Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kansai Local Tours?

Kansai Local Tours offers private, personalized tours throughout the Kansai region. We are passionate about sharing the beauty, history, and culture of Japan with visitors, creating unique experiences tailored to your interests. If you want to learn more about us, click here.

Do your tours include a private vehicle?

Our tours typically use Japan's efficient and reliable public transportation system, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. If you prefer a private vehicle, we can arrange one upon request, but please note that this will significantly increase the overall cost of the tour. We encourage the use of public transportation to keep your experience both affordable and authentic.

How much does it cost?

Our pricing is flexible and depends on factors such as the number of participants, duration of the tour, and the destinations you choose. We offer a range of options to suit your preferences and budget. For more details, please refer to each individual tour.

What are the payment methods? Is a downpayment required?

You have the following payment options:

• Bank transfer to a Revolut or Wise account.

• Cash payment on the day of the tour.

• Payment via PayPal (with a 5% surcharge on the total).

We kindly ask you to consider making an advance payment, as it helps us secure your reservation and plan the tour in the best way possible. If you prefer to pay in cash on the same day, please note that we will reserve that day exclusively for you, trusting in your attendance. If you cancel at the last minute or do not show up, this could affect not only us but also other clients interested in that date.

For bookings of more than one tour, we request a 10% deposit to secure the dates.

I’m interested in the Kobe and Himeji tour, but I’m staying in Kyoto. Can I still do this tour?

Yes, absolutely! We can arrange the Kobe and Himeji tour even if you're staying in Kyoto. Just let us know your location, and we’ll help you plan accordingly. This is also true when you're staying in a different city and planning to travel to another location.

Do you offer ship excursions?

Yes, we do! If you're arriving by cruise, we can arrange a shore excursion that fits your schedule and interests.

Can we shorten the tour? Can I make it personalized?

We can customize the tour to fit your preferences, whether it’s shortening the itinerary or focusing on specific destinations. Simply let us know which places you’d like to visit, and we’ll send you a personalized plan.

Will you meet us at the hotel and take us back after the tour?

Yes, we can meet you at your hotel and drop you off afterward. Please mention this in the special requests or notes section of the tour form when booking.

I have food restrictions or physical limitations. Can the tour accommodate these?

We’re happy to accommodate food or physical restrictions. Please provide details in the special requests or notes section when you book your tour, and we’ll adjust accordingly.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us by phone at +81-90-5600-4601 or +81-70-9195-3725, via email at info@kansailocaltours.com, or through our contact form here. We’re always happy to assist with any questions you may have.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

To ensure availability, we recommend booking your tour at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, feel free to contact us for last-minute inquiries as we may still be able to accommodate you.

What if it rains or the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

We can adjust the itinerary to focus on indoor activities or reschedule your tour, depending on availability. In cases of extreme weather like typhoons, we’ll work with you to reschedule or refund the tour if necessary.

Can we arrange a tour that includes multiple cities in a single day?

Yes, we can plan a multi-city tour depending on the proximity of the cities and the time available. For example, visiting Kyoto and Nara or Kobe and Himeji in one day is possible.

How many people can join the tour?

We can accommodate from one person to a small group of 8 people in one tour. Whether it’s a solo tour or a family/friends group, we’ll tailor the experience to fit your group size.

Can I book multiple tours on consecutive days?

You’re welcome to book tours over multiple days. We’ll help ensure each tour offers a unique experience without repeating destinations.

What happens if I can’t attend the tour? Is there a cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change, and we want to offer a fair cancellation policy for both you and Kansai Local Tours. Below, we outline our policy for handling cancellations:

1. Cancellations more than 7 days in advance:

• If you cancel your tour more than 7 days in advance, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid, minus any applicable bank transfer fees, which will be your responsibility.

2. Cancellations between 3 and 7 days in advance:

• If you cancel between 3 and 7 days before the tour, you will be refunded 50% of the amount paid. The remaining 50% will be used to cover planning costs already incurred.

3. Cancellations with less than 72 hours' notice:

• If you cancel less than 72 hours in advance or do not show up on the day of the tour, there will be no refund, as it will be difficult for us to reorganize the spots or cover the day’s costs.

4. Cash payments:

• If you choose to pay in cash on the day of the tour, we ask that you consider the same cancellation policy. If you do not show up or cancel at the last minute, unfortunately, we will have to charge 50% of the total price to cover planning costs. We will request this amount before making any future reservations.

5. Bookings for more than one tour:

• For bookings that include more than one tour, a non-refundable 10% deposit will be required to secure the dates. If the tour is canceled more than 7 days in advance, the deposit can be applied to rescheduling for other dates.