Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Kyoto Free Walking Tour. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website (kyotofreewalkingtour.com) and your participation in our tip-based walking tours. By booking a tour or using our website, you agree to these terms in full.

1. Booking and Participation

1.1 Reservations

All tour reservations must be made through our official website or authorized booking partners.

1.2 Arrival and Punctuality

Participants are expected to arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Tours will commence promptly. If you arrive late, the guide is not obligated to wait, and you may lose your spot on the tour.

1.3 Right to Refuse Service

Our guides reserve the right to refuse participation to any individual who appears intoxicated, displays disruptive or aggressive behavior, or fails to follow the guide's instructions. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

2. Platform and Payment Model

2.1 Tip-Based Service

All tours listed on this platform operate strictly on a "pay-what-you-want" (tip-based) model. There are no upfront fees, fixed prices, or online payments processed through this website.

2.2 Payment Collection

At the conclusion of the tour, participants may voluntarily provide a cash tip directly to their guide based on their satisfaction with the experience.

2.3 Cancellations

Because there are no upfront payments, you may cancel your booking at any time. We kindly request that you cancel at least 2 hours prior to the start time out of respect for our guides.

3. Age and Children

3.1 Age Restrictions

Tours are open to all ages. However, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

3.2 Parental Responsibility

Parents or legal guardians assume full responsibility for the safety, conduct, and well-being of any accompanying children.

4. COMPLETE GUEST RESPONSIBILITY (ZERO LIABILITY)

4.1 Guest Assumes All Risks

By booking and participating in a tour, you 100% accept full responsibility for your own safety, behavior, and decisions. Kyoto Free Walking Tour and its affiliated guides take zero responsibility and hold no liability for:

• Personal injuries, accidents, or illnesses (including trips, falls, traffic incidents, or weather-related health issues)
• Property loss, damage, or theft
• Navigation errors, getting lost, or becoming separated from the group
• Tour dissatisfaction regarding pace, route, or content

4.2 Guides are Independent Contractors

All guides operating through this platform are independent freelance contractors. They are not employees or legal agents of Kyoto Free Walking Tour.

Guides are personally responsible for their own conduct and decisions during tours.

Kyoto Free Walking Tour acts solely as a scheduling and booking platform and provides no warranties or guarantees regarding guide services.

You agree that any disputes or claims must be directed to the platform, and direct lawsuits or claims against individual guides are strictly prohibited.

4.3 Full Waiver of Claims

You waive, release, and discharge Kyoto Free Walking Tour, its organizers, and its guides from any and all claims, liabilities, or demands arising from negligence, errors, or omissions during your participation.

5. Force Majeure

We are not liable for tour cancellations, alterations, or disruptions due to extreme weather (typhoons, heavy rain), natural disasters, government restrictions, guide illness, or other unforeseen circumstances outside of our control.

6. Intellectual Property and Media

6.1 Website Content

All text, images, logos, and materials on kyotofreewalkingtour.com are the intellectual property of Kyoto Free Walking Tour and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without explicit written consent.

6.2 Photography

During tours, guides may take photographs or videos of the group for promotional purposes (such as social media). If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform your guide at the beginning of the tour.

7. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. Any disputes arising from these terms or your participation in our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Kyoto, Japan.

8. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please reach out to us via email at [email protected].