Booking &
participation terms

1.1“JAPANSKI” is a trading name and travel brand operated jointly by Hadas Dvir and Gal Gershon, who jointly sell and organise the package and are the contracting parties in relation to the traveller. They are referred to together as the “Company” for convenience only, without representing that the business is an incorporated company. The sellers’ full identifying details and identity or business registration numbers will appear in the booking confirmation. Contact: hadas@gojapanski.com, +972 52 550 3539; gal@gojapanski.com, +972 50 385 8546.

1.2“Holon Tours” is a provider of payment collection and funds-transfer services only. It receives travellers’ payments on behalf of the Company, holds them and transfers payments to suppliers under its arrangement with the Company. Holon Tours is not the seller, the package organiser or a party to this agreement. Paying through Holon Tours does not change the Company’s identity as the seller or its responsibility to fulfil its obligations under the agreement and the law.

1.3“Traveller” means each person registered for the package. “Booker” means the person making a booking for themselves or others. The booker confirms that they are authorised to provide those persons’ details. However, acceptance of these terms must be obtained separately from each adult traveller and, for a minor, from their guardian.

1.4“Package” means the land services specified in the personalised proposal and booking confirmation, including only the services expressly marked as included. General advertising on the website does not add a service that is not included in writing in the booking confirmation.

1.5“Supplier” means any third party that actually provides a service, including hotels, transfer companies, ski resorts, equipment-hire companies, guides, restaurants, attraction operators and local tourism providers.

2.1The contract documents are: the booking confirmation and personalised proposal; the disclosure form; the version of these terms that was in force and accepted at the time of booking; and written correspondence in which the Company approved a specific change.

2.2If there is a conflict, specific details in the booking confirmation take precedence over general website advertising, followed by the disclosure form and then these terms. This order does not diminish any mandatory statutory right of the traveller.

2.3Oral statements, estimates, recommendations or promises that have not been confirmed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company do not form part of the agreement. Photographs, maps, visualisations, timetables and marketing descriptions are illustrative unless expressly identified in writing as a binding commitment.

2.4After booking, the Company will not unilaterally change a material term except as permitted by law, because of a reasonable operational need or an external circumstance, and in accordance with the changes provisions below. Updated website terms apply to new bookings and do not retrospectively change a contract that has already been concluded.

3.1Submitting a form, having a conversation, receiving a proposal or receiving a payment request does not constitute final confirmation. A booking becomes binding only after the required payment has been received, availability has been confirmed by the suppliers and the Company has sent a written booking confirmation.

3.2Until written confirmation is sent, prices and availability may change. If the booking cannot be confirmed, any amount collected for it will be refunded. The traveller will have no claim in respect of other expenses incurred before receiving confirmation, including the purchase of flights.

3.3Acceptance of the terms will be recorded by a dedicated checkbox, electronic signature or another written confirmation, together with the terms version, the time of acceptance and the identity of the person accepting. Simply browsing the website does not constitute acceptance of the participation terms.

4.1The package includes only the services specified in the booking confirmation, such as accommodation, specified transfers, a ski pass, equipment and logistical support, according to the selected package and dates.

4.2International flights are not included in the land-package price unless expressly stated otherwise in a separate document. Any flight offered or purchased through a third party is a separate transaction subject to the terms of the airline and the party selling it.

4.3Unless stated otherwise, the price does not include travel and winter sports insurance, ski or snowboard lessons, clothing, medical treatment and rescue expenses, meals not specified, drinks, tips, personal expenses, local tax charged directly to the guest, upgrades, luggage forwarding, accommodation or transport needed because of disruption, or any optional service.

4.4Where it is practically possible to omit a particular service or choose an alternative, the proposal will explain this option and its effect on the price.

5.1The total price, currency, payment dates, any indexation or conversion formula, and all unavoidable charges will be stated in the proposal and booking confirmation. No mandatory charge that was not disclosed in advance will be collected, except a new charge imposed after booking by a competent authority or supplier that could not reasonably have been anticipated.

5.2Where the price is quoted in euros and payment is made in Israeli shekels through Holon Tours, conversion will follow Holon Tours’ conversion mechanism as communicated to the traveller in the proposal or payment request. The shekel amount actually charged for each payment is the determining amount for that payment.

