TERMS & CONDITIONS

Kumano Adventures Booking Terms and Conditions

This agreement outlines the terms and conditions between you (referred to as "participant," "you," or "I") and Kumano Adventures, operated under Alfinito LLC, a Washington company that sells trips and tours to rural Japan ("we," "us," or "Kumano Adventures"). It governs all aspects of travel consulting, group tours, custom trips, and any other services provided by us (collectively referred to as “travel services” herein).

Travel consulting, group tours, and custom bespoke trips are distinct services offered by Kumano Adventures. Travel consulting refers to hourly advisory services, where clients receive personalized travel guidance, destination insights, or itinerary feedback without any bookings being made on their behalf. Group tours are pre-arranged, fixed-date itineraries shared with other travelers, including set accommodations, activities, and transportation, led or coordinated by our team. In contrast, custom trips are fully personalized travel experiences designed specifically for an individual or private group, where Kumano Adventures arranges and books accommodations, experiences, and transport based on the client’s preferences, travel dates, and budget. Each service type has different deliverables, timelines, and payment structures.

1. Our Responsibility and Liability

Kumano Adventures coordinates travel services by collaborating with various local suppliers for accommodations, transportation, activities, and related services. We act as an intermediary and are not directly responsible for the performance of these services. We are not liable for expenses and costs due to the refusal or interruption of service by third-party suppliers. We are not liable and will not assume responsibility for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any third-party supplier.

2. Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Kumano Adventures' travel services typically include custom trip itinerary planning, accommodations, specified meals, transportation suggestions, guide reservations, local support via phone and chat message and specified experiences. They may also include luggage transportation and taxi reservations. However, details vary, so please refer to your itinerary. The tour does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance, passport/visa fees, personal expenses, and services not mentioned in the itinerary.

3. Health and Medical Considerations

It is your responsibility to assess whether a tour or experience offered by Kumano Adventures is appropriate for your personal health, fitness level, and medical needs. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, physical or mental health concerns, or limitations that may affect your ability to participate safely, travel to remote areas without access to medical care, or may impact the experience of others, you must inform Kumano Adventures at the time of booking or as soon as possible thereafter.

We reserve the right to request additional information or a physician’s note if we believe it is necessary to ensure your safety or the safety of the group. We also reserve the right to deny participation in any activity or portion of a tour at any time if we determine that participation would pose a health or safety risk to you or others. This may occur at your own risk and expense. Pregnancy must be disclosed at the time of booking; we may not be able to accommodate individuals who are over 24 weeks pregnant or those with certain medical conditions if safe alternatives cannot be arranged.

Kumano Adventures does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to consult with your physician prior to travel regarding your fitness, vaccination requirements, and any necessary precautions. Please note that travel may include visits to remote areas where medical care is limited or may not meet the standards of your home country. We make no guarantees regarding the availability or quality of medical facilities during the tour.

4. Special Requirements

If you have any special requirements—including but not limited to mobility limitations, dietary restrictions, or medical needs—you must notify Kumano Adventures at the time of booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these needs; however, due to the nature of the destinations and activities involved, we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled.

Please note that certain activities may not be accessible to those with limited mobility. While we will do our best to consider food allergies or dietary restrictions, we cannot guarantee that all meals will be free from allergens or meet specific dietary preferences. Special requests are not part of the contractual terms and conditions and Kumano Adventures is not liable for any inability to accommodate such requests.

5. Age Requirements

Participants under the age of 18 are considered minors and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. One adult may accompany a maximum of two minors, unless otherwise approved by Kumano Adventures. Unless stated otherwise, the minimum age to join most tours is 12 years old.

It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to secure all necessary documentation, permissions, and meet any legal requirements for the minor(s) to travel. Kumano Adventures is not liable for any issues resulting from missing documentation or legal noncompliance.

The adult(s) traveling with a minor are fully responsible for their behavior, safety, supervision, and compliance with tour guidelines. By booking, the adult(s) agree to these Terms on behalf of the minor(s). Kumano Adventures does not provide childcare or chaperone services and disclaims all responsibility for supervising minors.

6. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for all Kumano Adventures trips. You must carry a policy that includes a minimum of US$200,000 in medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage for all applicable dates of travel. Your insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses. We strongly recommend that you extend your coverage to include trip cancellation, curtailment, loss or delay of baggage, and other expenses that may arise due to injury, illness, travel delays, or unforeseen disruptions. We highly recommend purchasing a policy that includes "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage, which offers maximum flexibility and protection in case your plans change unexpectedly.

Travel insurance is not included in the cost of any tour and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to ensure that your coverage is appropriate for the nature of your trip and destination, including any outdoor or cultural activities you may participate in. You are also responsible for informing your insurer of the type of travel and locations involved so that appropriate coverage is issued.

In most cases, pre-existing conditions are only covered if insurance is purchased within two weeks of your initial booking, so we advise purchasing travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed.

Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure, and failure to provide adequate coverage may result in cancellation without refund.

7. Pricing and Payment

All prices for travel services are listed in USD.

For our travel consulting service, at minimum a flat-fee will be paid. Depending on the research and planning requirements, an additional hourly rate may be added onto the flat-fee. Prices will be discussed and agreed upon before any research and planning begin. Clients will be invoiced after services are rendered, and are expected to pay within 30 days.

For our group tours and custom trips, the price depends on the specified participants and dates. Currency exchange rates, tariffs, government fees, and supplier rates determine the price, subject to change until agreement signing. On rare occasions, we may find it essential to implement additional charges if prices experience substantial increases as a result of factors such as inflation, fluctuations in exchange rates, or other factors. These surcharges could be introduced at any point leading up to the final payment. In the event of this situation, we will make every effort to offer potential options or alternatives to alleviate the impact of price hikes, if feasible and possible.

For group tours, a deposit of 30% (amount may vary) secures your reservation, with final payment of the total tour cost due by 90 days before the tour start date.

For custom trips, we charge a non-refundable $100 planning fee up front to begin research and supplier coordination; once the itinerary is approved, a 30–40% deposit is collected, and the remaining balance is due 60–90 days before departure.

8. Cancellation Policy

For travel consulting, all payments are non-refundable once services have been rendered or planning has begun.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Kumano Adventures and are effective as of the date received. Cancellations are subject to the following terms:

120 days or more before the trip start date: 50% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Fewer than 120 days before the trip start date: No refund will be issued; 100% of the total tour cost will be retained by Kumano Adventures.

For group tours and custom trips, we do not offer refunds for late arrivals, early departures, missed days, or unused services. We are a small enterprise offering individually crafted experiences in rural Japan. Because of the high degree of customization and our commitments to local partners, we are unable to easily absorb the costs of canceled trips. This is why we have this cancellation structure and require that you purchase travel insurance. That said, we will always work with you on a case-by-case basis, and if possible, we will do our best to minimize cancellation costs.

If you would like not to cancel, but reschedule your trip, please refer to the next section, “Changes to Itinerary.”

9. Changes to Itinerary

Requests for itinerary changes may incur charges and an administrative fee of $100 per change and will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Changes will be defined and determined by Kumano Adventures on a case-by-case basis after the itinerary has been finalized. Finalization will be agreed upon by both parties in writing. We will strive to accommodate your post-booking itinerary adjustments, though we can't assure every request can be met. When changes are feasible and possible, a $100 administrative fee per change, plus any associated expenses, may apply.

If a member of your party is unable to travel on a group tour or custom trip as planned, their spot may be transferred to another individual of your choosing. To arrange this, you must notify us in writing at least two weeks prior to the trip departure date. Please note that if there is a waiting list for your group tour, we are obligated to offer the available spot to the next person on that list, and a transfer may not be possible. If the transfer is approved, you will be responsible for any costs incurred by us or imposed by our suppliers as a result of the change.

