Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

JPCulturalTours.com ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and protect your information when you visit our website or use our Japan cultural tours services.

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws to ensure your personal data is handled with the highest standards of protection.

2. Data Controller Information

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
• Booking and payment information for Japan cultural tours
• Travel preferences and dietary requirements
• Emergency contact information
• Passport and identification details (when required for tours)
• Communication records and correspondence

3.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information:

• IP address and browser information
• Device type and operating system
• Website usage data and navigation patterns
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Referral sources and search terms

4. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal data for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide and manage your Japan cultural tours bookings
• Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Marketing: To send promotional materials about traditional Japan experiences (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and enhance user experience
• Safety and Security: To ensure the safety of our tours and prevent fraud

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, we process your personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: To fulfill our obligations under tour booking agreements
• Legitimate Interest: For business operations, fraud prevention, and website analytics
• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

6.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent banner.

7. Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. This service may collect:

• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Geographic location (country/city level)
• Device and browser information
• Traffic sources and referral data

You can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

8. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information with:

• Tour Partners: Local guides and venues for Japan cultural tours
• Payment Processors: To process booking payments securely
• Service Providers: IT support, marketing, and customer service providers
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

We ensure all third parties maintain appropriate data protection standards.

9. International Data Transfers

As we operate Japan cultural tours, your data may be transferred to and processed in Japan and other countries. We ensure adequate protection through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions for certain countries
• Other appropriate safeguards as required by GDPR

10. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

11. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Booking Data: 7 years after tour completion for accounting and legal purposes
• Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent or 3 years of inactivity
• Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Communication Records: 3 years for customer service purposes

12. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and regular security updates
• Access controls and staff training
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Incident response procedures

13. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 16, please contact us immediately.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our website

15. Contact Information

For any privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests, please contact us:

16. Supervisory Authority

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority. For EU residents, you can find your local authority at the European Data Protection Board website.