GuidePal Local Guide Agreement

GuidePal is an online marketplace that connects travelers seeking authentic local experiences with knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about sharing their cities, culture, expertise, and interests.

GuidePal believes that travel is more than visiting famous attractions—it is about creating meaningful human connections through shared experiences.

GuidePal acts solely as an intermediary platform that enables Travelers and Guides to connect, communicate, and enter into booking arrangements. Unless expressly stated otherwise, GuidePal is not the organizer, operator, or provider of the tours, activities, or experiences listed on the Platform.

Each Guide independently designs, manages, and delivers their own experiences and remains solely responsible for the quality, safety, legality, and execution of those experiences.

For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below.

"GuidePal" means the GuidePal platform, website, mobile applications, affiliated services, subsidiaries, successors, and any entity operating the GuidePal marketplace.

"Platform" means all websites, mobile applications, software, systems, databases, and online services operated by GuidePal.

"Guide", "Local Guide", or "GuidePal Host" means an individual or legally registered business that has successfully registered with GuidePal and offers Experiences through the Platform.

"Traveler" means any individual who browses, books, purchases, or participates in an Experience offered through GuidePal.

"Experience" means any tour, activity, workshop, class, consultation, cultural exchange, outdoor activity, event, or service published by a Guide through the Platform.

"Guide Price" means the amount entered by the Guide during tour creation representing the amount the Guide wishes to receive before GuidePal's Platform Service Fee is added.

"Platform Service Fee" means the service fee charged by GuidePal for operating the Platform and facilitating bookings.

"Booking" means a confirmed reservation made by a Traveler through the GuidePal Platform.

"Content" means all text, photographs, videos, itineraries, logos, graphics, reviews, messages, descriptions, audio recordings, pricing information, and other materials uploaded or published on the Platform.

To become a GuidePal Guide, applicants must satisfy all of the following minimum requirements.

3.1 Minimum Age

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or the legal age of majority in your country or region, whichever is higher.

3.2 Legal Capacity

You must possess the legal capacity to enter into legally binding agreements under the laws of your country of residence.

3.3 Compliance with Local Laws

You represent and warrant that operating tours or experiences through GuidePal does not violate any applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, employment restrictions, immigration conditions, visa conditions, or contractual obligations applicable to you.

If your local jurisdiction requires professional guide licenses, business registrations, transportation permits, food handling certificates, or any other governmental approvals, you are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining them.

3.4 Professional Conduct

GuidePal reserves the right to reject or remove applicants who have engaged in fraud, violent conduct, harassment, discrimination, criminal activity, or conduct that may damage the safety, reputation, or integrity of the GuidePal community.

3.5 Language Skills

Guides should possess sufficient communication skills in at least one language offered on their profile to safely and effectively deliver their experiences.

4.1 Registration

To provide Experiences through GuidePal, you must first create a Guide account.

During registration, you agree to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information, including but not limited to:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Nationality
• Contact information
• Email address
• Mobile phone number
• Languages spoken
• Emergency contact information (where requested)
• Bank account details for receiving payments

4.2 Accuracy of Information

You represent and warrant that all information submitted to GuidePal is truthful and accurate.

You agree to promptly update your account whenever your personal information changes.

Providing false, misleading, incomplete, or fraudulent information constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and may result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.

4.3 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.

You must immediately notify GuidePal if you become aware of unauthorized access to your account.

GuidePal shall not be liable for any loss arising from your failure to protect your account credentials.

4.4 One Account Policy

Unless expressly approved by GuidePal in writing, each Guide may maintain only one Guide account.

Creating multiple accounts to circumvent platform policies may result in permanent account termination.

To maintain a trusted marketplace, GuidePal reserves the right to verify the identity of every Guide.

Verification may include, but is not limited to:

• Government-issued passport
• National identification card
• Driver's license
• Residence card
• Selfie verification
• Live identity verification
• Address verification
• Telephone verification
• Email verification
• Business registration documents
• Professional licenses
• Background checks where legally permitted

GuidePal may request updated documentation at any time.

Failure to complete identity verification within the requested timeframe may result in temporary suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.