Substantial modifications, like altering tour dates, will trigger a reassessment of the tour cost and may require that we alter the itinerary substantially. Substantial modifications will be defined and determined by Kumano Adventures on a case-by-case basis at any time before the travel start date. Substantial modification requests must be submitted in writing. If they are submitted at least 90 days before first departure on the relevant booking, only the administration fee of $100 may be applied. If they are submitted after 90 days, there is the potential that our local partners will no longer have availability, and will not be able to accommodate new guests (for example, all the hotels in the local area are fully booked). We will do our best so as to secure new reservations for you, but if we are unable to do so, this itinerary change will be considered a cancellation, and our cancellation policy and fees will apply (see the above section, “Cancellation Policy”). The Kumano area is a small area, with limited accommodation space and tourism infrastructure, so this is a very real possibility. We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance coverage to prevent incurring losses, should you need to cancel your trip.

10. Changes and Cancellation by Kumano Adventures

All Kumano Adventures group tours are subject to a minimum number of confirmed participants, which will be communicated on a case-by-case basis for each tour. If the minimum group size is not met, Kumano Adventures reserves the right to cancel the tour. In such cases, you will be notified as early as possible, and a full refund of all payments made toward the tour will be issued. This refund will constitute full settlement, and Kumano Adventures will not be responsible for any additional costs incurred by you, such as flights, visas, or other travel arrangements.

We reserve the right to cancel or modify tours for safety or quality reasons. Unforeseen events and/or local conditions may lead to itinerary changes.

In the event that a significant change is deemed necessary before your tour, we will promptly inform you of the best possible alternatives. We strive to minimize additional costs, though some changes might require an extra payment from you. Should such payment be necessary, we'll communicate it clearly and endeavor to offer economical alternatives when feasible and possible.

Should we need to cancel your tour, we will aim to reimburse your payments, but we will deduct non-refundable deposits, the itinerary planning fee, and cancellation fees paid to local suppliers (please note, oftentimes securing refunds from suppliers becomes impossible once we have transmitted your tour deposits to them). We reserve the right to potentially deduct other costs as we deem necessary.

If we modify, postpone, or reschedule your tour, it does not constitute our cancellation of the tour. Kumano Adventures will not be considered to have violated these terms and conditions, nor will it bear liability to you, due to delays or failures to fulfill its obligations outlined in this Agreement as a consequence of actions taken or not taken under this section.

Kumano Adventures will not assume responsibility or liability for payments, policies, or penalties associated with services not covered within the tour package, including but not limited to airline tickets, individual hotel reservations, or other items (e.g., additional tours or cruises) arranged independently by participants, not through Kumano Adventures.

If we postpone or reschedule your tour for reasons other than “Force Majeure” (see below), we will attempt to provide you with future travel credit equivalent to the amount you've paid us, after deducting any cancellation fees imposed by suppliers and third parties.

“Force Majeure” events may also affect itineraries.

“Force Majeure” is defined as any unforeseeable circumstances or events that are beyond our reasonable control that prevent us from fulfilling our contractual obligations. These events are often considered to be "acts of God" or events that are beyond human control. Force Majeure events include, but are not limited to:

Natural disasters and bad weather conditions such as earthquakes, typhoons, tempests, forceful winds or floods
War, threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, strikes, government actions, insurrections, civil disturbance, requisition
Explosions, fires, acts of sabotage, other accidents
Epidemics, pandemics, sickness, quarantine (including for diseases and viruses that are known, unknown, or novel, such as COVID-19, and any spread of these illnesses)
Any government intervention or restrictions that affect travel, including diplomatic or health organization (e.g., World Health Organization) warnings and border closings or restrictions

When a Force Majeure event prevents or hinders us or our suppliers from providing services to you, including but not limited to travel services, we reserve the right to, based on our sole and absolute discretion, without incurring liability for non-performance:

Cancel any and all travel services
Modify any and all travel services
Postpone and/or reschedule any and all travel services

This includes any activities on any tour dates, as well as the entire tour itself.

You understand and agree that you will not be compensated for any costs or expenses that you incur as a result of a Force Majeure event, from us or our suppliers. Opting to cancel your tour due to our activation of Force Majeure will subject you to our usual cancellation fees outlined in the "Cancellation Policy" section, unless we specify otherwise. In the event that Kumano Adventures is impacted by Force Majeure, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you of the circumstances if this is feasible and possible.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes coverage for Force Majeure events.

