What is "no first-time visitors" in Kyoto? Why and how to enter a store?

Have you ever had the experience of trying to enter a restaurant in Kyoto and not being allowed in because "no first-time visitors"?
What is "no first-time visitors?" you may wonder if this is the first time you have heard this question.

In this issue.
What is the "no first-time visitors" policy often heard in Kyoto?
Reasons for not accepting first-time visitors
...Many stores do not accept customers at first sight.
Advantages and disadvantages of not accepting first-time visitors
How to enter a restaurant at first sight
We will introduce information such as the following.

This article will help you understand why we do not accept first-time visitors in Kyoto.
Please read to the end.

Table of Contents

■What is the "no first-time visitors" policy often heard in Kyoto?

■Why do you refuse to accept first-time visitors?

■Which stores often refuse first-time visitors?

■What are the advantages of not accepting first-time visitors?

■What are the disadvantages of not accepting first-time visitors?

■How do I get into a restaurant that doesn't accept first-time visitors?

■ Summary

■What is the "no first-time visitors" policy often heard in Kyoto?

No first-time customers" seen in Kyoto stores.
You may have had the experience of trying to enter a restaurant when you visited a tourist destination and were unable to get in.
Many of the areas in Kyoto where there are many teahouses for tatami room games have this first-time customer policy.
So what is "no first-time visitors" in the first place?

In a nutshell, "no first-time visitors" means "no first-time visitors.
Kyoto attracts many visitors, especially because it is a tourist destination.
Among these, many stores value their usual customers (regulars), which is why they often refuse to accept first-time customers.

Of course, every customer is a "first-time visitor" when they first come to the restaurant.
If that happens, the restaurant "will no one be able to get in?" However, in order for customers to be able to enter the store, it is necessary to be introduced by regular customers.

Many people who come to Kyoto as a tourist destination may wish to enjoy tatami rooms, but it is important to do your research beforehand, as many restaurants do not accept first-time visitors.

■Which stores often refuse first-time visitors?

The "no first-time visitors" policy found in Kyoto's teahouses and other stores.
Why can't we let new people in? You may be asking yourself.
Let's look at some possible reasons for not accepting first-time visitors.

○○I take care of my regular customers.

One of the reasons we do not accept first-time visitors is because we value our regular customers.
In Kyoto, it is a tourist attraction and attracts many people.
In such a situation, this statement might give the negative impression that new customers are no good... but if anything, the main reason is that we want to continue to value our current regular customers.

○To ensure that payment is made.

In the case of ozashiki play, the system is basically a tsuke payment system whereby the customer pays at a later date.
The reason for this is "because we want people to forget about time and money and have a lot of fun.
This, of course, cannot be achieved without a relationship of trust between the store and the customer, which is why we basically refuse to accept first-time customers who are at risk of incurring losses.

To provide the utmost in hospitality

The restaurant would like to provide the utmost hospitality to the regulars who always come to the restaurant.
It is also taken into consideration that if many guests arrive in a tourist area, it would not be possible to provide maximum hospitality, and that regulars would not be able to stay because of the arrival of unknown guests.
This reason is based on the idea of valuing each individual so that regulars can enjoy themselves to the fullest as usual without destroying the atmosphere.

○We are not able to provide the best hospitality for first-time visitors.

The store's mission is to provide maximum hospitality to its customers.
However, if you invite a first-time visitor, you will not be able to provide optimal hospitality because you do not know his or her tastes.
It is also meant to encourage known customers to stay, since the reputation of the store should not decline because of such a situation.

■Which stores often refuse first-time visitors?

When you go to Kyoto, you never know what kind of restaurant will not accept first-time visitors.
Be careful of the following stores so that you will not be refused when you first arrive in Kyoto as a tourist.

○○ Tea shop

Ochaya with maiko and geisha.
Numerous teahouses line Gion and other areas, but most of these establishments basically refuse first-time visitors, as they pay a tsuke fee for the tatami room game.

○Ryotei

A restaurant where Kyoto-style cuisine is served.
Of course, some ryotei also invite maiko and geiko to play, so there are restaurants that do not accept first-time visitors.

■What are the advantages of not accepting first-time visitors?

What are the benefits to the regulars of not accepting first-time visitors?

○○The highest level of hospitality.

When you go to a new restaurant.
The clerk had a bad attitude.
The atmosphere of the customers was bad.
The food was not good.
I'm sure you have experienced this at least once, right?
However, if you are always going to a certain place with "no first-time visitors," then you will receive the highest level of hospitality.

○○They serve delicious and tasty food to your liking.

If you are a regular customer, not only do they remember your name and face, but they also know your taste preferences, so they can serve you food that suits your tastes.

○Secure and safe because of the fixed number of customers.

No matter how good the restaurant is, if the impression of other customers is not good, it can make them feel uncomfortable.
However, in a restaurant that does not accept first-time visitors, the atmosphere of the restaurant will not change because of the fixed number of customers who visit.

○Can pay for the bill.

Another advantage is the ability to pay on the tab at restaurants that do not accept first-time visitors.
Forget about money and time while you enjoy the food and tatami room games, and have a lot of fun.

■What are the disadvantages of not accepting first-time visitors?

So are there any disadvantages for regulars who use a restaurant that does not accept first-time visitors?

That is, "the fee is unclear.
Since you are paying by the bill, you can forget about the time and enjoy yourself that day, but you may regret it later when the bill is too high and you don't have a concrete breakdown of what you are paying.

Of course, please be aware that you will need to confirm the price of inviting maiko and geisha, as well as each Japanese dish.

■How do I get into a restaurant that doesn't accept first-time visitors?

So here is the last thing! What should you do if you "really want to go in" to a restaurant that does not allow first-time visitors?
This section summarizes how to enter a restaurant at first glance.

○ Ask a regular to accompany you.

The most common way to enter a restaurant that does not accept first-time visitors is to be accompanied by a regular customer.
If you know someone who is a regular at the restaurant, you can enter the restaurant if they take you with them.
However, if there is a problem such as not paying the bill, it will cause trouble for the regulars, so be sure to mind your manners and pay for your tatami room games.

○ Ask a regular customer to introduce you.

Some stores allow entry only with an introduction, even if you are not accompanied by a regular customer.
In this case, ask the regulars if it is OK for you to introduce them to "~-san," and ask them to confirm in advance that they can enter the restaurant.

○ Ask for referrals to accommodations.

If you have a hotel or inn where you have stayed, one way is to ask through them.
If you are staying at a luxury accommodation, you may be able to contact the teahouse, as they may be acquainted with the teahouse and may be able to help you.

○ Consider other means

Even if a restaurant does not accept first-time visitors, it may be possible to enter by other means.
For example, there are times when "first-time visitors are not allowed at night, but first-time visitors are allowed for lunch," so please check in advance if you would like to enter a restaurant.

■ Summary

How was it?
In this issue, we have introduced the meaning of "no first-time visitors," the reasons why, and how to enter a restaurant.
It is not easy to enter a restaurant that does not accept first-time visitors, but this kind of language exists out of a sense of hospitality and respect for regular customers.
By all means, if you know someone who is a regular, ask him or her to accompany you, or if you can enter the restaurant just for lunch, please take advantage of it.