5.3Travellers’ payments will be collected and held by Holon Tours on behalf of the Company. Once the required amounts have accumulated, payments will be transferred to the package suppliers in accordance with the arrangement between the Company and Holon Tours. Holon Tours’ role is operational and financial only. Holding or transferring the money does not make it the seller or a party to this agreement.

5.4A place on the package is held only after the specified payment has been received. Late payment may result in a price expiring, loss of availability or cancellation of the booking after reasonable notice. In that case, the cancellation charges and non-refundable expenses applicable at that time will apply.

5.5After full payment and final confirmation, the price will not increase because of ordinary exchange-rate movements. An additional charge will be made only for a change requested by the traveller, a new tax or levy, or a mandatory external charge that was not known at the time of confirmation, subject to the law and provision of a breakdown.

6.1Each departure may be conditional on a minimum number of participants, as specified in the proposal. The Company may cancel a departure that does not reach the minimum, provided notice is given to the traveller no later than 30 days before the package starts.

6.2In that case, the amounts the traveller paid to the Company for the land package will be refunded within the period required by law. No additional compensation will be paid insofar as the cancellation complies with the information disclosed in advance and with the law.

6.3The Company is not responsible for a flight ticket, hotel, insurance, train or other service the traveller has purchased separately. Travellers are therefore advised not to purchase inflexible services until final confirmation that the departure will operate, and to obtain suitable cancellation insurance.

7.1The traveller is responsible for choosing a flight that allows arrival at the meeting point on time. Group-transfer times are fixed and may not accommodate every flight.

7.2If a flight is delayed or cancelled, or if a booking error, lost luggage, border-control delay or any other reason prevents the traveller from arriving on time, the Company will make reasonable efforts to assist. It does not undertake to delay the group or pay for transport, accommodation, food or itinerary changes.

7.3A traveller who misses the transfer must pay the cost of independently joining the group. Non-arrival or late arrival does not entitle the traveller to a refund for unused services, except to the extent that the supplier actually refunds their cost or the law requires otherwise.

8.1The traveller must hold a valid passport and check the entry, transit, health and customs requirements that apply to their nationality, flight itinerary and personal circumstances, both around the time of booking and again before travel. Do not rely on a fixed rule about the number of months of passport validity without checking the requirements of the authorities and airline.

8.2Passenger names must be supplied exactly as shown in their passports. Any cost resulting from a name error, passport renewal, visa requirement, denied boarding or refusal of entry is payable by the traveller, unless caused by an error by the Company.

8.3Information provided by the Company is general information only and may change. The traveller remains ultimately responsible for checking official sources and obtaining the necessary documents.

9.1Any change to a name, date, hotel, room type, travelling party, equipment or other service requires advance written approval and is subject to availability and the suppliers’ terms.

9.2The traveller must pay the price difference, change fees and any non-refundable cost incurred. Substituting a traveller may be treated as cancellation and a new booking if the supplier does not permit a transfer.

9.3Requests for separate beds, adjoining rooms, a particular floor or view, dietary arrangements, accessibility, early check-in or late check-out will be passed to the supplier but are not guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in writing.

10.1Rights that cannot be excluded

Nothing in these terms diminishes any right to cancel, obtain a refund or seek a remedy that the traveller has under mandatory law. For a distance-selling transaction, the provisions of the Israeli Consumer Protection Law apply, including its applicable time limits, exceptions and cancellation charges.

10.2Tourism services provided wholly outside Israel

Where the legal conditions are met, the Company may offer the traveller an advance, express choice between the cancellation right under Israeli law and the cancellation policy of the service provider outside Israel. Using the supplier’s policy is conditional on its being provided in full before the contract is concluded and in the booking document, including time limits, cancellation charges and any available refund. The choice must be recorded.

If a complete supplier policy has not been provided and a valid choice has not been recorded, this general wording alone will not be relied on to use the supplier’s policy to restrict a statutory right.

10.3Commercial cancellation after the statutory cancellation right expires

After the mandatory statutory cancellation period has expired, or where no such right applies, the cancellation-charge schedule below applies. Days are calendar days between the Company’s receipt of a valid cancellation notice and the package start date. The percentage is calculated on the total package price attributable to the traveller or travellers who cancel, as stated in the booking confirmation, excluding any separate service not sold by the Company.

