Solving the Problem of "Restaurant Refugees" in Kyoto at Night Simultaneous Release of a Multilingual Dinner Guide and Real-Time Availability Search

Fan International Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City; Representative Director: Ryuji Fukuda), which operates restaurants in the Kyoto area, has launched two new services for domestic and international tourists visiting Kyoto: the “Kyoto Dinner Guide” website, which allows users to select restaurants based on their intended use and unique appeal, and the “Real-Time Availability Search System,” which enables users to find restaurants with immediate availability in real time and make reservations on the spot.

Launch of “Real-Time Availability Search” Service Allowing Last-Minute Reservations

In addition, the company has begun distributing special brochures at partner hotels and tourist information centers throughout Kyoto City; these brochures feature QR codes that provide instant access to the reservation and restaurant search functions.

As Kyoto enters its peak tourist season, this initiative aims to resolve the issue faced by tourists without advance reservations—namely, finding their desired restaurants fully booked and unable to enter—thereby providing a smooth and highly satisfying dining experience in Kyoto.

・Kyoto Dinner Guide

https://yoinokomachi.jp/kyoto-dinner-guide/

The “Kyoto Dinner Guide,” where you can choose based on atmosphere or cuisine

・Real-time Availability Search & Instant Reservation Service

https://booking.ebica.jp/webrsv/cross_search/funkyoto

Check Availability and Book in Real Time Based on Date, Time, and Number of Guests

■ Background of Service Development

In Kyoto, which bustles with tourists year-round—especially during the fall tourist season—the emergence of “restaurant refugees”—people who struggle to find a place to eat for dinner—has become a major issue. In particular, when travel plans change unexpectedly or when searching for a restaurant at the last minute while on a trip, it’s not uncommon for visitors to be turned away by multiple restaurants because they’re fully booked.

Furthermore, hotel concierges and tourist information centers frequently receive requests from guests asking for “recommended restaurants they can get into right now,” and there were challenges in confirming availability and providing guidance at the last minute. For the growing number of inbound tourists (foreign visitors to Japan), making phone calls and reservations in Japanese also posed a significant hurdle.

To address these challenges, we developed the “Kyoto Dinner Guide,” which allows users to select restaurants visually, and the “Real-Time Availability Search,” which centrally manages availability across partner restaurants and enables instant reservations. We have established a one-stop information system that integrates with physical brochures available at hotels and other locations.

■ Key Features and User Benefits of This Service

1. Multilingual Support for a Stress-Free Experience for Inbound Tourists

The website and reservation system support multiple languages. Without feeling the language barrier, international tourists can easily check menus and restaurant atmospheres on their smartphones and complete reservations on the spot.

2. Real-time Availability Search: See “Restaurants with Immediate Seating” at a Glance

By integrating with our group’s reservation system (ebica), the service displays real-time availability across all participating restaurants within a three-hour window before and after your desired arrival time. This eliminates the frustration of arriving only to be turned away, allowing you to instantly secure a table at a restaurant in your current area where you can be seated right away.

3. A dinner guide that showcases Kyoto’s unique charm and the appeal of its cuisine

A special guide featuring photos that lets you search for restaurants by cuisine type (tempura, sushi, sukiyaki, robatayaki, yakitori, etc.), atmosphere, and occasion (dates, family trips, groups, etc.). While getting in the mood for your trip, you can use tags to narrow down your search and intuitively find the restaurant you want to visit.

4. Support for Hotel Concierges and Tourist Information Centers

We distribute and place dedicated pamphlets—featuring maps, restaurant information, and QR codes—at hotels and other accommodations throughout Kyoto City.

Concierges and front desk staff can smoothly guide guests in response to inquiries such as “Where can we go right now?” based on real-time availability information. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces the burden of handling such inquiries.

・List of Hotels Where Dedicated Pamphlets Are Available (Google Maps)

Map of Hotels with Brochures

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZvXTfAobKyyjzVt69

*We are gradually distributing and placing these brochures at partner hotels and tourist information centers throughout Kyoto City.

We also provide tools such as brochures and informational POP displays

■ Future Outlook

Fan International Co., Ltd. is committed to reducing the stress associated with travel and dining for visitors to Kyoto through a dual approach—both digital (web searches and instant reservations) and in-person (brochures and informational displays at hotels and other locations)—thereby contributing to the development of the region’s dining and tourism culture.We will continue to strengthen our support for inbound tourists and expand the number of participating facilities to support special evening dining experiences in Kyoto.

■ Company Overview

Company Name: Fan International Co., Ltd.

Representative: Ryuji Fukuda, Representative Director

Address: 4th Floor, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Midosuji Building, 3-6-1 Hiranomachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Business Activities: Restaurant management, store development, and branding