1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using the Gorge Valley Haven website (gorgevalleyhaven.com) and booking tours or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use our services. Gorge Valley Haven reserves the right to modify these terms at any time, with changes effective upon posting. Your continued use of our services following changes constitutes acceptance.
2. Use License and Restrictions
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to access and use our website for personal, non-commercial purposes. You agree not to: (a) reproduce, modify, or distribute website content without permission; (b) attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks; (c) engage in any form of harassment or abuse; (d) upload malicious code or viruses; (e) scrape or crawl the website without authorization; or (f) use our services in violation of any applicable law.
3. Tour Bookings and Reservations
When you book a tour through Gorge Valley Haven, you enter into a binding agreement. All bookings require payment of the full tour price and are subject to availability. Confirmation emails serve as proof of booking. Group sizes are limited per our published guidelines. Tour schedules are subject to minimum participant requirements; if minimums are not met, we will offer alternative dates or provide a full refund. Dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, and health concerns must be disclosed at time of booking.
4. Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation requests made 60 days before tour departure receive a full refund minus a 5% administrative fee. Cancellations 30-59 days before departure receive a 75% refund. Cancellations 14-29 days before departure receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of departure receive no refund. Weather-related tour cancellations by Gorge Valley Haven entitle you to a full refund or rescheduling at no additional cost. In case of personal emergency, we will work with you to reschedule or transfer your booking.
5. Payment Terms
Payment for tours is due in full at time of booking unless alternative arrangements have been made in writing. We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and other methods as advertised on our website. Payment is processed through secure third-party processors. All prices are quoted in Japanese Yen (JPY) unless otherwise stated. Prices do not include travel insurance, international airfare, or personal expenses. Currency exchange rates for international payments are set by our payment processor and may vary.
6. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver
Participants acknowledge that gorge trekking, river activities, and mountain travel involve inherent risks including but not limited to: physical exertion, altitude exposure, weather exposure, wildlife encounters, river crossings, and equipment use. By booking a tour, you assume all risks associated with participation. You voluntarily assume these risks and agree to release Gorge Valley Haven, its guides, operators, and partners from all liability for injuries, death, or property damage arising from your participation, except where prohibited by law.
7. Health and Fitness Requirements
Tours are graded by difficulty. You are responsible for assessing your own fitness level and selecting appropriate tours. Tours require reasonable physical health and mobility. Participants must disclose medical conditions, medications, allergies, and mobility limitations that could affect participation. Gorge Valley Haven is not responsible for medical emergencies arising from pre-existing conditions. We recommend travel insurance that covers evacuation and emergency medical care. Pregnant participants, those with recent surgery, or those with serious health conditions should consult a physician before booking.
8. Guide Authority and Safety Rules
Our guides have absolute authority regarding participant safety, route decisions, and tour pace. Participants must follow all guide instructions and safety protocols. Guides reserve the right to modify tours, shorten routes, or end participation for individuals who pose a safety risk to themselves or others. Failure to follow guide instructions may result in removal from the tour with no refund. Participants who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate.
9. Equipment and Personal Responsibility
Gorge Valley Haven provides specified safety equipment (helmets, harnesses where applicable). Participants are responsible for providing personal gear as listed in pre-tour materials (proper footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, etc.). Gorge Valley Haven is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings. Participants assume all responsibility for their personal equipment. We recommend travel and equipment insurance for expensive gear.
10. Intellectual Property Rights
All website content, photographs, editorial features, guides, and materials are the intellectual property of Gorge Valley Haven or our partners and are protected by copyright and other laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any content without written permission. You grant Gorge Valley Haven a worldwide, royalty-free license to use photographs or videos of you taken during tours for promotional purposes, unless you opt out in writing.
11. Third-Party Services and Partners
Gorge Valley Haven contracts with accommodation providers, restaurants, transportation companies, and other service providers. We are not responsible for the performance of these third parties. Disputes regarding accommodations, meals, or external services should be reported to Gorge Valley Haven immediately for facilitation but are ultimately between you and the service provider. Review all third-party terms and policies before use.
12. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Gorge Valley Haven and its officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our website or services. Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount paid for the tour in question. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of liability; if you are in such a jurisdiction, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
13. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Tokyo, Japan. Both parties consent to this jurisdiction and venue. For EU residents, you may also have the right to pursue disputes through your national consumer protection mechanisms.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Gorge Valley Haven, its officers, employees, guides, and partners from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your breach of these terms, violation of any law, infringement of third-party rights, or claims arising from your use of our services or participation in tours.
15. Severability and Entire Agreement
If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force. These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Gorge Valley Haven and supersede all prior understandings or agreements.
16. Contact for Disputes
For disputes, legal inquiries, or concerns regarding these terms, please contact:
Gorge Valley Haven Legal Department
Email: legal@gorgevalleyhaven.com
Phone: +81-25-269-2783
Address: 3336 Shindori, Nishi Ward, Niigata 950-2035, Japan
Response time: 15 business days