Agreement to Terms and Acceptance
By accessing and using Silver Waypoints services, including our website, mobile applications, and travel services ("Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using our Services. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Silver Waypoints Co., Ltd. ("Company," "we," "our," or "us").
Service Description and Scope
Silver Waypoints provides specialized travel services designed for adults aged 55 and older, including:
- Curated Travel Packages: Small-group travel experiences with accessibility-audited accommodations and senior-friendly itineraries
- Wellness Retreats: Health-focused travel programs incorporating low-impact activities and wellness guidance
- Accessibility Services: Mobility support, equipment rentals, and specialized accommodation arrangements
- Health and Safety Support: Optional health consultations, medical facility coordination, and emergency assistance
- Travel Insurance Services: Comprehensive travel insurance options and claims assistance
- Membership Programs: Seasonal bundle access and exclusive member benefits
- Ancillary Services: Equipment rentals, transportation arrangements, and specialized dietary accommodations
- Educational Programs: Cultural immersion experiences and learning-focused travel opportunities
- Group Travel Coordination: Private group arrangements and customized itineraries
- Post-Travel Support: Follow-up services and future travel planning assistance
Eligibility and Age Requirements
Our services are specifically designed for and restricted to individuals who are 55 years of age or older at the time of booking. Companions or travel partners under 55 may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis with prior approval and may be subject to additional terms and conditions. You must be legally capable of entering into binding contracts and must provide accurate age verification when requested.
Booking Process and Reservations
Reservation Requirements
- Age Verification: All primary travelers must be 55 years of age or older with valid proof of age
- Health Disclosure: Mandatory disclosure of relevant health conditions, mobility requirements, and medical needs
- Deposit Requirements: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation, typically 25-50% of the total package cost
- Documentation: Valid passport, travel insurance, and any required visas must be provided before final payment
- Emergency Contacts: Complete emergency contact information and medical emergency instructions must be provided
- Dietary Requirements: Special dietary needs, allergies, and food restrictions must be disclosed at booking
- Accessibility Needs: Mobility requirements, accessibility needs, and equipment requirements must be specified
- Travel Companions: Information about travel companions and their specific needs must be provided
Payment Terms and Conditions
- Accepted Payment Methods: We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfers, and certified checks
- Currency: All prices are quoted in Japanese Yen (JPY) unless otherwise specified, with currency conversion rates applied at time of payment
- Payment Schedule: Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure date, with payment plan options available for qualifying bookings
- Price Changes: Prices are subject to change until full payment is received and may be adjusted for fuel surcharges, taxes, or currency fluctuations
- Additional Fees: Supplementary charges may apply for special services, single occupancy, dietary accommodations, or accessibility modifications
- Late Payment: Late payment fees may apply for payments received after the due date
- Refund Processing: Refunds, when applicable, will be processed within 14-21 business days to the original payment method
Cancellation Policies and Refunds
Cancellation by Traveler
- More than 120 days before departure: Full refund minus administrative fee (¥15,000)
- 90-120 days before departure: 90% refund of total package cost
- 60-89 days before departure: 75% refund of total package cost
- 30-59 days before departure: 50% refund of total package cost
- 15-29 days before departure: 25% refund of total package cost
- Less than 15 days before departure: No refund unless covered by comprehensive travel insurance
- No-show or departure day cancellation: No refund, full package cost forfeited
- Medical Emergency Cancellations: May be eligible for partial refund with proper medical documentation and travel insurance coverage
Cancellation by Silver Waypoints
We reserve the right to cancel trips under the following circumstances:
- Insufficient Enrollment: Minimum group size requirements not met (typically 6 travelers)
- Safety Concerns: Political instability, natural disasters, health emergencies, or other safety risks
- Force Majeure: Circumstances beyond our control including but not limited to pandemics, terrorism, or government restrictions
- Operational Issues: Significant changes to accommodations, transportation, or key itinerary components
In cases of cancellation by Silver Waypoints, travelers will receive a full refund or credit toward future travel of equal or greater value, plus compensation for any non-refundable expenses incurred.