Submission of verification documents does not guarantee approval.

GuidePal reserves the sole discretion to approve or reject any Guide application.

GuidePal provides a technology platform that connects Travelers with independent Guides.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be interpreted as creating an employer-employee relationship, partnership, joint venture, franchise, agency relationship, or fiduciary relationship between GuidePal and any Guide.

Each Guide operates as an independent contractor and retains full control over:

• Tour content
• Tour schedule
• Pricing (subject to Platform pricing policies)
• Delivery methods
• Business decisions

Guides are solely responsible for:

• Income taxes
• Business registration
• Licenses
• Insurance
• Pension contributions
• Social security
• Employment obligations
• Local legal compliance

Guides are not authorized to make representations, promises, warranties, or contractual commitments on behalf of GuidePal.

Nothing in this Agreement grants any authority to bind GuidePal legally.

Guides are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and hospitality while representing themselves on the GuidePal Platform.

Each Guide agrees to:

• Deliver the Experience substantially as described in the published listing.
• Arrive punctually at the agreed meeting location.
• Treat all Travelers with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.
• Provide accurate information throughout the Experience.
• Maintain a safe environment for all participants.
• Respect local customs, laws, and cultural heritage.
• Refrain from discrimination, harassment, abusive language, or inappropriate conduct.
• Promptly communicate with Travelers regarding booking details, schedule changes, or emergencies.
• Protect Travelers' personal information and privacy.

Guides must not engage in fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or unethical business practices.

GuidePal reserves the right to investigate complaints and take appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of Guide accounts.

Guides are responsible for creating clear, truthful, and accurate tour listings.

Each listing must include:

• Tour title
• Tour description
• Itinerary
• Duration
• Meeting location
• Maximum group size
• Languages offered
• Included items
• Excluded items
• Physical activity level
• Accessibility information
• Cancellation policy (if applicable)
• Safety considerations
• Pricing

All photographs, videos, and promotional materials must accurately represent the actual Experience.

Guides shall not use copyrighted materials, misleading images, stock photographs that materially misrepresent the Experience, or AI-generated images without clearly indicating when they are illustrative rather than actual representations.

GuidePal reserves the right to edit, reject, suspend, or remove listings that violate these standards.

9.1 Guide Price

When publishing an Experience, the Guide shall enter the amount that the Guide wishes to receive for successfully delivering the Experience ("Guide Price").

9.2 Platform Service Fee

GuidePal charges a Platform Service Fee for operating the Platform, processing bookings, providing customer support, marketing services, payment processing, and maintaining marketplace operations.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, or as part of a promotional campaign, strategic partnership, or special pricing arrangement, the Platform Service Fee shall be eighteen percent (18%) of the Guide Price.

The Platform Service Fee shall be automatically added to the Guide Price entered by the Guide when creating an Experience.

For example:

Pricing example

Guide Price entered by the Guide: JPY 10,000

Platform Service Fee (18%): JPY 1,800

Final price displayed to the Traveler: JPY 11,800

The Guide will receive the Guide Price, less any applicable taxes, payment processing charges where disclosed, refunds, or other deductions expressly provided under this Agreement.

GuidePal reserves the right to modify, reduce, waive, or increase the Platform Service Fee for specific promotional campaigns, pilot programs, strategic partnerships, or other commercial initiatives. Any such changes applicable to an individual Guide shall be communicated in advance or documented in a separate written agreement.

Guides shall not advertise or solicit off-platform payments intended to avoid the Platform Service Fee. Circumventing the GuidePal booking and payment system constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and may result in suspension, termination, forfeiture of earnings, or other remedies available under applicable law.

10.1 Payment Processing

All payments for Experiences booked through the GuidePal Platform shall be processed exclusively through payment methods approved by GuidePal. Guides agree not to request, encourage, or accept direct payments from Travelers for bookings initiated through the Platform unless expressly authorized by GuidePal in writing.

10.2 Payment Schedule

Subject to successful completion of the Experience, applicable refund periods, fraud prevention reviews, and payment processor timelines, GuidePal will remit the Guide's earnings to the designated bank account or payment account provided by the Guide.

