Terms & Conditions

1. Booking and Payment

• Reservations: All bookings are subject to availability and must be confirmed through our booking system. A booking is only confirmed once full payment has been received and processed.
• Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept major credit cards through our secure payment gateway. All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise specified.
• Pricing: Tour prices are based on the number of guests, vehicle type, and selected services. Prices are subject to change without notice until a booking is confirmed. Once confirmed, your price is guaranteed.
• Currency: All transactions are processed in USD. International currency conversion rates may apply based on your payment method.

2. Tour Itinerary and Modifications

• Itinerary: While we strive to follow the planned itinerary, routes and stops may be adjusted due to weather conditions, traffic, seasonal factors, or other circumstances beyond our control.
• Customization: We offer customizable itineraries to accommodate your preferences. Special requests should be communicated at the time of booking and are subject to feasibility and availability.
• Weather Conditions: Tours operate in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe. In cases of severe weather that prevents safe operation, we will contact you to discuss alternatives or rescheduling.
• Time Management: Please arrive at the designated pickup location on time. Delays may result in a shortened tour experience as we must maintain our schedule for subsequent bookings.

3. Guest Responsibilities

• Accurate Information: You are responsible for providing accurate booking information, including the number of guests, contact details, and any special requirements.
• Travel Documents: Guests are responsible for ensuring they have valid travel documents, visas, and any required permits for entry into Japan and tour locations.
• Health and Fitness: Please inform us of any medical conditions, mobility limitations, or dietary restrictions that may affect your tour experience.
• Behavior: We reserve the right to remove any guest from a tour who engages in disruptive, dangerous, or illegal behavior without refund.
• Personal Belongings: You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. We are not liable for loss or damage to personal items.

4. Vehicle and Guide Services

• Vehicle Selection: Vehicle types are assigned based on group size and availability. We reserve the right to substitute vehicles of equal or superior quality if necessary.
• Guide Services: All tours include a professional bilingual guide. Guide availability is subject to scheduling, and we reserve the right to assign guides based on expertise and language requirements.
• Language Services: We provide bilingual guides fluent in English and Japanese. Additional language services may be available upon request and are subject to additional fees.

5. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, strikes, or other events that make tour operation impossible or unsafe.

Cancellation by Guest

• 24 hours or more before tour start time: Full refund with no cancellation fees. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to receive a refund.
• Less than 24 hours before tour start time: No refund will be provided. However, we may offer a credit for a future tour (valid for 12 months) at our discretion, subject to availability.
• No-show: No refund or credit will be provided for guests who do not appear at the designated pickup location at the scheduled time.

Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed to the original payment method within 7-14 business days after we receive and confirm your cancellation request.

Rescheduling

• 24 hours or more before tour start time: Free rescheduling subject to availability. We will make every effort to accommodate your preferred alternative date.
• Less than 24 hours before tour start time: Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and may incur a rescheduling fee. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss options.
• Rescheduling requests: Must be made in writing via email and are subject to guide and vehicle availability. We cannot guarantee availability for your preferred alternative date, but we will work with you to find a suitable alternative.

Cancellation by Us

In the rare event that we must cancel your tour due to circumstances beyond our control (including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, vehicle breakdown, or guide unavailability), you will receive:

• A full refund of all payments made, or
• The option to reschedule to an alternative date at no additional cost (subject to availability)

We will make every effort to notify you as soon as possible if a cancellation becomes necessary, and we will work with you to find the best solution.

Partial Cancellations

If you need to reduce the number of guests in your booking:

• 24 hours or more before tour start time: Full refund for the difference in price, subject to minimum group size requirements (if applicable).
• Less than 24 hours before tour start time: No refund for reduced guest numbers, but you may add guests (subject to vehicle capacity) for the additional fee.

1. Assumption of Risk

By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and accept that:

• Travel and outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to accidents, injuries, illness, and exposure to natural elements.
• You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the tour activities.
• You are responsible for assessing your own physical condition and ability to participate in tour activities.
• Some tour locations may involve walking on uneven terrain, stairs, or in areas with limited accessibility.

2. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our Liability: Yokohama Private Tours, its owners, employees, guides, and contractors shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, loss of data, or loss of enjoyment.
• Maximum Liability: Our total liability for any claim arising from your tour shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the specific tour in question.
• Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for the acts, omissions, or services of third parties, including restaurants, attractions, or other service providers that may be part of your tour itinerary.
• Property Damage: We are not liable for damage to personal property, including vehicles, cameras, electronic devices, or other belongings.

3. Vehicle Safety

• Licensed Operators: All vehicles are operated by licensed, professional drivers with valid commercial driving licenses.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Our vehicles undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections in accordance with Japanese regulations.
• Seat Belts: All passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion, in accordance with Japanese law.
• Child Safety: Guests traveling with children are responsible for providing appropriate child safety seats. Please inform us in advance if you require child safety equipment.
• Vehicle Capacity: Vehicles must not exceed their maximum passenger capacity. Additional guests beyond the booked capacity may be refused.

4. Health and Medical

• Medical Conditions: Please inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or medications that may affect your participation in the tour.
• Emergency Medical Care: In case of medical emergency, we will assist in contacting emergency services. However, you are responsible for all medical expenses incurred.
• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation protection.
• Pandemics and Health Emergencies: We follow all applicable health and safety guidelines. Guests showing symptoms of illness may be refused participation to protect the health of other guests and staff.

5. Safety Guidelines

• Follow Instructions: Guests must follow all instructions provided by guides and drivers for their safety and the safety of others.
• Stay with Group: Please remain with your group and guide during the tour. Wandering off may result in delays or safety concerns.
• Respect Local Laws: All guests must comply with Japanese laws and regulations, including traffic laws, photography restrictions, and cultural site rules.
• Alcohol and Substances: Consumption of alcohol or illegal substances that impair judgment or behavior may result in immediate removal from the tour without refund.
• Photography: Respect photography restrictions at certain locations. Some sites may prohibit photography or require permits.

6. Insurance

Our vehicles and operations are covered by appropriate commercial liability insurance as required by Japanese law. However, this insurance does not cover:

• Personal injury or medical expenses for guests
• Loss or damage to personal belongings
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Delays or missed connections

We strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering these areas.