Cancellation & Weather Policy
Last updated: October 2026
1. Scope
This policy applies to all tours booked directly with FKA Nature Tours (by email, message, or our website). All times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
If you booked through Airbnb, GetYourGuide, or another booking platform, that platform's cancellation and refund policy applies to your booking. Our weather and safety rules in Section 3 apply to every tour, however it was booked.
To cancel or change a booking, please contact us in writing (email or the messaging channel you booked through). The time we receive your message is the time of cancellation.
2. If You Cancel
You can cancel free of charge up to 5 days before your tour. Because every tour is private and we reserve the whole day for your group, later cancellations are charged as follows.
| When we receive your cancellation | Refund of tour fee |
|---|---|
| 5 days or more before the start time | 100% |
| Less than 5 days, but 48 hours or more before | 50% |
| Less than 48 hours before, or no-show | No refund |
- Changing your date: One date change is free if requested 5 days or more before the tour, subject to availability. Later changes follow the table above.
- Late arrival: The tour ends at the scheduled time. If we cannot reach you 30 minutes after the start time, the booking counts as a no-show.
- Payment fees: Refunds are made in full, in Japanese yen, to the original payment method within 14 days. We cover any bank or card processing fees.
3. Weather and Safety
Your safety comes first. If we cancel because of weather, you will always get a full refund or a free new date — your choice.
Our tours take place on high plateaus around 2,000 m, where weather can change quickly. Your guide makes the final decision on whether a tour goes ahead, using the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast and conditions on the ground.
We will cancel or change the route when there is:
- A forecast of thunderstorms or lightning in the tour area
- A weather warning (heavy rain, storm, or heavy snow) issued for the area
- Strong winds that make exposed ridges or the plateau unsafe
- Road closures that block access to the trailhead
- For snowshoe tours: blizzard conditions or avalanche risk on the route
When we decide: By 6:00 pm JST the day before, we send you our first decision: go, change of route, or cancel. On the morning of the tour, we confirm the final decision at least 2 hours before the start time.
If we cancel, you choose one of these:
- A free change to another available date
- An alternative route at a lower or safer area, at the same price
- A full refund of the tour fee
Light rain, clouds, and fog: Tours go ahead in light rain or cloudy weather when it is safe to walk. Mountain views cannot be guaranteed, and no refund is given for limited views. We will adapt the route and the stories to the day.
If you choose not to join: If we judge conditions safe and the tour goes ahead, but you decide not to come, the cancellation fees in Section 2 apply.
4. Other Changes and Terms
If we have to cancel for other reasons (for example, guide illness or an emergency), we will offer a new date or a full refund of the tour fee.
Changes during the tour: Your guide may shorten the tour, change the route, or turn back if weather or trail conditions become unsafe. If the tour ends early for safety reasons before half of the planned time has passed, we refund 50% of the tour fee. After that point, no refund is given.
Health and fitness: Please tell us about any medical conditions, injuries, or mobility limits when you book. For everyone's safety, your guide may ask a guest not to continue if they are unwell or cannot follow safety instructions. In that case, no refund is given.
Other costs: We are not responsible for travel, hotel, or other costs linked to a cancelled or changed tour. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers outdoor activities and trip cancellation.
By booking a tour, you agree to this policy.