GuidePal will make reasonable efforts to process payments within the timeframe published in its operational policies. Payment timelines may vary depending on the Guide's country of residence, banking institution, payment provider, holidays, currency conversion, or other circumstances beyond GuidePal's reasonable control.

10.3 Currency

Unless otherwise specified, the Guide Price shall be established in the currency selected during the listing process. Travelers may be charged in another currency depending on the payment processor or local regulations.

GuidePal is not responsible for exchange rate fluctuations or fees charged by financial institutions.

10.4 Payment Adjustments

GuidePal reserves the right to withhold, delay, deduct, or adjust payments where reasonably necessary, including but not limited to:

• approved refunds;
• chargebacks;
• suspected fraud;
• duplicate payments;
• violations of this Agreement;
• legal or regulatory obligations;
• unresolved customer complaints requiring investigation.

GuidePal will provide reasonable notice whenever practicable.

Guides are solely responsible for determining, reporting, collecting, remitting, and paying any taxes applicable to their business activities.

These may include, without limitation:

• income tax;
• consumption tax (VAT/GST or equivalent);
• business tax;
• self-employment tax;
• social insurance contributions;
• pension obligations; and
• any other taxes imposed by applicable law.

GuidePal does not provide tax advice and encourages Guides to seek professional accounting or legal advice regarding their individual obligations.

Where required by law, GuidePal may collect, report, or withhold taxes or tax-related information.

Each Guide is responsible for evaluating the risks associated with their Experiences.

Where appropriate or required by law, Guides shall maintain adequate insurance coverage, including public liability insurance and any other insurance reasonably necessary for the activities offered.

GuidePal may request evidence of insurance before approving or continuing a listing.

Failure to maintain legally required insurance may result in suspension or removal of Experiences.

GuidePal does not provide insurance coverage for Guides unless expressly stated in writing.

Guides represent and warrant that they possess all licenses, permits, certifications, registrations, and governmental approvals required to lawfully conduct their Experiences.

Examples include:

• licensed tour guide permits;
• food handling permits;
• transportation licenses;
• boating or outdoor activity permits;
• alcohol service licenses;
• business registrations; and
• any other authorization required under applicable laws.

Guides remain solely responsible for ensuring ongoing legal compliance.

GuidePal may request documentary evidence of compliance at any time.

Traveler safety is one of GuidePal's highest priorities.

Guides agree to conduct Experiences in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.

Guides shall:

• identify foreseeable risks;
• provide appropriate safety instructions;
• comply with applicable health and safety regulations;
• monitor weather and environmental conditions;
• maintain suitable equipment;
• avoid reckless or dangerous conduct;
• respond appropriately to emergencies; and
• immediately report any serious accident or incident to GuidePal.

Guides shall never knowingly expose Travelers to unreasonable risks.

GuidePal reserves the right to suspend Experiences presenting unacceptable safety concerns.

Guides offering Experiences involving food or alcoholic beverages must comply with all applicable food safety, hygiene, licensing, and alcohol service laws.

Guides shall:

• disclose known allergens whenever reasonably possible;
• advise Travelers regarding ingredients upon request;
• maintain hygienic food handling practices;
• avoid serving alcohol to persons below the legal drinking age;
• refuse service to intoxicated individuals when appropriate;
• encourage responsible alcohol consumption.

Guides shall never pressure Travelers to consume alcohol.

GuidePal reserves the right to remove any Experience that promotes unsafe or irresponsible consumption.

GuidePal seeks to provide a fair balance between Travelers and Guides.

The cancellation terms applicable to each Experience shall be displayed on the booking page.

Guides agree to honor confirmed bookings except where cancellation is reasonably necessary due to:

• illness;
• emergencies;
• natural disasters;
• severe weather;
• government restrictions;
• transportation disruption;
• force majeure events;
• circumstances affecting traveler safety.

Repeated cancellations by a Guide without reasonable justification may negatively affect account standing and may result in suspension or removal from the Platform.

GuidePal reserves the right to determine appropriate refunds in accordance with published cancellation policies.

Guides retain ownership of original materials they create, including photographs, written descriptions, itineraries, videos, and other original content.

