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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Reservation

How do I make a reservation?
Once you have decided on your kaiseki course dinner...
[STEP 1] Fill in a Reservation Request & pre-authorize your payment (you will not be charged at this time).
[STEP 2] The restaurant will check their table availability & get back to you within 48 hours.
[STEP 3] Once the restaurant has checked their availability:
- If there is availability, your reservation will be immediately be confirmed and you will be charged.
- If there is no availability, your reservation request will be automatically cancelled, and the pre-authorization hold will be released. (You will not be charged)
Can I update my reservation date or time?
If you need to make an update to your reservation, please email MACHIYA LOCALS directly between our busisness hours: 10AM~7PM (JST).
Please note that while we will do our best to accommodate your changes, due to the restaurant's availability, not all requests can be met.

Please be at the restaurant on time at your reserved date & time. If you are more than 30 minutes late, your reservation will be considered a NO SHOW and automatically cancelled.
Are drinks included? What if I want to order more?
If you make any additional orders at the restaurant (items not included in your kaiseki course), you will be charged an additional fee. This will include all drinks, and any menu ordered a la carte.
We ask that the additional payment be made directly at the restaurant. Please note that not all restaurants are able to accept credit cards.
Will my course include everything that is listed on the page?
As each restaurant's chef strive to provide you with the freshest ingredients of the season, all menu items are subject to change according to seasonality and availability.
Although some menu items may change from what is listed on the website, you will be guaranteed the freshest season & ingredient of that day!

Payment

How do I make a payment?
MACHIYA LOCALS accepts payments via credit card & PayPal.
When a Reservation Request is made, MACHIYA LOCALS asks all customers to also pre-authorize their payment.
Once the restaurant has confirmed their table availability, your reservation will be confirmed, and you will be automatically charged for the total cost of the kaiseki dinner.
What is a Pre-Authorization?
A pre-authorization refers to a "hold" on the total amount (fee) for the kaiseki dinner while the restaurant confirms table availability.
(The amount will be held for 48 hours while the restaurant confirms their table availability.)
If a table is available, your credit card will be officially charged for the total amount. If there is no table available, the hold will be released, and you will not be charged.
I don't have a PayPal account. How can I make my payment?

Customers are not required to have a PayPal account to complete payment. If you do not have a PayPal account, please select the "Debit or Credit Card" button when filling in your Reservation Request.
Why do I have to pay in advance?
As each chef at MACHIYA LOCAL's recommended restaurants all strive to serve the best in-season ingredients, almost all of your kaiseki dinner course ingredients must be procured in advance, specifically for each reservation.
You'll not only be guaranteed the freshest ingredients, but as each chef will be able to carefully plan each guests' meal, you'll be helping them to deter any unnecessary food loss, too!
What if there is no availability? Will my credit card be charged?
No, you will not be charged. If there is no table availability, your reservation request will be automatically cancelled, and your payment hold will be released. Your credit card will only be charged if table availability has been confirmed.

Cancellation

I want to cancel my restaurant reservation.
Please contact MACHIYA LOCALS at least 2 days prior to your reservation date to make any cancellations (We must receive your email within our business hours of 10AM-7PM JST.)

Cancellation Policy

Time of Cancellation Cancellation Rate
If notice of cancellation is received 2 or more days prior to the experience date No Cancellation Fee
If notice of cancellation is received 1 day prior to the experience date or Day of Experience 100% Cancellation Charge
In case of failure to show without notice 100% Cancellation Charge

Remarks:
*The percentage figures are the rates of cancellation charges to the total experience charge.
*Please note that in the event of a refund, you will be refunded the experience fee minus any transfer fee and service charges.
*The "Date of Notification of Contract Cancellation" will be based on Japan Standard Time, and must be received between 10AM-7PM JST.

Other

Do I have to accept cookies to use this website?
Yes. MACHIYA LOCALS uses strictly necessary cookies on this website to enable you to make reservations and purchases, ensure our website functions properly, and enhance your browsing experience. We also use optional cookies to analyze traffic and improve our website. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookies. To customize your preferences, click "Customize".