Cancellation by some travellers within a shared booking may change the room occupancy and the price payable by those who remain. In that case, in addition to the cancellation charges payable by those cancelling, the remaining travellers must pay any price difference arising directly from the change in occupancy or room type, provided that they receive a detailed calculation and subject to the law.

10.4How to give notice of cancellation

A cancellation request must be sent to JAPANSKI by telephone on +972 52 550 3539 or by email to hadas@gojapanski.com. Please state your name, identity number and details that allow the booking to be identified. As the package cannot be purchased on the website, a dedicated online cancellation link is not currently offered, unless the law requires one in the circumstances of the transaction.

The cancellation date is the date JAPANSKI receives an identifiable notice that it can process. The Company may contact the traveller to verify identity, clarify the booking details and calculate cancellation charges. However, speaking to a representative is not a condition for giving notice or for its validity. Travellers are advised to retain proof of delivery.

10.5Refunds

10.5.1Refunds of amounts paid in Israeli shekels will be made in Israeli shekels, based on the actual shekel amounts paid when the transaction was made, rather than the exchange rate on the refund date. Where several payments were made at different exchange rates, the calculation will use the actual shekel amount paid in each payment.

10.5.2Cancellation charges will be calculated as percentages of the package price quoted in euros. Amounts actually paid will be credited against the cancellation charges. If an outstanding balance of cancellation charges remains payable by the traveller after that credit, it will be calculated in euros and converted into shekels at the conversion rate applicable when the cancellation notice was received, using Holon Tours’ conversion mechanism.

10.5.3If a balance is due to the traveller after deducting cancellation charges, it will be refunded in shekels in accordance with section 10.5.1 and within the period required by law. If the law requires a more favourable mechanism or deadline, the legal requirement prevails.

10.5.4The Company may request reasonable documents needed to process a cancellation, but will not make a cancellation right conditional on an unreasonable requirement.

11.1The itinerary may change because of weather, road conditions, a supplier’s decision, safety, congestion, instructions from an authority, illness of a staff member or another operational circumstance. The Company may change the order of days, times, route, ski resort, mode of transport, restaurant, guide or service, provided it acts reasonably and seeks to preserve the essential nature of the package.

11.2A minor change, or a change that does not materially reduce the package’s value, does not give rise to compensation. In the event of a material change, the Company will act in accordance with the law and, where possible, offer a reasonable alternative.

11.3Replacing a host, guide, driver or supplier is not, in itself, a material change, provided a similar service of a reasonable standard is supplied.

12.1An “external event” includes, among other things, war, terrorism, a travel warning, an epidemic, an earthquake, a volcanic eruption, a typhoon, a snowstorm, an avalanche, flooding, fire, a strike, a severe shortage, closure of borders, roads or railways, cancellation of transport, a system failure, a cyberattack, a decision by an authority, or any circumstance outside the Company’s reasonable control.

12.2The Company may change, shorten, suspend or cancel a service affected by an external event where necessary for safety or reasonable performance. It will make reasonable efforts to recover the cost of a service not provided. However, any commercial refund will be limited to the amount actually returned by the supplier, after deducting non-refundable costs and reasonable expenses, unless the law requires otherwise.

12.3Personal or additional expenses caused by an external event, including flights, accommodation, food, transport, an extended stay, medical treatment, an itinerary change or lost working days, are not included in the price. The traveller should claim them from their insurer where covered.

13.1If a snowstorm, extreme weather, a road or railway closure, cancellation of transport, an instruction from an authority, a flight delay or another external circumstance prevents arrival in Hakuba or at the hotel at the planned time, the Company will make reasonable efforts to help find alternative accommodation and transport, but does not guarantee their availability or undertake to pay for them. All additional expenses, including alternative accommodation, food, a taxi, transfer, train, storage or ticket changes, are payable by the traveller. A night booked in Hakuba but not used will not be refunded unless, and to the extent that, the hotel or supplier actually refunds its cost.

This provision does not apply to the extent that the event or expense results from the Company’s breach of its obligations or negligence, and is in all cases subject to mandatory law.

13.2The Company does not undertake that the group will reach Hakuba on the same day if the authorities, transfer company or operations manager determine that the journey is unsafe or impossible.

13.3If the group transfer itself is suspended because of an external event, the Company may bring the group together in a safe location and coordinate an alternative. Providing organisational assistance does not mean accepting responsibility for paying the expenses.

