Last updated: July 2026
These terms explain how a booking with Japan by Koichi works, and what applies if the weather, a delay, or a safety issue affects your walk.
The contact form, WhatsApp, and the buttons on the route pages are only used to request information or a quote. A booking is not automatically confirmed by sending an enquiry.
After receiving the request, Koichi will send the client a proposal with the route, date, meeting point, price, included services and payment terms.
The booking is confirmed once the client accepts the terms in writing and full payment, or the requested deposit, has been received.
The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trail and conditions can change. The activity can normally go ahead in light or moderate rain, provided the route remains safe.
For safety reasons, Koichi may change the schedule, shorten the route, use an alternative route, or postpone or cancel the activity in situations such as:
— Extreme rain. — Storms, typhoons or strong winds. — Landslides. — Official trail closures. — Serious transport problems. — Any other situation that could put participants or the guide at risk.
When Koichi cancels the activity because it cannot be offered safely and no new date or reasonable alternative can be agreed, the amount paid for the guiding service will be refunded in full.
Costs charged directly by hotels, transport companies or other providers cannot be refunded by Koichi, unless those providers also agree to a refund. Koichi is not responsible for flights, hotels, trains or other indirect expenses arranged by the client.
The client must arrive at the agreed time and meeting point. In case of delay, the client must notify Koichi as soon as possible.
Depending on how long the delay is, it may be necessary to shorten or change the route so the activity can be completed safely. If the delay makes the activity impossible, the cancellation policy in the Legal Notice may apply.
Before booking, the client should check the distance, duration, elevation and approximate difficulty of the route.
The client must inform Koichi in advance of any injury, illness, physical limitation, serious allergy, or other circumstance that could affect their safety during the walk.
Each participant is responsible for bringing suitable clothing, footwear, water, food and equipment for the route and the weather conditions. During the activity, participants must follow the guide's safety instructions.
For safety reasons, Koichi may modify or end the walk if continuing could put the client, the rest of the group, or the guide at risk.
If someone cannot continue due to tiredness, injury or illness, Koichi will help find the safest possible alternative. Taxi, transport, medical care, rescue or evacuation costs are the participant's responsibility, except where the cost was directly caused by the guide's negligence.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, JAPAN BY KOICHI mainly provides guiding services. Accommodation, transport, restaurants, luggage transfer, hot springs and other activities are provided by independent companies.
Koichi can help the client find information or coordinate these services, but the corresponding contract is between the client and each provider. Each provider is responsible for its own schedules, conditions, cancellations and service delivery.
Travel insurance is not generally required, but it is strongly recommended. Insurance should cover, at a minimum:
— Medical care in Japan. — Accidents during hiking activities. — Rescue and evacuation. — Trip cancellation or interruption. — Loss of or damage to luggage.
For special or more difficult routes, suitable insurance may be required, provided the client is informed before the booking is confirmed.
Participants under 18 years old must take part accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other authorised adult.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under Japanese law.
These terms and the services of JAPAN BY KOICHI are governed by Japanese law. In the event of a disagreement, both parties will first try to resolve it in good faith through direct communication.