Terms of Service

Last updated: April 9, 2025


1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using the Japanese Shrine Explorer application ("App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not download, install, or use the App.

2. Description of Service

Japanese Shrine Explorer is a mobile application designed to help users discover, learn about, and track visits to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples throughout Japan. The App offers features including but not limited to:

3. User Accounts and Registration

The App does not require account creation. All data is stored locally on your device, including visit history, achievements, and purchased content.

4. Privacy and Location Services

4.1 Location Data

The App uses location services to track your visits to sacred sites. By enabling location services for the App, you consent to the collection and use of your location data for this purpose. Location data is processed on your device and is not transmitted to external servers.

4.2 Storage of Personal Data

Visit records, notes, and preferences are stored locally on your device. We do not collect, store, or transmit this information to external servers.

4.3 Analytics

The App may collect anonymous, aggregated usage data for improving the App's functionality. This data cannot be used to personally identify you.

5. Purchases and Payment

5.1 In-App Purchases

The App offers in-app purchases for audio guides organized by prefecture. All purchases are processed through Apple's App Store and are subject to Apple's terms and conditions.

5.2 Refunds

Refund requests must be submitted through Apple's App Store. We do not process refunds directly.

5.3 Content Access

Purchased audio guides remain accessible on the device where they were purchased. Reinstallation of the App may require restoration of purchases through Apple's services.

6. User Content and Behavior

6.1 User Notes

You may add personal notes to your visit records. You are solely responsible for any content you create within the App.

6.2 Sharing

The App allows sharing of visit records through your device's standard sharing features. You are responsible for any information you choose to share.

6.3 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 App Content

All content provided through the App, including text, graphics, logos, images, audio clips, and information about sacred places, is owned by us or our content providers and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws.

7.2 User License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the App for personal, non-commercial purposes.

7.3 Third-Party Content

Information about shrines and temples is compiled from various public sources. Images of sacred sites are used appropriately with attributions where required.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not guarantee:

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE APP.

10. Geographic Restrictions

The App is designed for use in Japan and contains information primarily relevant to Japanese sacred sites. Location tracking features may not function properly outside of Japan. The App is intended for use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

11. Changes to Terms of Service

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Terms within the App or on our website. Your continued use of the App after changes to the Terms constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

12. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the App immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the App will cease immediately.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought in the courts of the United States having jurisdiction over the matter.

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at mccloskeyben2@gmail.com.