13.4This section is distinct from a situation in which the confirmed hotel cannot provide the room for a reason relating to the hotel itself. In that case, the hotel-replacement policy in the following section applies.

14.1The hotel, room type, occupancy, board basis and dates will be as confirmed in writing. Hotel and room classifications in Japan are not necessarily equivalent to standards in Israel, and city rooms may be smaller than those commonly found in Israel.

14.2Check-in and check-out times are set by the hotel. Early check-in, late check-out, a double bed, adjoining rooms, a particular floor or view, or specific facilities are not guaranteed without express confirmation.

14.3If the confirmed hotel cannot provide the accommodation because of closure, overbooking or supplier failure, the Company will seek to provide an alternative that is as similar as possible, without an additional charge solely for the replacement. If the alternative is materially inferior, an appropriate refund will be considered in accordance with the law and the actual cost.

14.4If the room remains reserved but the traveller does not arrive, leaves early or chooses not to use it, no refund is due unless the supplier actually refunds the cost.

15.1There is no guarantee of snow quantity, powder quality, weather, open pistes or lifts, or the opening of a particular resort. Resorts and authorities decide on opening and closure for safety and operational reasons.

15.2Closure of a resort, piste or lift, restricted visibility, wind or a lack of snow does not automatically entitle the traveller to a refund. The Company may direct travellers to another resort included in the ski pass or change the day’s programme. A ski-pass refund will be given only if, and to the extent that, the issuer approves and transfers a refund, subject to the law.

15.3The ski pass is personal and subject to the terms of Hakuba Valley and the resorts. Loss, prohibited use, suspension for breaking the rules or non-use is not the Company’s responsibility.

16.1The equipment type, number of days and included items will be specified in the booking. Sizes, brands and models are subject to stock and professional fitting by the hire provider.

16.2The traveller must inspect the equipment on collection and report any defect immediately. Using faulty equipment after an opportunity to report it may increase the damage and the traveller’s responsibility.

16.3Loss, theft, abnormal damage, use contrary to instructions or late return may result in the traveller being charged directly by the supplier. Travellers are advised to check that their insurance covers hired equipment.

17.1Skiing and snowboarding involve inherent risks of falls, collisions, injury, avalanches, exposure to cold and changing weather. The traveller is responsible for choosing runs suited to their ability, observing resort rules and following signs and staff instructions.

17.2Unless stated otherwise, the package does not include ski or snowboard lessons, ski instruction, mountain guiding, a private rescue service or individual accompaniment on the slopes. The logistical host is not a ski instructor, doctor, rescuer or babysitter.

17.3Going off-piste, entering a closed area, passing through backcountry gates or undertaking an activity requiring avalanche equipment must comply with the law, resort rules, the traveller’s ability and their insurance cover. The Company does not organise such activities as part of the package unless approved in writing and delivered through a qualified provider.

17.4The use of alcohol, medication or another substance that impairs judgement while skiing or snowboarding is the traveller’s responsibility and may lead to their participation in the activity being stopped.

18.1Comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of participation. As far as possible, cover should be effective from the time of booking and include at least medical expenses, winter sports, evacuation and rescue, cancellation and curtailment, travel disruption and alternative accommodation, luggage and hired equipment. If off-piste skiing or snowboarding is planned, suitable express cover is also required.

18.2The Company may require proof of insurance before departure. A traveller who does not provide evidence of suitable cover may be refused participation in an activity or in the package. This will be treated as cancellation by the traveller, subject to the law and non-refundable costs.

18.3Before booking, the traveller must disclose any medical, physical, mental-health, dietary or accessibility limitation that may affect their participation or the group’s safety. The Company will retain medical information only to the extent necessary and consider reasonable adjustments, but is not qualified to give medical advice.

18.4In an emergency, the Company or its representatives may summon assistance, contact the emergency contact and take reasonable action to protect the traveller. All costs of treatment, evacuation, accommodation or accompanying support are payable by the traveller or their insurer.

19.1A minor may participate only with a responsible parent or guardian unless otherwise approved in writing. The parent is responsible for supervision, the suitability of activities, consent to medical treatment and any required documents.

19.2The package does not include childcare or individual supervision. The group host does not replace a parent, instructor or carer.

