Deposit and Cancellation Policy

To secure your preferred tour date, a 20% deposit of the total tour fee is required. The deposit must be paid online, and your booking will be confirmed once payment is received. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.

The remaining balance is to be paid on the day of the tour. The deposit already paid will be deducted from the total amount due.

Once the booking is confirmed (upon receipt of the deposit), any cancellation for any reason will incur a cancellation fee. This fee will be covered by the deposit already paid, and no additional cancellation charge will be required.

No-Show / Late Arrival Policy

The tour will begin on time out of respect for all participants. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes late may not be able to join the tour. In such cases, all payments made, including the deposit, are non-refundable.

Tour Conditions & Important Notices

Tour Suspension for Safety
For the safety of our guests, the tour may be canceled or suspended if weather conditions, road conditions, or other unforeseen factors are deemed to pose a risk.

Changes to Itinerary
The itinerary—including destinations, visit order, duration at each site, and applicable fees—may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, site conditions, or other unavoidable circumstances.

Traffic Delays
Traffic congestion, particularly during peak travel seasons, may cause delays and affect the schedule or length of visits. Guests are kindly advised to allow sufficient time for onward travel, including return trains or other transportation.

Construction or Restricted Access
Some buildings, statues, or areas may be partially closed, under renovation, or appear different than expected due to maintenance or preservation work.

Festivals and Special Events
Certain sites may be temporarily inaccessible or restricted due to festivals, ceremonies, or special events. When possible, alternative locations or arrangements may be provided.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, as these adjustments help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while respecting the preservation of historical sites.

Additional Notice Regarding Injuries and Insurance

Injuries and Medical Assistance
While we take great care to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour, Discover NARA cannot accept responsibility for any unexpected injuries or accidents that may occur during the tour.

If a guest is injured, our accompanying staff will make reasonable efforts to assist, including providing basic support and, when necessary, helping arrange medical care or transportation to a medical facility.

Medical Expenses and Liability
Any medical expenses or other costs resulting from an injury are the sole responsibility of the guest. Discover NARA does not provide financial compensation and is not liable for such expenses.

Travel Insurance Recommendation
To help minimize potential financial burden in case of injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend that all guests obtain appropriate travel insurance before beginning their trip. Travel insurance can offer valuable protection and peace of mind during your journey in Japan.

Personal Responsibility and Awareness
Guests are responsible for their own safety during the tour. Please remain attentive to your surroundings, follow staff instructions, and exercise caution when walking on uneven paths, stairs, or slopes.

Health Conditions
Guests are responsible for assessing their own physical condition and suitability for the tour. If you have any medical conditions, concerns, or special needs, please inform us in advance so we can discuss possible accommodations.

Prohibited Actions and Liability
Discover NARA is not responsible for injuries or accidents resulting from actions that violate site rules, local regulations, or staff instructions.

Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency, our staff will follow appropriate procedures and assist guests in contacting local emergency services if necessary.

Your safety and comfort are important to us, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide a safe experience for everyone.

Guest Restrictions for the Tour

To help ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all participants—and to protect the historical sites we visit—please review the following important information carefully.

Guests Using Wheelchairs
Please note that, in order to preserve their historical character, some sites feature uneven ground, gravel paths, slopes, or stairways, which may limit wheelchair accessibility in certain areas. If you use a wheelchair, we kindly ask that you contact Discover NARA in advance. This allows us to discuss your needs and determine whether the tour—or a modified itinerary—can be arranged as safely and comfortably as possible.

Infants and Strollers
Due to site conditions, strollers may not be usable at certain locations. However, infants are welcome to join the tour if carried by a parent or guardian or secured in a baby carrier. If you plan to participate with a stroller, please be sure to contact Discover NARA in advance so we can advise you appropriately based on the itinerary and site conditions.

Guests We May Be Unable to Accommodate

To ensure a safe and respectful experience for everyone, we kindly ask that the following individuals refrain from joining the tour:

• Guests with injuries that significantly impair mobility

• Individuals whose mobility needs cannot be accommodated due to site conditions

• Infants who require the use of a stroller and cannot be carried
  (Babies may join if carried by a parent or guardian)

• Anyone currently experiencing a fever or a contagious illness

• Guests undergoing treatment for serious medical conditions that may affect participation

• Individuals who are unable to follow tour guidelines or site regulations

• Those who do not respect—or are unwilling to make an effort to understand—Japanese culture, customs, or local practices

• Anyone who violates rules or regulations at historical sites

Your understanding and cooperation help ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Compliance with Tour Rules
Please note that if Discover NARA determines that a guest is unable to follow—or is not following—these guidelines, we reserve the right to terminate the tour immediately for safety or operational reasons. In such cases, any deposits or fees already paid will not be refunded.

Tour Guidelines & Travel Tips

Please review the following guidelines to help ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

👕 What to Wear

• Guests are kindly asked to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting temples and shrines. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended, as some paths may be uneven, sloped, or unpaved.

🍶 Alcohol Policy (If Applicable)

• Participants must be 20 years of age or older, the legal drinking age in Japan.

• Valid identification may be requested when necessary.

• Participation in any sake tasting is optional and at the guest’s own discretion.

• Guests are responsible for monitoring their own alcohol consumption.

• Discover NARA is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or issues resulting from intoxication.

⚠️ Allergies & Health Conditions

• Please inform us in advance of any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or health concerns.

• While we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

• Guests are responsible for managing their own health conditions during the tour.

🚬 Smoking Policy

• Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas.

• Smoking inside the tour vehicle is strictly prohibited.

❌ Prohibited Items & Behaviors

For the safety and comfort of all participants, the following are not permitted:

• Illegal substances

• Alcohol brought from outside the tour or participation while intoxicated

• Pets (except certified service animals)

• Oversized luggage, such as suitcases or large backpacks

• Flash photography inside sacred, historical, or restricted buildings

• Any behavior that may endanger yourself or others

📸 Photography & Video Guidelines

• Please ask for permission before photographing the guide, staff, or other participants.

• Some shrines, museums, or shops may restrict photography or video recording.

• Guests are asked to follow all posted signs and staff instructions.

🧭 Safety & Conduct

• Guests are asked to stay with the group and follow staff instructions at all times.

• Please exercise caution on narrow streets, steep paths, stairs, and uneven surfaces.

• Discover NARA is not responsible for injuries resulting from negligence, inappropriate footwear, or failure to follow safety guidance.

⛅ Weather & Tour Changes

• The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions, safety concerns, or site-specific circumstances.

• Substitute locations may be visited if scheduled sites are unexpectedly closed.

• In cases of severe weather or natural disasters, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons.

• If Discover NARA cancels the tour for safety reasons, the deposit will be refunded.

💼 Personal Belongings

• Guests are responsible for their personal belongings at all times.

• Discover NARA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

💳 Payment Method

• Any remaining tour balance may be paid by cash (USD) or credit card, depending on availability and prior arrangement. (Please confirm accepted payment methods in advance.)

⏰ Reminders

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes early.

• Be prepared for seasonal weather conditions:
  ▶ Summer: sunscreen, hat, water
  ▶ Winter: warm layers, gloves, hand warmers
  ▶ Rain: umbrella or rain gear