By uploading Content to GuidePal, the Guide grants GuidePal a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, display, distribute, translate, modify for formatting purposes, and promote such Content for the operation, marketing, and improvement of the Platform.

Guides warrant that all uploaded Content is lawful and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.

GuidePal trademarks, logos, software, website design, and branding remain the exclusive property of GuidePal.

GuidePal recognizes that artificial intelligence tools may assist Guides in preparing descriptions, translations, photographs, or promotional materials.

Any AI-assisted Content must accurately represent the actual Experience being offered.

Guides shall not use AI to:

• create false reviews;
• impersonate another person;
• fabricate qualifications;
• generate misleading photographs;
• exaggerate facilities or services;
• misrepresent the Experience.

GuidePal may remove AI-generated Content that is deceptive, inaccurate, or inconsistent with the actual Experience.

Guides shall respect the privacy of Travelers at all times.

Personal information obtained through the Platform shall be used solely for the purpose of providing the booked Experience.

Guides shall not:

• sell Traveler information;
• distribute personal data to third parties;
• use personal information for unsolicited marketing;
• collect unnecessary personal information.

Guides agree to comply with all applicable privacy and data protection laws, including the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (Japan) and any other applicable legislation.

GuidePal processes personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

20.1 Reviews

GuidePal encourages honest and constructive feedback from both Travelers and Guides.

Reviews should accurately reflect genuine experiences.

Guides shall not:

• submit fake reviews;
• offer incentives in exchange for positive reviews;
• intimidate Travelers regarding reviews;
• manipulate ratings.

GuidePal reserves the right to investigate suspicious review activity and remove reviews that violate Platform policies.

20.2 Professional Conduct

Guides are expected to uphold the values of GuidePal by acting with honesty, integrity, inclusiveness, and professionalism.

Guides shall:

• treat every Traveler with courtesy and respect;
• provide Experiences as advertised;
• communicate honestly;
• respect cultural differences;
• avoid discrimination, harassment, bullying, or hate speech;
• comply with all applicable laws;
• protect the reputation of GuidePal and its community.

GuidePal may suspend or permanently terminate any Guide account that engages in conduct which endangers Travelers, damages community trust, or materially violates this Agreement.

21.1 Commitment to Professionalism

GuidePal is committed to fostering a trusted, respectful, and welcoming community for Travelers and Guides from all backgrounds. As a GuidePal Guide, you represent not only yourself but also the values and reputation of the GuidePal community.

Guides are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity, honesty, courtesy, and respect at all times when interacting with Travelers, fellow Guides, GuidePal employees, contractors, business partners, and members of the public.

21.2 Professional Standards

Guides agree to:

• Deliver Experiences substantially as described in the published listing.
• Arrive punctually and communicate promptly regarding any unavoidable delays.
• Treat all Travelers with kindness, patience, and respect.
• Maintain a positive, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere throughout each Experience.
• Present accurate information and avoid misleading statements regarding destinations, attractions, history, or local culture.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of Travelers.
• Act honestly in all communications and transactions.

21.3 Prohibited Conduct

Guides shall not engage in conduct that may harm Travelers, the public, or the GuidePal community, including but not limited to:

• harassment or intimidation;
• abusive or offensive language;
• threats or violence;
• sexual harassment or unwanted physical contact;
• fraud or deceptive business practices;
• bribery or corruption;
• illegal activity;
• reckless behavior;
• unauthorized solicitation of off-platform payments;
• misuse of Traveler personal information;
• publication of false or misleading content.

GuidePal welcomes people from all cultures, backgrounds, and communities.

Guides agree to provide Experiences fairly and respectfully without discrimination based on any characteristic protected under applicable law.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• nationality;
• race;
• ethnicity;
• color;
• religion;
• age;
• gender;
• gender identity;
• sexual orientation;
• disability;
• marital status;
• pregnancy;
• political opinion where protected by law; or
• any other legally protected characteristic.

Guides shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate Travelers with disabilities whenever practicable and consistent with the nature of the Experience.

GuidePal maintains zero tolerance for discriminatory conduct.

Any serious violation of this Article may result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.

