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Terms and Conditions

1.0 Basis of Contract

1.1 The terms and conditions contained herein apply exclusively to every contract for Products and Services supplied by JapanQuest Journeys to the Client and cannot be changed or replaced by any other condition unless expressly accepted in writing by JapanQuest Journeys.

1.2 Payment of a deposit by a Client to JapanQuest Journeys indicates acceptance of these terms and conditions.

1.3 Pricing will be a function of each Client’s ultimate selections, availability, and associated travel arrangements. This will typically include a custom-designed itinerary, five-star accommodations where available, in-country transportation (private ground transport, first-class bullet trains and domestic first-class airfare, where available), private expert guides and drivers, an assigned client services team member, subject matter experts, special experiences, activities, entrance fees, some meals as indicated in the itinerary, taxes and duties. International airfare, travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses including excess baggage charges are not included.

Prices are based on the personalized itinerary planning, destination research, Travel Arrangements and traveler services provided by JapanQuest Journeys and on the Products and Services specified in each Client’s final detailed itinerary. All services and prices are subject to change without notice. Itemized cost breakdowns are not available as all Products and Services are sold as a complete package.

2.0 Deposits, Payments and Cancellation

2.1 JapanQuest Journeys may charge a nominal non-refundable planning deposit (to be applied toward the total trip cost) to develop and provide a detailed itinerary based on an agreed-upon trip proposal.

Once a detailed itinerary is agreed upon, JapanQuest Journeys does ask that a 50% non-refundable deposit (based on the estimated total trip cost quoted) be provided prior to booking a journey. Should the departure date be 90 days or less away at the time, 100% of the estimated total trip cost quoted will be due prior to booking a journey.

The balance will be due no later than 90 days prior to the Departure Date and will reflect the final cost of all bookings (including the effect, if any, of the US Dollar weakening against Japanese Yen) and is subject to certain cancellation charges as outlined below. Where bookings are made less than 90 days before the Departure Date, full payment must be made prior to the delivery of a final detailed itinerary. If the balance is not received on or before 90 days prior to the Departure Date, JapanQuest Journeys may consider the booking as canceled and the full deposit will be forfeited. An additional fee may be charged to cover the cost of using credit cards as a form of payment. All Products, Services and prices are subject to change until all bookings are fully confirmed. Itemized cost breakdowns are not available as all Products and Services are sold as a complete package.

The following charges are payable by the Client in accordance with the number of days prior to the Departure Date following notice being received by JapanQuest Journeys of cancellation according to the Notice Provisions in Section 4.1:

Days Prior to Departure Date Percentage of Total Invoiced Price Forfeited and Payable to JapanQuest Journeys
Over 91 Days Prior Deposit Forfeited
61-90 Days Prior 60%
31-60 Days Prior 75%
30 Days or Less Prior 100%

JapanQuest Journeys is not obligated to refund any deposits to clients in the event travel restrictions are imposed by any government that would impact a client’s ability to travel to or from Japan, including any quarantines that may be required in Japan or a client’s country of origin.

However, JapanQuest Journeys will permit clients to reschedule journeys upon the receipt of proper written notice. In these instances, clients will be permitted to apply deposits previously paid towards a future rescheduled journey that occurs no later than 12 months from the originally scheduled Departure Date. Clients may incur additional costs to reschedule journeys due to vendor penalties and changes to rates for accommodations, special experiences, in-country transportation, private guiding and other such costs and fees applicable to agreed-upon rescheduled dates (including the effect, if any, of the US Dollar weakening against Japanese Yen). These additional costs will tend to be higher the closer a postponement notice is received vis-a-vis the original Departure Date.

3.0 Liability and Obligations

3.1 JapanQuest Journeys acts as an agent for various independent Suppliers that provide accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other Products and Services connected with each client’s tour. Such Products and Services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. JapanQuest Journeys and their respective members, officers, managers, directors, employees, agents, successors, representatives, affiliates and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in providing or performing these Products and Services.

Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness (including epidemics and pandemics), weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All Products and Services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. JapanQuest Journeys is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/ trips arranged by JapanQuest Journeys. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects. Cancellation and other travel-related insurance packages are strongly recommended.

3.2 Except as specifically set out herein, any term, condition or warranty in respect of the quality, merchantability, fitness for purpose, condition, description, specification or performance of any of the Products or Services offered and/or provided by JapanQuest Journeys, whether implied by statute, common law, trade usage, custom or otherwise, is hereby expressly excluded.

3.3 Circumstances Beyond our Control – if JapanQuest Journeys is unable to provide the Travel Arrangements as illustrated in our web site or in any marketing materials, or any Product or Service agreed to be provided (including any key persons leading specialized trips), it is not liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay or irregularity arising to the Client or any third party.

3.4 Visa Requirements – It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that it has valid passports, visas, and permits which meet the immigration and governmental requirements of the country of travel.

3.5 Medical Conditions – The Client must notify JapanQuest Journeys of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect the Travel Arrangements.

3.6 Health Issues – It is the Client’s responsibility to obtain any vaccinations or health precautions applicable to the country of travel.

3.7 Loss – JapanQuest Journeys is not liable for and accepts no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss, financial loss, consequential loss, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, damage, injury, accident delay or irregularity occasioned to the Client, whether caused by act, omission, negligence or otherwise, while undertaking a Travel Arrangement.

3.8 JapanQuest Journeys strongly recommends that the Client insure themselves against loss of deposit, cancellation charges, medical expenses and loss of personal possessions, and any other foreseeable loss or expense.

3.9 The Client acknowledges and accepts that different places, countries, facilities, and tour operators may have lower standards of safety, labeling, warnings and precautions. The Client is responsible for maintaining personal diligence and safety notwithstanding the level of standards.

4.0 Notice

4.1 A notice by the Client must be in writing, and may be delivered by hand, sent by prepaid mail, sent by facsimile or sent by electronic means such as e-mail to the address or number specified. A notice is treated as given to JapanQuest Journeys when: (a) if hand delivered, when delivered; (b) if sent by prepaid mail, when received or within 48 hours after posting, whichever is the sooner, (c) if sent by facsimile, when facsimile machine confirms transmission; or (d) if by e-mail, when the email is sent.

5.0 Governing Law

5.1 These Terms are governed by and interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

6.0 Privacy

6.1 Any information JapanQuest Journeys obtains from the Client or its representative is necessary for JapanQuest Journeys’ business purposes or providing the Client with JapanQuest Journeys’ Products and Services, and may be used in answering any queries the Client may have; performing internal administration and operations; developing, improving and marketing the JapanQuest Journeys’ Products and Services; and any directly related purposes.

6.2 JapanQuest Journeys will not disclose any personal information to any other party without the consent of the Client except to the Suppliers, a related entity or adviser of JapanQuest Journeys or where JapanQuest Journeys is otherwise required by law to do so.

Definitions

“Client” means a person, firm or corporation seeking to acquire Services from JapanQuest Journeys and if there is more than one of these, these Terms and Conditions bind them jointly and each of them separately.

“Departure Date” means the date scheduled for the Client to depart at the start of the Travel Arrangements.

“Travel Arrangements” means the travel arrangements made by JapanQuest Journeys including all Products and Services.

“Products” means individual components of Travel Arrangements, such as accommodation, meals, transport, tours, activities, special experiences, etc.

“Services” means the booking and payment services, including personalized itinerary planning, destination research and traveler services provided by JapanQuest Journeys.

“Suppliers” means the party that is responsible for providing the individual Products and Services.