Terms & Conditions, the TL;DR version
Please read these carefully before booking your pilgrimage with Seinoza. They’re here to protect both you and us, and to ensure the smooth running of your journey.
Acceptance & Payment
To secure your place on the walk, you'll need to:
- Submit your application form
- Complete a video conversation with our facilitators
- Meet our Eligibility Criteria
- Receive confirmation that a space is available
- Pay a non-refundable deposit of US$500 within 2 business days of acceptance
The conversation is an important part of the process — it helps ensure the group is a good fit for you, and that you're a good fit for the group, so the journey is enriching for everyone.
Once accepted, the remaining balance is due within 30 days. If we don't receive full payment by then, we may need to release your place to someone else.
You must provide a signed Participant Waiver & Release at least 30 days before pilgrimage start date. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation without refund.
Cancellations
120+ days before pilgrimage start date: Refund of all payments minus deposit and any non-recoverable costs already incurred
60-119 days before pilgrimage start date: Refund of all payments minus deposit
Less than 60 days before pilgrimage start date: No refund
After trip begins: No refund for any unused portion
Transfers
You can transfer to another available trip more than 60 days before departure. Transfer fees may apply.
Weather & Conditions
We operate pilgrimages in safe conditions and reserve the right to modify routes based on official weather warnings, trail closures, guide assessment of conditions on the day, and group well-being. Ifwe cancel for reasons within our control, you can choose a refund or transfer.
If we cancel for reasons outside our control (e.g., severe typhoons, earthquakes, wildfire, natural disasters, park closures, government action), refunds may not be possible — this is where travel insurance matters.
Your Readiness
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and preparation. If you have any medical conditions that could affect your ability to walk 15-25km daily, check with your doctor before applying.
We'll guide you in preparing, but you must follow equipment lists and safety instructions.
Medical & Insurance
You must disclose any relevant medical conditions and have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
Dietary & Allergies
We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary requirements but can’t guarantee an allergen-free environment. You are responsible for carrying backup food/supplements as needed.
Conduct
Respect for the group, guides, and local communities is essential. We reserve the right to remove participants whose behaviour creates safety risks or significantly impacts others' experience.
Drug & Alcohol-Free Experience
To maintain the intentional, contemplative nature of our pilgrimages, they are drug and alcohol-free. No illegal drugs (including marijuana/cannabis products) or alcohol are permitted.
Please note that Japan has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties. Prescription medications are of course permitted as medically necessary.
Full Terms & Conditions can be read here:
You must agree to the full Terms & Conditions to submit your application. A Participant Waiver and Release must be signed at least 30 days before pilgrimage start date.
Eligibility Criteria for Pilgrimages
Health, safety, and group harmony are central to Seinoza pilgrimages.
Our walks take place in varied environments — from gentle rural paths to steeper, uneven mountain trails — and involve hours of daily walking in all kinds of weather. To help ensure your safety, and the safety and enjoyment of the group, all participants must meet these Eligibility Criteria.
To join a Seinoza pilgrimage, you’ll need to:
Meet age and travel requirements
Be at least 18 years old by pilgrimage start date.
Acquire required travel documents (passport, visa) for travel to Japan.
Engage and communicate effectively
Understand and follow verbal instructions in English.
Communicate your needs clearly to guides and other participants.
Work collaboratively within the group, especially in situations where people might be hungry, tired, or feeling emotionally vulnerable.
Stay aware and follow safety protocols
Remain attentive to your surroundings and take care where warranted.
Walk and navigate varied terrain
Walk comfortably on uneven paths, including gravel, cobblestones, steps, steep ascents and descents, and potentially muddy or slippery surfaces.
Safely navigate trails with occasional obstacles such as low branches, loose stones, and narrow sections.
Manage daily walking distances and elevation
Walk the daily distances listed for your pilgrimage (typically 9.5 - 12.5 m / 15–20 km per day), sometimes with significant elevation changes (up to 3600 ft / 1100 m).
Be prepared to walk for 4 - 5 hours, with breaks, on typical days, with some longer days of up to 7 hours.
Carry and manage your own gear
Carry a daypack with personal items, water, snacks, and weather protection.
Adapt to changing weather
Be comfortable walking in a variety of temperatures and conditions — from cool, damp mornings to warm, sunny afternoons, and the possibility of rain, wind, or humidity.
Manage your own health and well-being
Maintain your own medication schedule without assistance.
Monitor your physical and emotional state, and share concerns with guides as needed.
Support group well-being
Show respect for cultural norms, local communities, and the group’s shared experience.
Maintain a spirit of cooperation and kindness, even when tired or challenged.
Adapt to the accomodation on offer — while everyone will have their own futon or bed, you may be sharing a room with 1 to 5 other people, in line with Japanese norms.
Support a comfortable day’s walking by rising early, being ready to leave on time, and walking at the group’s general pace.