19.3Prices for a child, cot, extra bed, child’s ski pass and equipment will depend on the age group, room occupancy and choices recorded in the booking confirmation. The child’s age is determined at the start of the service, and the supplier may require an identity document.

20.1Transfer luggage limits will be specified in the confirmation. Excess luggage, unusual equipment or a change in the number of bags may require approval and an additional payment.

20.2The Company does not hold personal belongings for safekeeping and is not responsible for loss, theft or damage for which a carrier, hotel, resort or supplier is responsible, except to the extent caused by an act or omission of the Company for which it is legally liable.

21.1The traveller must respect Japanese law, hotel and resort rules, safety instructions, group timings, and the privacy of participants and staff. Violence, harassment, discrimination, threats, causing damage, repeated disruption or behaviour that endangers a person or the delivery of the package are prohibited.

21.2After a warning where circumstances permit, the Company may suspend an activity or end the participation of a traveller whose behaviour or condition creates a real risk or serious disruption. Immediate action may be taken in an urgent situation.

21.3A traveller whose participation is ended must pay the costs of onward travel, accommodation and return travel. They will not receive a refund for unused services unless, and to the extent that, the supplier refunds their cost or the law requires otherwise.

22.1A substantial part of the services is delivered by independent suppliers. The Company is responsible for selecting and coordinating suppliers with reasonable care and acting in accordance with its commitments, but does not control every operational action of a hotel, ski resort, transfer company or authority.

22.2These terms do not exclude liability that cannot legally be excluded, including liability for personal injury caused by the Company’s negligence or for wilful misconduct. Any exclusion or limitation will be interpreted narrowly and subject to the law.

22.3To the extent permitted by law, the Company will not be liable for indirect loss, loss of profit, lost working days, exceptional distress or an expense that was not reasonably foreseeable when the contract was made. The traveller must take reasonable steps to reduce loss and make use of appropriate insurance cover.

22.4A complaint against a supplier must also be referred to that supplier. The Company will provide reasonable assistance in obtaining documents and making contact, but does not guarantee the outcome of proceedings or a claim involving the supplier or insurer.

23.1A traveller who discovers a discrepancy, fault or shortcoming in a service must promptly notify the host or the designated contact centre and allow a reasonable opportunity to put it right during the trip. The traveller should retain records, receipts, photographs and the details of the person contacted.

23.2A complaint after returning home should be submitted in writing within a reasonable time, with details and supporting evidence. Failure to report a problem during the trip does not remove a mandatory statutory right, but may be taken into account if it prevented a remedy or increased the loss.

A service not used because of the traveller’s choice, lateness, illness, injury, flight change, early departure, refusal of entry, breach of rules or personal circumstances does not give rise to a refund, unless, and to the extent that, the supplier actually refunds its cost or the law requires otherwise. The traveller should contact their insurer about an event covered by their policy.

The Company may collect and pass to suppliers and the payment-collection company information needed for booking, payment, operations, safety and emergency care, including transfers outside Israel. Information will be retained in accordance with the law and the website’s privacy policy. Sensitive medical information will be limited to what is necessary and will not be used for marketing without appropriate consent.

Operational notices will be sent to the email address or telephone number provided by the traveller. The traveller is responsible for updating their details, checking messages and being available shortly before and during the trip. A group message does not replace an individual notice where personal delivery is required by law.

The agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Israel. The parties will first attempt to resolve a dispute in good faith through written communication. Jurisdiction lies with the court competent under the law. The courts of the Tel Aviv district may be specified as an agreed venue, provided this does not remove a mandatory statutory right of the traveller or unreasonably restrict their access to the courts.

28.1If a provision is invalid or unenforceable, it will be interpreted or limited to the extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will stay in force.

28.2Not enforcing a right in a particular case does not waive that right in the future.

28.3Headings are for convenience only. References in the masculine or singular include all genders and the plural, as appropriate.

28.4In the event of a translation, the Hebrew version prevails unless the law requires otherwise.

By accepting the booking confirmation, the traveller confirms that they had a reasonable opportunity to review these terms, the proposal, the disclosure form and the cancellation policy in advance; understood that flights are not part of the land package unless purchased separately; understood the risks of winter sports and the insurance requirement; and provided complete and accurate information needed for the booking and for safety.