it is possible. Only one person needs to bring all the members’ passports to the check-in office.
Or you have the option to preregister online via email directly with us. In this case, you should let us know at least three days in advance via email at akiko@myotomachiya.com).
Luggage
Q: How can I send my luggage to the Machiya?
A: You can send your luggage by using a Takkyubin Service (Kuroneko Yamato, Sagawa, etc.) to our Check-in Office or directly to your Machiya.
If you want to send them to the Check-in Office, please let us know in advance.
If you want to send them directly to the machiya house, be sure to select a delivery time window when someone from your group will be present at the house for the reception.
Note: you will receive the actual house’s address 15 days before your check-in date.
You’ll find more info at: https://mykyotomachiya.com/sending-your-luggage/
Q: Can I send my luggage to the Office?
A: Yes, you can. You’ll then simply pick it up when you go there to register.
Here’s the office address you should use:
住所 (Address in Japanese)
Machiya Inns & Hotels
(Att: YOUR NAME/MACHIYA NAME)
〒600-8216 京都市下京区東塩小路町685-2
電話: 090-8161-3870
Address in English
Machiya Inns & Hotels
(Att: YOUR NAME/MACHIYA NAME)
685-2 Higashishiokōjichō Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, 600-8216
(1F of Ryokan Kyomai Inn)
TEL: 090-8161-3870
You’ll find more info at: https://mykyotomachiya.com/sending-your-luggage/
Q: How do I access the Takkyubin (Kuroneko Yamato) Service? (Shipping company)
A: You can send your luggage from any of the convenience stores below:
– Seven Eleven
– Family Mart
– Daily Yamazaki
NOTE) If you send your luggage directly to the Machiya, don’t forget to specify a time window someone of your group will be present at the house for the reception (16:00-18:00, 18:00-20:00 or 19:00-21:00)
Or ask the office to schedule a pickup service. The takkyubin truck will come to the Machiya to collect the luggage. Someone has to be present at the house.
Q: Is it possible to drop off our luggage before check-in (16:00) or after check-out (10:00)?
A: You can leave your luggage at the Office, or Check-in Office (Machiya Inns and Hotels), which is located next to the Kyoto Station. Here is its address:
住所 (Address in Japanese)
町家インズ＆ホテルズ (10:00-19:00)
〒600-8216 京都市下京区東塩小路町685-2
(旅館京舞インビル１階）
電話: 090-8161-3870
Address in English
Machiya Inns and Hotels (10:00-19:00)
685-2 Higashishiokōjichō Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, 600-8216
(1F of Ryokan Kyomai Inn)
TEL: 090-8161-3870
You can download a map to easily find the place at: https://mykyotomachiya.com/Docs/Check-in-Office.pdf
And here are the directions on Google Maps: https://g.page/machiya-inns-hotels?share
Or you can leave them at the entrance of your Machiya for a few hours, but in this case, you do need to let us know in advance so we can let the cleaners know about it.
Transportation
Q: How can I go to Kyoto from the Osaka international airport (KIX)?
A: There are several ways to go to Kyoto from the KIX airport, by JR train Haruka, Airport limousine service, by ride share, or by Taxi charter.
- Airport JR Train Haruka (KIX->Kyoto 75 min)
Yen 3,110/pax (free seating)
Caution: The last train leaves KIX at 22:16
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel/shopping/access/train.html
- Airport Limousine (KIX->Kyoto about 90 min)
Yen 2,800/pax
Caution: The last Limousine leaves KIX at 23:07
https://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
- Yasaka Taxi (NearMe)
Airport Shuttle (ride share): Yen 4,980/pax + luggage (Yen 1,000 (1 luggage free))
Private taxi: Yen 29,800 ~ /car
Reservation: https://www.yasakataxi.jp/english/shuttle/
- MK Taxi
Reservation: https://www.mktaxi-japan.com/airport-transfer
Yen 51,800 ~ (with an English-speaking driver)
Q: How can I reserve a taxi to go to the airport?
A: Please ask the office when you check-in to make a reservation for a taxi. Depending on the period or season, finding a taxi may not be easy, so an earlier reservation will be preferable.
Q: How can I get a taxi (minibus) for nine people?
A: For nine people, you need a Jumbo Taxi. You can make a reservation online with Bushire.
Q: We are group of 13 people -- how can we reserve a bus or minibus to our next destination?
A: The company Bushire (https://www.bushire.jp/) is your best bet. They have different sizes of Taxis, minibusses, and buses. Check out the details online on their website.
Q: How can I get a taxi with an English-speaking driver?
A: The two taxi companies below provide cars with English speaking driver.
- MK Taxi https://www.mktaxi-japan.com/hire-service
- Yasaka Taxi https://www.yasakataxi.jp/english/
Q: How can we reserve and buy Shinkansen tickets?
A: You can make a reservation using an APP. See the details on the website below.
Q: What do you think about renting a car in Kyoto?
A: Having your own car may be convenient at times, but there are drawbacks. The main one is the difficulty of finding a proper parking spot. Only public parking spaces can be used, and the ones near the tourist attractions are often full.
Basically you don’t need a car in Kyoto because there are lots of buses and trains running in the city. Using Taxi and Uber (service provided by taxis) are better choices. Also, Kyoto is pretty flat as a city so you may consider using a rental bicycle. Check out the following website page for more details (https://mykyotomachiya.com/renting-a-bicycle/)
Restaurant Reservations
Q: We would like to reserve a restaurant, but they require a Japanese phone number!
