Terms of service

Akebono Tokyo Drive – Terms & Conditions

By booking and participating in any tour operated by Akebono Co., Ltd. trading as Akebono Tokyo Drive ("Akebono Tokyo Drive"), you agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

1. Bookings and Payments

All bookings are confirmed upon receipt of full payment.

2. Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations made more than fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled tour date are eligible for a full refund.

  • Cancellations made within fourteen (14) days of the scheduled tour date are non-refundable.

  • Bookings made within fourteen (14) days of the tour date are considered last-minute bookings and are non-refundable from the time of confirmation.

  • Failure to attend the tour without prior notice ("no-show") will result in 100% forfeiture of the booking amount.

For full details, conditions, and exceptions, please refer to our Refund Policy.

3. Rescheduling

Rescheduling requests within fourteen (14) days of the tour date may be considered at the sole discretion of Akebono Tokyo Drive and are subject to availability. Approval is not guaranteed.

4. Driver Eligibility

Drivers must hold a valid license recognized in Japan. This includes either:

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the Geneva Convention; or

  • A valid driver's license with an official Japanese translation (for eligible countries).

Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal driving requirements and must present valid documentation on the day of the tour. Failure to do so will result in denial of participation without refund.

5. Vehicle Operation Responsibility

Customers must be confident and experienced in operating the selected vehicle type, including manual transmission where applicable. Akebono Tokyo Drive is not responsible for issues arising from lack of experience.

6. Driving Conduct

Participants must operate vehicles responsibly and with mechanical care. Reckless driving, excessive revving, clutch abuse, street racing, dangerous driving, or any unsafe behavior is strictly prohibited and may result in the immediate termination of the tour without refund.

7. Following the Tour Guide and Authorized Route

Akebono Tokyo Drive tours are guided convoy experiences. Participants must remain with the designated lead vehicle and follow all instructions provided by Akebono Tokyo Drive staff at all times.

Participants are strictly prohibited from:

  • Leaving the convoy without prior authorization;

  • Deviating from the designated tour route;

  • Driving independently or separating from the group;

  • Attempting to continue the tour without the guide;

  • Ignoring or refusing instructions provided by Akebono Tokyo Drive staff;

  • Making unauthorized stops or detours.

If a participant intentionally separates from the convoy, refuses to follow the guide's instructions, or otherwise abandons the guided experience, Akebono Tokyo Drive reserves the right to immediately terminate the participant's tour without refund.

Such conduct constitutes a material breach of these Terms and Conditions. Akebono Tokyo Drive reserves the right to recover all resulting costs, charge reasonable administrative fees, seek compensation for damages, and pursue legal action where appropriate under Japanese law. The participant shall be fully responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of their actions, including but not limited to vehicle recovery, staff time, towing, transportation, damages, insurance-related costs, fines imposed by authorities, third-party claims, and legal expenses.

8. Liability and Damages

Insurance is included in the tour price and covers major damages and serious incidents. Minor damages or damages resulting from negligence, misuse, or breach of these Terms and Conditions may not be covered.

Customers are financially responsible for such damages. Applicable charges are outlined in the consent form signed prior to the tour.

9. Security Deposit / Insurance Excess

Akebono Tokyo Drive reserves the right to require a security deposit prior to the tour. This may be used to cover damages, insurance excess, administrative fees, or additional costs.

10. Traffic Violations, Fines, and Tolls

Customers are fully responsible for any traffic violations, parking violations, fines, tolls, penalties, or other charges incurred during the tour. Additional administrative fees may apply.

11. Accidents and Incidents

In the event of an accident or incident, customers must immediately notify Akebono Tokyo Drive staff, follow all instructions provided, and comply with Japanese law. Failure to do so may result in full financial and legal liability.

12. Route and Experience Variations

Tour routes may vary depending on weather, traffic conditions, road closures, the day of the week, or operational factors. Tours operate in most weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.

Akebono Tokyo Drive reserves the right to modify, shorten, postpone, or terminate the tour for safety or operational reasons without refund.

13. Punctuality

Customers must arrive on time at the designated meeting point. Late arrival may result in reduced tour time or denial of participation without refund.

14. Right to Refuse or Terminate Service

Akebono Tokyo Drive reserves the right to refuse or terminate participation at any time if a customer:

  • Is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs;

  • Behaves in an unsafe, reckless, abusive, or disruptive manner;

  • Fails to follow staff instructions;

  • Leaves the convoy without authorization;

  • Breaches these Terms and Conditions; or

  • Is otherwise deemed unfit to participate safely.

No refund will be issued in such cases.

15. Passengers

Passengers may join where applicable and must follow all safety instructions at all times. Passengers may also be removed from the tour without refund if their conduct jeopardizes the safety or operation of the tour.

16. Personal Belongings

Akebono Tokyo Drive is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings.

17. Media Usage

Photos and videos may be taken during the tour and used for promotional, advertising, and marketing purposes unless the customer requests otherwise in writing prior to the experience.

18. Vehicle Availability

Specific vehicles are not guaranteed. In the event of mechanical failure, accident, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances, Akebono Tokyo Drive reserves the right to substitute a similar vehicle or modify the booking without refund.

19. Third-Party Liability

Akebono Tokyo Drive is not responsible for delays, damages, injuries, or incidents caused by third parties or circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

20. Credit Card Authorization

Customers authorize Akebono Tokyo Drive to charge their provided payment method for damages, insurance excess, unpaid tolls, traffic violations, administrative fees, recovery costs, contractual charges, or any other amounts owed under these Terms and Conditions.

21. Force Majeure

Akebono Tokyo Drive shall not be liable for cancellations, delays, route changes, or other modifications caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, earthquakes, accidents, road closures, government actions, civil disturbances, mechanical failures, or other unforeseen events.

22. Language

These Terms and Conditions and all tour instructions are provided in English. Customers confirm that they understand English sufficiently to safely participate in the tour.

23. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Japan.

24. Agreement to Terms

By completing a booking and participating in an Akebono Tokyo Drive experience, the customer confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in their entirety.