Last updated: July 2026
Business information, prices, payment terms and cancellation policy for the guiding services offered through japanbykoichi.com, provided in line with Japanese commercial disclosure requirements.
Trading name: JAPAN BY KOICHI Service provider: Koichi Sugiyama Area of activity: Kumano, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
For privacy reasons, the full business address and telephone number are not published on this website. Koichi Sugiyama's full business address and telephone number will be disclosed without delay by email upon request, before a booking is made. Please submit your request through the contact form.
Public contact channels: the website contact form and WhatsApp.
All prices are shown in Japanese yen and include applicable taxes.
Prices shown as "from" correspond to the private guiding service.
Published rates apply to private groups of 1 to 4 people. The price is the same whether one person or four people take part.
For groups of 5 people or more, the price will vary depending on the number of participants, the route, the duration and any special requests. In these cases, an individual quote will be sent before the booking is confirmed.
The final price will always be communicated in writing before the client makes payment.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or by the secure electronic payment method indicated in the quote or invoice.
Any bank, transfer or processing fees will be charged to the client when this has been communicated in advance.
The payment deadline will be indicated in each quote. Payment is normally due within seven days of accepting the quote.
For last-minute bookings, payment may be requested immediately.
A booking is only considered confirmed when:
1. The client has accepted the itinerary, price and conditions in writing. 2. Full payment, or the deposit indicated in the quote, has been received.
Simply sending the contact form, a WhatsApp message, or a request from a route page does not constitute a confirmed booking.
The service will take place on the date, time, route and meeting point agreed in writing with the client.
Cancellation 14 calendar days or more before the activity: no cancellation charge for the guiding service. Cancellation between 7 and 13 days before the activity: 30% of the guiding service price. Cancellation between 2 and 6 days before the activity: 50% of the guiding service price. Cancellation with less than 48 hours' notice, or no-show: 100% of the guiding service price.
Any non-refundable costs already paid to hotels, transport companies or other providers may be deducted from the refund, provided the client was informed of them in advance.
Any non-recoverable payment, transfer or currency exchange fees may also be deducted.
Refunds will be made, whenever possible, using the same method used for payment.
Requests to change the date are subject to availability. When the requested new date cannot be accommodated, the cancellation policy above will apply.
Unless the quote states otherwise, the fee includes:
— Private guiding service for the agreed route. — Guiding in English and, on request and where available, in Spanish. — Basic route planning. — Personalised information about the stage. — WhatsApp or email support before the walk. — Explanations of the history, oji shrines and culture of the Kumano Kodo.
Unless expressly included in the quote, the price does not include:
— Accommodation. — Transport to the meeting point or from the finishing point. — Bus, train, taxi or other transport tickets. — Meals and drinks. — Entrance fees, hot springs or other activities. — Luggage transfer. — Personal equipment. — Travel insurance. — Medical, rescue or evacuation expenses. — Fees charged by hotels, transport companies or other providers. — Bank or currency exchange fees.