Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Home Visit & Cultural Experiences and Short Cultural Experiences?

The main difference is that Home Visit Programs take place at a local family’s house while other courses take place at WAK JAPAN’s machiya townhouse.

Is kimono rental available?

We offer rental kimonos for those who wish to go out in kimono. Please contact us for pricing and details.

Can I learn more about kimono, not just wear it?

We recommend our private 1hour kimono course. The instructor will not only help you put on the kimono but also share various insights about it. You will also receive a booklet with more detailed information about kimono. For deeper topics, like fabric, dyeing or tailoring, special courses are available. Please contact us for details.

What is the difference between WAK JAPAN’s Kimonos and those offered by other companies?

We offer authentic Japanese Kimonos made from high-quality silk. Many of them were crafted using traditional techniques and have been carefully worn and cherished over the years. Our collection ranges from vintage pieces made over 50 years ago to more modern styles, with a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. We take great care to preserve and maintain these kimonos in the best possible condition.

When should I book?

Same-day reservations are possible; however, we may not be able to accommodate you if the programs are fully booked or cannot make arrangements in time. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons such as spring and fall, as slots tend to fill up quickly.

Can I make a last-minutes booking?

Last-minute booking is possible if we can arrange an instructor and a venue. Please call us first to check availability. If your preferred time is available, we will ask you to complete payment online within the deadline. Your reservation will be confirmed after the payment is completed.

Can I pay on the day?

Same-day payment is not accepted. Please make sure to complete your payment via a payment system. Your reservation will not be confirmed until the payment has been completed. If payment is not received by the deadline, your reservation will be automatically canceled.

Is there a cancellation fee if I cancel my reservation?

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the program, so please contact us for details. Please note that changes to the number of participants or the date may also be subject to cancellation fees.

Can my friend attend as an observer without participating? Will there be any charges?

We kindly ask that all accompaning guests pay the standard participation fee. If that is not possible, we would appreciate refraining from bringing additional guests. Some programs may allow a tour guide, so please contact us for further information.

Do children pay the same price as adults?

We regret to inform you that children are charged the same as adults. Additionally, some programs may not be suitable for very young children. For more details, please refer to the specific program's booking information and details.

Are there programs available for the children?

We offer a variety of experiences tailored to children's age, such as origami, calligraphy, and bento making. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

Can you look after my child while I participate in the experience?

Yes, we offer a paid babysitting service.(Additional fees will be charged.) We can also suggest age-appropriate activities for your child. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

Can you accommodate food allergies during the cooking experience?

For safety reasons, we are unable to accept participants with severe food allergies. For moderate or mild allergies, as well as other dietary restrictions, we ask you to inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. However, please note that we cannot offer personalized accommodation for each guest. Additionally, guests with allergies will be required to sign an allergy consent form either before or on the day of the experience. Participation is at your own risk.

Are thre any days you are closed or don't take bookings?

We are closed on New Year's Eve (12/31) and New Year's Day (1/1). Additionally, during major events like the Gion Festival, when significant traffic restrictions are in place, we may not be able to accept reservations for programs that include transportation, such as home visits. Please contact us in advance for more details.

Are the rates subject to seasonal variation?

We apply special rates only during the New Year holiday period. For more details, please feel free to contact us.

How far in advance can I make a reservation?

There is no specific limitation on how far in advance you can make a reservation. You are welcome to book for any month in the future. However, please note that once a reservation is confirmed, any changes to the schedule will be subject to our cancellation policy.

Do you offer group rates?

Yes, we offer various group programs at locations such as Kyoto Washinkan in Higashiyama and other external facilities. Depending on the number of participants, group rates may apply. Please contact us for more information.

Can I make a reservation by phone?

We only accept inquiries regarding availability by phone. Reservations can be made through our website or by email.

Can I make a tentative reservation if my travel dates are not confirmed yet?

To ensure that many customers can enjoy our programs, we do not accept tentative reservations for regular individual programs. Once you make a reservation, it will be considered a confirmed booking and will be subject to our cancellation policy. Thank you for your understanding.

Is it possible to reserve multiple programs?

Yes, it is possible as long as there is availability. Please let us know your desired programs. We also offer a convenient "Extensive Cultural Experience Course-3.5hours-" where you can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences in one day. We encourage you to consider this option.

Is it possible to communicate in languages other than English?

Programs are conducted in English. However, if you prefer another language, please contact us. We have instructors and interpreters who speak various languages, and we can arrange services in your preferred language for an additional fee.

Is it possible to participate with a wheelchair?

Kyoto Washinkan is wheelchair accessible. You can either remain in your wheelchair or use the lift available for the stairs. We also have wheelchair-friendly restrooms. Additionally, some of our home visit locations are also wheelchair accessible. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

Do we need to sit in a kneeling position (seiza) during the tea ceremony experience?

No, we provide chairs for the tea ceremony, so please rest assured.

I have food allergies. Can I still participate in the tea ceremony experience?

Yes, you can participate. However, depending on your allergies, you may not be able to enjoy the sweets we provide. You can either bring your own snacks or simply enjoy the matcha tea. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies.

Can I specify my kimono size in advance?

Please provide your height and clothing size in advance for preparation. Especially for home visit experiences that include wearing a kimono, it is essential to inform us of your height, size, and gender. We will bring a selection of kimonos that suit your body type, and you can choose your preferred one on the day of the experience.

Can children wear a kimono?

Yes, we have kimonos available for children. Please provide us with their age, gender, and height in advance.

Can I take photos during the program?

Yes, you are welcome to take photos. Please ensure that it does not disturb other guests. However, due to copyright restrictions, video recording is not permitted.

I would like to take a taxi back to my hotel after the experience. Can you call one for me?

Yes, please inform the instructor or staff. However, depending on traffic conditions and location, it may take some time. We recommend planning with some extra time.

Is there space to park a large bus?

The area in front of Wakuwaku-kan on Takakura Nijo Street is a narrow, one-way public road and is not accessible by bus. We kindly ask that passengers disembark on Marutamachi Street and proceed to the venue on foot. In contrast, the area in front of Kyoto Washinkan in Higashiyama offers sufficient space for bus drop-off. However, please note that long-term parking is not permitted. We ask that buses depart promptly after passengers have alighted. Additionally, to minimize disturbance to local residents, we appreciate your cooperation in refraining from idling during stops.

I may arrive earlier than my reservation time. Is there a waiting area?

Both Wakuwaku-kan and Washinkan have waiting areas, but they are not very spacious. During busy periods, there are many guests coming and going, so we kindly ask that you avoid arriving more than 10 minutes early.

Can the meeting point for the home visit or Fushimi tour be designated at a specific place other than the hotel?

To ensure a reliable meeting with our guests, the meeting point can only be at the hotel or our facilities (Wakuwaku-kan or Washinkan). If you wish to return to a location other than the hotel or our facilities, we will cover the taxi fare up to 1,000 yen, and any excess will be borne by the guests. Thank you for your understanding.

Can we have our own guide accompany the home visit program and only arrange the taxi through WAK JAPAN?

We are unable to arrange only the taxi. If you choose to have your own guide accompany you, we will not arrange both the attendant and the taxi. Please proceed directly to the instructor’s home together with the guide. In this case, a discount will be applied as the attendant taxi is not required. Conversely, if we arrange the attendant taxi, we kindly ask that the guide does not accompany you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.