A: Please use the office phone number below.
Machiya Inns & Hotels 090-8161-3870
Be aware that many restaurants do require 100% payment for a no-show. Or if you are late, sometimes, even for 15 minutes, your reservation will be canceled. Please read the instructions carefully.
You’ll find four websites to find and reserve a restaurant on the following webpage: https://mykyotomachiya.com/kyoto/restaurant-suggestions/
Q: We tried to make a reservation at a restaurant, but we were unable to do so. Can you assist us?
A: If you want to reserve a restaurant after you arrive at the Machiya, please contact the office.
Machiya Inns & Hotels 090-8161-3870 (Use the cellphone provided in the Machiya)
If you want to reserve a restaurant before you arrive in Kyoto, please contact Akiko. You can simply send us a message from the system you used for your booking.
The following webpage lists four Japanese websites in English with restaurant selections and the possibility to reserve a table online: https://mykyotomachiya.com/kyoto/restaurant-suggestions/
When contacting us for assistance with a reservation for a restaurant, please provide us with the following information:
– What kind of food you are looking for: Kaiseki traditional food, Sushi, Tempura, Vegan, Wagyu, Italian, Chinese, French, etc., or the name of the restaurant. Have a look at https://mykyotomachiya.com/japanese-food/ for more information.
– What is your budget? The per-person cost of a dinner can go from around yen 1,000 (Ramen, simple Okonomiyaki, or Izakaya) to yen 20,000 and much more (Kaiseki or some famous restaurants).
– Number of people (adults/children)
– Preferred seating (counter, table, private room)
– Preferred or optional date and time
– Any food allergy
Q: About suggestions for restaurants - what you need to know.
A: We are often asked for recommendations or suggestions for a restaurant in Kyoto. This is a straightforward question, but it is not an easy one to answer due to the numerous options available. Kyoto has thousands of restaurants, and Japanese cuisine is extremely diverse.
To assist you in finding a restaurant that suits your preferences, we require some additional information from you.
First, please visit the following webpage, which lists four Japanese websites in English (and other languages) with restaurant selections and the option to reserve a table online: https://mykyotomachiya.com/kyoto/restaurant-suggestions/
If you still require assistance or a recommendation, please provide the following details:
– What type of food are you looking for: Kaiseki traditional food, Sushi, Tempura, Vegan, Wagyu, Italian, Chinese, French, or the name of a specific restaurant?
– What is your budget? The cost per person for dinner can range from approximately yen 1,000 (Ramen, simple Okonomiyaki, or Izakaya) to yen 20,000 or more (Kaiseki or some well-known restaurants).
– How many people will be dining (adults and children)?
– Do you have a preference for seating (counter, table, private room)?
– What are your preferred or optional dates and times for dining?
– Do you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Q: What are the different kinds of Japanese food available in Kyoto?
A: Japanese cuisine is extremely varied, with numerous dishes and styles to explore. The sheer breadth of options could fill several books. A more practical approach would be to refer to the introduction we have provided on our webpage, which offers a comprehensive overview of the available options and can help guests make informed choices about what to eat.
After reviewing the above information, please refer to the following webpage. It lists four Japanese websites in English (and other languages) with restaurant selections and the possibility to reserve a table online:
https://mykyotomachiya.com/kyoto/restaurant-suggestions/
If you still need help or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Garbage
Q: How should we do when the garbage is full?
A: Call the office to request they collect the garbage. You also have bigger bins outside of the house. Don’t bring the garbage to public garbage collection places and do not leave it on the street.
Machiya Inns & Hotels 090-8161-3870
(Use the cellphone provided in the Machiya)
Q: How do we separate the garbage?
A: For the garbage, the city has very detailed regulations, but our garbage collector makes things easier. There are two garbage bins in the house. One is for bottles, and the other one is for everything else:
- Bottles in plastic, glass, aluminum, steel, etc.
- Everything but bottles — paper, vinyl, plastic (except bottles), and others.
Amenities
Q: Do you provide shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, slippers, nightwear, etc.?
A: We do not provide personal things, but we do provide the amenities below:
Provided: Shampoo, soap, after shampoo, washing detergent for clothes and for dishes, linens, towels, tea, coffee, basic cooking condiments (salt, pepper, sugar, cooking oil), toilet papers.
Not provided: Slippers (not used on tatami mats!), toothbrush and toothpaste, nightwear.
Cleaning during your stay
Q: Is there any cleaning service during our stay?
A: No, this is not a hotel and there is no cleaning service during your stay. But we can organize it if you wish, for an additional cost.
(Cleaning only, with Tax)
Gojo Samurai Machiya: yen 6,600
Gojozaka Samurai Machiya: yen 6,600
Tofukuji Samurai Machiya: yen 6,600
Miyagawacho Samurai Machiya: yen 13,200
(with change of linens, with Tax)
Above cleaning fee + 1,100/person
Traveling with a baby
Q: Is there a baby cot and a high chair for my baby in the Machiya?
A: The Machiya below will provide a baby cot and (or) a high chair. Please request these at the time of reservation.
There is no extra charge.
- Miyagawacho Samurai Machiya: Baby Cot: 2, High chair: 2
- Tofukuji Samurai Machiya: Baby Cot: 1, High Chair: 1
- Gojozaka Samurai Machiya : Baby Cot: 1, High Chair: 1
- Gojo Samurai Machiya: not available