TERMS &
CONDITIONS

Last Update: 07/07/2025

Welcome to Tanuki Stories. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website, digital content, and tour services. By accessing our site or booking any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please refrain from using our services or website.

1. About Us

Tanuki Stories is a Japan-based, independently operated travel service offering guided tours, cultural experiences, and educational content related to Japanese culture, food, religion, and traditions. We operate under a liberalised regime that allows foreign residents to provide guiding services without a national license, in accordance with Japanese law.

2. User Agreement

By using our website or booking any of our services, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian consent, and you agree to comply with these Terms and our Privacy Policy. This agreement is formed the moment you access the site or confirm a booking.

3. Intellectual Property

All content displayed on this website—including but not limited to text, logos, images, video, audio, tour materials, and branding—is the exclusive property of Tanuki Stories unless otherwise stated. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of any content without written consent is strictly prohibited.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use our website or services in any way that:

Violates any applicable laws or regulations;
Infringes on the rights of others, including intellectual property rights;
Harms, abuses, or harasses any person or group;
Introduces malware or attempts to interfere with the website’s functionality;
Attempts to impersonate Tanuki Stories or any staff member.

5. User-Generated Content

If you submit content to Tanuki Stories (e.g., testimonials, reviews, photos), you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute that content for promotional or editorial purposes. You affirm that you have the legal right to share such content and that it does not infringe on third-party rights.

6. Booking, Payments, Cancellations, and Refunds

Booking: All tours and services must be booked in advance through our official booking system, contact form, or by direct email. A confirmation is sent after full payment is received.
Payment: All payments are made in Japanese yen. Prices include applicable taxes unless otherwise noted.
Cancellations: You may cancel your booking free of charge up to 28 days before the scheduled service. Cancellations made within 28 days are non-refundable, including those due to weather, illness, or personal circumstances.
Refunds: Refunds are only issued per the cancellation policy above or in the rare event Tanuki Stories must cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, illness). Refunds are processed within 10 business days to the original payment method.

7. Purchasing Terms for Tanuki Stories Walking Tours

By booking a walking tour with Tanuki Stories, you acknowledge and agree to the following specific conditions:

a. Appropriate Attire

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are required.
Tours may include stairs, slopes, gravel paths, or long walking distances. Proper footwear is essential.

b. Personal Health & Allergies

Participants are responsible for managing their health, including allergies and dietary needs.
If you have food allergies, please exercise caution. Tanuki Stories is not responsible for allergic reactions.
Those with severe allergies must also remain mindful of the food consumed by other participants.

c. Physical Condition & Safety

Tours require participants to be in good physical condition.
Routes may involve uneven terrain or slippery surfaces. Caution and attentiveness are necessary at all times.
Tanuki Stories is not liable for injuries caused by slips, falls, or lack of personal awareness.

d. Travel Insurance Requirement

Valid travel insurance is mandatory.
By joining, you confirm coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and cancellations.
Tanuki Stories assumes no responsibility for uncovered costs or claims during your participation.

e. Weather Considerations

Tours operate in most weather conditions. Dress accordingly.
In the case of extreme weather (typhoon, snowstorm, etc.), the tour may be postponed or cancelled. You will be notified promptly.

f. Responsibility and Personal Assessment

During the tour, participants are responsible for evaluating potential risks based on their physical abilities.
By joining, you agree to release the guide from liability for ordinary incidents, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
You are expected to promptly communicate any issues or discomfort.
When possible, the guide will offer an alternative solution to avoid any activities deemed unsuitable by you, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

8. Limitation of Liability

Tanuki Stories is not liable for:

Injuries, loss, or damages incurred during the tour;
Delays or disruptions caused by transportation, illness, or weather;
Reliance on the information presented on our website or during the tour;
Any third-party services (e.g., restaurants, transport providers) are not operated directly by us.

We strive to offer a safe and enriching experience, but we cannot guarantee error-free content or uninterrupted access to our services.

9. Disclaimers

All services and website content are provided “as is” and “as available.” Tanuki Stories makes no guarantees regarding accuracy, reliability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Use of the website and participation in tours are entirely at your own risk.

10. Privacy Policy

We value your privacy and comply with relevant data protection laws, including GDPR for EU users. For full details, please refer to our [Privacy Policy].

11. Changes to the Terms

Tanuki Stories reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Revisions will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the website or services implies acceptance of the revised Terms.