11. Travel Documents and Requirements

Ensuring valid and appropriate documentation, including passports, visas, permits, and vaccinations where necessary, is your responsibility. You are also fully accountable for verifying all entry requirements, safety conditions, and security matters at each destination. Kumano Adventures shall not bear any liability for any negative outcomes due to incomplete or flawed documentation. All travelers, irrespective of their passport held, should consult the consulates of visited countries to ascertain visa requirements for their nationality. Take note that many countries demand passports to be valid for at least 6 months from the return date and have at least 2 blank pages. Kumano Adventures may offer visa, vaccination, climate, clothing, baggage, and equipment information in good faith as a courtesy, but we are not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions in the information provided.

For information about potential risks at international destinations, contact your country's government office responsible for issuing travel advisories. We strongly suggest U.S. citizens and nationals enroll in the U.S. government's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows you enroll with receive important emergency and disaster information from the local consulate: https://step.state.gov/step/

12. Health Requirements and Dietary Restrictions

Participants should verify the latest health requirements with their respective consulates. It is mandatory for participants to inform Kumano Adventures at the time of booking about any physical, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, food allergies, or special requirements necessary during their travel. Kumano Adventures is not liable for any illness, allergy attacks, or other adverse health effects that participants may experience during their travel. Kumano Adventures reserves the right, at its discretion, to decline the booking of any participant or remove a participant who fails to meet the minimum health requirements.

Participants are responsible for bringing their own medications or prescribed drugs and should consult consulates regarding any restrictions on medications, if applicable. While we will make reasonable efforts to communicate dietary restrictions to your tour guides and relevant service providers, it's important to note that we do not directly manage our suppliers, and the nature of our tours may limit the guarantee of accommodating all dietary needs or restrictions. Therefore, it remains the sole responsibility of participants to ask pertinent questions and make informed decisions regarding their dietary requirements during travel.

Suppliers retain the right to conduct health screenings, such as temperature checks, questionnaires, and assessments of observable signs and symptoms. They may deny travel to participants showing symptoms or signs of illness. Additionally, suppliers, government authorities, or health agencies may enforce quarantine measures for travelers displaying symptoms of infectious diseases, especially in confined modes of transport like ships or trains, when deemed necessary. We are not liable for expenses and costs due to quarantine.

13. Participant Responsibilities

We shall not be held liable for any financial losses incurred as a result of flight cancellations, missed flights, altered flight schedules, delayed arrivals, or early departures. Your readiness to depart from the designated departure city on the specified date and time is your own responsibility. Moreover, you are accountable for various other obligations, including but not limited to adhering to local laws, accurately evaluating your capabilities, and, if participating in a guided tour, heeding the guidance and recommendations provided by the guide.

In addition to following the laws of any destination you visit, it's important for travelers to adhere to Kumano Adventures' Traveler Conduct Policy. This policy is in place to ensure the safety, security, and enjoyment of everyone involved. Our aim is to promote mutual understanding and respect among different people and societies through our travel services.

For this reason, if Kumano Adventures or any of our local partners determine that any participant in your tour group is behaving disrespectfully, posing a safety risk, or compromising the well-being of others, we reserve the right to remove one or more participants from an activity or the entire tour at our discretion. In some cases, we may also report incidents to local authorities and take legal action as needed–participants must obey local laws at all times. Participants who are removed from a tour due to a violation of this policy are responsible for covering all associated costs, including accommodations and transportation home, at their own expense. Please note that no refunds will be provided if you are removed from a tour for violating this policy.

We encourage participants to be respectful of the people, places, religious beliefs, and local cultures they encounter. It's important to be aware of your own cultural biases and how they may influence your judgments of others. While you don't have to agree with others' opinions or beliefs, you must treat them with respect.

Approach your travel experience with the mindset that you are a guest in someone else's home. Being polite, having an open mind, and being receptive to new experiences and learning are key principles to follow during your travels.

14. Baggage

Baggage and personal belongings are the responsibility of the owner throughout the duration of the tour. Any expenses arising from lost, damaged, or delayed baggage are the sole responsibility of the owner.

