Official Partnership Announcement:
Diners Club Exclusive Kyoto Rickshaw Privilege Plans

NINJAYA, a premium provider of completely private rickshaw tours with the core philosophy of “offering an immersive experience into the true depth of Kyoto rather than simple transportation,” is proud to announce an official partnership with the globally renowned credit card brand Diners Club (issued by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Club Co., Ltd.). In a city where sightseeing rickshaws are part of the cultural fabric, we have chosen a path of distinct quality, focusing customarily on long courses of 60 minutes or more, rather than standard mass-market 10- or 30-minute rides. This exclusive collaboration offers members a series of carefully designed journeys starting from 90 minutes up to 240 minutes, providing a profound opportunity to unlock the rich history, cultural nuances, and hidden context of Kyoto in complete comfort.

Our esteemed partner, Diners Club, holds a distinguished legacy as the world’s very first credit card, commanding global respect and high status. It was born in New York in 1950 when a prominent businessman forgot his wallet while out for a dinner (“diner”) and faced immense embarrassment. This prompted the idea of establishing a club where members could settle restaurant bills based on personal credit rather than physical cash. The shared values of Diners Club—which has historically championed customer trust and premium service—and NINJAYA’s dedication to creating lifelong, life-moving memories have seamlessly come together to present this exclusive privilege program in Kyoto.

Handcrafted Domestic Rickshaws Built for Comfort

NINJAYA operates a fleet built entirely in our private domestic workshop by Akifumi Yamamoto, one of the few remaining authentic rickshaw master craftsmen in Japan. Reconstructing the true blueprints of the Meiji Era, approximately 500 individual domestic components—such as hand-forged steel plate springs and custom-polished wooden shafts—are put together to ensure a smooth journey. Our proprietary extra-wide premium seats minimize vibrations from cobblestone streets, making your ride feel like a luxurious mobile private lounge.

Exclusive Branding & Group Operations

Enjoy panoramic high-angle views of traditional townhouse eaves, the gentle rustle of seasonal leaves, and hidden historic alleys under the expert guidance of your private guide. To honor this partnership, all designated vehicles will carry custom paper lanterns beautifully printed with the Diners Club logo during your ride. (*Please note each rickshaw accommodates up to 2 guests, excluding preschoolers. For groups of 3 or more adults, operations will run smoothly using multiple vehicles in tandem.)