Health and Safety Requirements
- Medical Disclosure: Travelers must disclose all relevant health conditions, medications, and mobility limitations during the booking process
- Medical Clearance: Medical clearance from a qualified physician may be required for certain activities or destinations
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance including medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and may be mandatory for certain destinations
- Vaccinations and Health Precautions: Travelers are responsible for obtaining all required vaccinations and following health recommendations for their destination
- Medication Management: Travelers must bring adequate supplies of prescription medications and carry them in original containers
- Emergency Medical Information: Complete medical history and emergency medical instructions must be provided and kept current
- Fitness Requirements: Certain activities may have minimum fitness or mobility requirements that must be met
- Safety Compliance: Travelers must comply with all safety instructions from guides and local authorities
- Risk Assumption: Travelers acknowledge and assume inherent risks associated with travel and activities
- Removal from Trip: We reserve the right to remove travelers who pose a safety risk to themselves or others, with no refund provided
Travel Documentation and Requirements
Travelers are solely responsible for ensuring they have all required travel documentation:
- Passport Validity: Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from return date
- Visa Requirements: All necessary visas, permits, and entry documentation for destination countries
- Travel Insurance Documentation: Proof of comprehensive travel insurance coverage meeting destination requirements
- Medical Documentation: Vaccination certificates, medical prescriptions, and health records as required
- Emergency Documentation: Emergency contact information, medical emergency instructions, and next-of-kin details
- Special Requirements: Any additional documentation required for specific activities or accommodations
- Document Copies: Travelers should carry copies of all important documents separately from originals
Liability Limitations and Insurance
Limitation of Liability
Silver Waypoints acts as an intermediary between travelers and third-party service providers. Our liability is limited as follows:
- Maximum Liability: Our total liability is limited to the cost of the travel package purchased
- Third-Party Services: We are not liable for acts, omissions, or negligence of third-party service providers including airlines, hotels, restaurants, or local operators
- Force Majeure: No liability for delays, cancellations, or changes due to circumstances beyond our control including natural disasters, weather conditions, political events, or pandemics
- Personal Injury: Limited liability for personal injury, illness, or death except where caused by our direct negligence
- Property Loss: No liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal property
- Transportation Issues: No liability for flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, or schedule changes
- Consequential Damages: No liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages including lost wages or business opportunities
Travel Insurance Requirements
We strongly recommend and may require comprehensive travel insurance covering:
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation
- Baggage and personal effects coverage
- Travel delay and missed connection coverage
- Pre-existing medical condition coverage (if applicable)
Traveler Conduct and Responsibilities
All travelers are expected to maintain appropriate conduct throughout their journey:
- Respectful Behavior: Treat fellow travelers, guides, local communities, and service providers with respect and courtesy
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs, traditions, and cultural norms in all destinations
- Legal Compliance: Follow all local laws, regulations, and customs requirements
- Group Participation: Participate responsibly in group activities and follow guide instructions
- Safety Compliance: Follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by guides and local authorities
- Environmental Responsibility: Practice sustainable tourism and minimize environmental impact
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for all scheduled activities and departures
- Communication: Inform guides immediately of any health issues, concerns, or special needs
- Prohibited Conduct: Refrain from behavior that disrupts the travel experience for others, including excessive alcohol consumption, inappropriate behavior, or violation of local laws
Intellectual Property Rights
All content on our website and in our materials is protected by intellectual property laws:
- Copyright Protection: All text, images, logos, itineraries, and multimedia content are protected by copyright
- Trademark Rights: Silver Waypoints name, logo, and branding elements are registered trademarks
- Usage Restrictions: You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or use our content without written permission
- Photography Rights: We may use photographs taken during trips for marketing purposes unless you specifically opt out
- User Content: Any content you provide (reviews, photos, feedback) may be used by us for marketing and promotional purposes
Privacy and Data Protection
Your privacy is important to us. Please review our comprehensive Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using our services, you consent to our privacy practices as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services will be resolved as follows:
- Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of Japan
- Jurisdiction: Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of Tokyo, Japan
- Arbitration: Disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration under Japanese arbitration rules
- Language: All proceedings will be conducted in English or Japanese
- Limitation Period: Any claims must be brought within one year of the incident giving rise to the claim
Modifications to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time:
- Notice of Changes: Material changes will be posted on our website and communicated via email
- Effective Date: Changes take effect immediately upon posting unless otherwise specified
- Continued Use: Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms
- Existing Bookings: Changes may not apply to existing confirmed bookings unless required by law
Severability and Entire Agreement
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any specific booking agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Silver Waypoints regarding the use of our services.
Contact Information and Customer Service
For questions about these Terms of Service, booking inquiries, or customer service needs, please contact us: