Birdwatching Tour Cancellation Policy

1. Reservation and Deposit

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A tour reservation is considered confirmed once the client agrees to book the tour and pays a deposit equal to 10% of the total tour price.

The deposit must be paid by bank transfer to the designated account within the specified payment period.

 

2. Cancellation by the Client

 

If the client cancels the tour for any reason, including but not limited to illness, flight cancellation, weather conditions, natural disasters, travel restrictions, visa issues, or inability to arrive in Japan, the following cancellation fees will apply.

 

All deadlines and cancellation timing are based on Japan Standard Time (JST).

 

Cancellation Fees

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​​​​​Any bank transfer fees related to cancellation payments or refunds shall be borne by the client.

 

3. Non-refundable Third-party Costs

 

In addition to the cancellation fees described above, the client is responsible for any non-refundable costs already paid or committed to third parties on behalf of the client.

Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• Hotels and accommodation

• Domestic flights

• Ferries and boat services

• Vehicle charters

• Local guides

• Entrance permits and reservation fees

• Restaurant reservations

• Photography hides or special access arrangements

These third-party costs may be charged regardless of the cancellation date and may not be refundable even if the tour itself is cancelled.

If possible, the organiser will make reasonable efforts to recover refundable amounts from third-party providers; however, refunds cannot be guaranteed.

Any bank transfer fees or currency exchange losses related to refunds shall be borne by the client.

 

4. Cancellation or Changes by the Guide

 

If the guide is unable to conduct the tour due to illness, injury, natural disaster, transport disruption, government restrictions, or other unavoidable circumstances, the client may choose one of the following options:

 

Available Options

• Accept a replacement guide arranged by the organiser

• Receive a full refund of all payments made directly to the organiser

The organiser shall not be responsible for indirect costs incurred by the client, including international airfares, hotel reservations, travel insurance, or other personal travel expenses.

 

5. Weather and Wildlife Conditions

 

Birdwatching tours operate in natural environments, and sightings of specific bird species or wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Tours will not be cancelled or refunded solely due to weather conditions, seasonal variation, bird activity, or unsuccessful sightings unless safety concerns make operation impossible.

 

6. Travel Insurance

 

Clients are very strongly encouraged to purchase full, comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, accidents, evacuation, and personal belongings. Medical facilities in Japan are of a very high standard, but medical costs for non-residents are high.

 

7. Acceptance of This Policy

 

By confirming the booking and paying the deposit, the client acknowledges that they have read and agreed to this cancellation policy.