15. Photography and Videography

By signing this agreement, unless you instruct us otherwise in writing prior to the first departure on the relevant booking of your trip, you agree that while you're on any of our trips, other participants, third-party suppliers, Kumano Adventures, or our representatives may capture images, photos, or videos that may include you. You willingly allow the taking of such pictures and grant Kumano Adventures, its contractors, sub-contractors, and assigns a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use these images for any purpose (including marketing, promotions, and creating promotional materials with sub-licensees) in any form or medium, whether currently known or developed in the future. You do this without inspection or approval and without expecting any further obligations or compensation from us.

16. Claims and Complaints

In the event of any issues or unmet expectations during your tour, please promptly inform us or the respective local operator, guide, or supplier. We will address and resolve the problem, if feasible and possible. Should you choose to make changes independently, you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred, and potential refunds may be forfeited. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved through this notice procedure while on the trip, you must submit a formal written complaint to us within 14 days following the conclusion of the trip. Claims received after this specified period will not be accepted, and we will not be liable for them.

17. Limitation of Remedies

Recovery from Kumano Adventures is limited to the tour cost. We are not liable for special, consequential, or indirect damages.

You acknowledge that, to the extent allowed by applicable law, the maximum amount you can recover from Kumano Adventures will not exceed the cost of the travel services you purchased from us. In accordance with applicable law, Kumano Adventures will not be responsible for any special, indirect, consequential, incidental, or other damages, including lost profits, regardless of whether such damages arise from contract, negligence, tort, statute, equity, or any other legal basis, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. You explicitly waive any rights you may have to seek compensation for such damages. In the event that you, your heirs, or anyone representing you initiates such legal action, you will be responsible for covering all attorney's fees, court expenses, and defense costs even if your claim is unsuccessful.

18. Privacy Policy

Kumano Adventures needs to gather your personal information to effectively provide our travel services. We collect, use, and share only the information necessary for us and our third-party suppliers to deliver the travel services you've requested.

19. Updates to Terms and Conditions

We may occasionally make changes to these Terms, and we have the right to update or modify them at any time. You understand and agree that any amendments will become effective and considered accepted by you in one of three ways: either seven days after we post them on our website, immediately upon receiving written notice by email or mail, or when you continue to use our travel services, whichever happens first. We recommend that you review this agreement before your travel to ensure you are familiar with the most current version. If you request it in writing, we will provide you with an updated printed copy of this agreement.

20. Jurisdiction and Legality of this Agreement

This agreement is governed by Washington law, and any disputes shall be filed in Spokane, Washington. If any part of this agreement is determined to be void by a court of law, the remainder will remain valid and binding for all parties.This agreement will be advantageous and legally binding for both Kumano Adventures and you, as well as for your heirs, legal and personal representatives, successors, and assigns. It represents the ultimate, comprehensive, and exclusive understanding between the parties concerning the subjects it addresses, and it replaces all prior discussions and agreements.

21. Electronic Signature Validity

By proceeding with this agreement, whether by electronic signature or by checking the box at checkout, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions. You understand that you may request a paper copy of this agreement by contacting Kumano Adventures in writing. If you would like a paper copy of the signed agreement, it can be provided for an administrative fee of $5.00 USD, plus applicable postage.

22. Your Acknowledgment of Understanding and Voluntary Execution

You acknowledge that you have had sufficient time to carefully read and understand this entire agreement, including its terms, conditions, and legal implications, and that you voluntarily agree to all of its provisions. By agreeing to this document—whether through electronic signature or by checking a box at checkout—you understand that you may be waiving certain legal rights. You acknowledge that you have been encouraged to consult with an attorney before providing your consent. These Booking Terms and Conditions are intended to be as comprehensive and enforceable as permitted under the laws of the State of Washington. If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

If the participant is under 18 years of age, you confirm that you are their parent or legal guardian and have full authority to bind the minor to this agreement. You affirm that you are at least 18 years old and that all information provided is accurate and truthful. This agreement is made on behalf of the minor, and all waivers, releases, and obligations contained within apply fully to them. Your agreement, whether by signature or electronic acknowledgment, applies to the entire contents of this document.