GuidePal believes tourism should create positive social, cultural, environmental, and economic impact for local communities.

Guides are encouraged to conduct Experiences in a manner that supports sustainable tourism by:

• respecting local customs and traditions;
• supporting local businesses whenever appropriate;
• minimizing environmental impact;
• reducing unnecessary waste;
• encouraging responsible behavior among Travelers;
• respecting historical sites, religious locations, wildlife, and cultural heritage;
• promoting authentic local experiences rather than exploitative tourism.

Guides should avoid activities that may damage natural environments, disturb local residents, or encourage irresponsible visitor behavior.

GuidePal reserves the right to remove Experiences that are inconsistent with its sustainability principles.

GuidePal may temporarily suspend a Guide account, listing, or access to the Platform where it reasonably believes such action is necessary to protect Travelers, comply with applicable laws, preserve the integrity of the Platform, or investigate potential violations of this Agreement.

Grounds for suspension may include, but are not limited to:

• suspected fraudulent activity;
• failure to complete identity verification;
• repeated Traveler complaints;
• safety concerns;
• violation of applicable laws;
• breach of this Agreement;
• misuse of the Platform;
• abusive behavior;
• repeated cancellations without reasonable justification;
• attempts to circumvent the Platform's booking or payment systems.

Where appropriate, GuidePal will notify the Guide of the suspension and provide an opportunity to respond before making a final determination. However, GuidePal may suspend an account immediately where urgent action is reasonably necessary to protect Travelers or comply with legal obligations.

Suspension does not prevent GuidePal from pursuing any other rights or remedies available under this Agreement or applicable law.

Either the Guide or GuidePal may terminate this Agreement at any time, subject to any outstanding obligations arising before termination.

A Guide may voluntarily close their account by submitting a written request through the Platform or by contacting GuidePal.

GuidePal may terminate this Agreement immediately if the Guide:

• materially breaches this Agreement;
• engages in fraud or criminal conduct;
• intentionally endangers Travelers;
• repeatedly violates Platform policies;
• submits false information during registration or verification;
• infringes intellectual property rights;
• seriously damages the reputation of GuidePal.

Upon termination:

• future bookings may be cancelled;
• Guide listings may be removed from public view;
• unpaid earnings may be withheld where reasonably necessary to resolve outstanding disputes, refunds, chargebacks, or legal obligations;
• certain provisions of this Agreement shall survive termination, including those relating to payments, taxes, confidentiality, intellectual property, limitation of liability, dispute resolution, and governing law.

Termination does not affect rights or obligations that arose before the effective date of termination.

GuidePal provides an online marketplace that facilitates connections between independent Guides and Travelers.

Except as required by applicable law, GuidePal does not guarantee:

• the quality of any Experience;
• the conduct of any Guide or Traveler;
• uninterrupted operation of the Platform;
• the accuracy of user-generated content;
• the availability of bookings.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, GuidePal shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, special, or exemplary damages, including loss of profits, loss of business opportunities, loss of goodwill, or loss of data arising from or relating to the use of the Platform.

Nothing in this Agreement excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law, including liability for fraud, intentional misconduct, gross negligence where applicable, or personal injury caused by GuidePal's own negligence to the extent required by law.

Guides acknowledge that they remain solely responsible for the Experiences they create, advertise, and deliver.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

GuidePal encourages Guides and Travelers to resolve disputes amicably through good-faith communication whenever possible.

If a dispute cannot be resolved through informal discussions, the parties agree to first attempt mediation where appropriate before commencing legal proceedings, unless urgent judicial relief is required.

Subject to mandatory consumer protection laws and other non-waivable legal rights, the Tokyo District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent GuidePal from seeking injunctive relief or other appropriate legal remedies in any competent jurisdiction where necessary to protect its intellectual property, confidential information, or legal rights.

Questions regarding this Agreement, Guide registration, Platform policies, or legal matters may be directed to GuidePal using the following contact details:

Contact GuidePal

Email: guidepaljapan@gmail.com

Website: To be announced

Business Address: To be announced

GuidePal may update its contact information from time to time. The most current contact details will always be published on the official GuidePal website.

By registering as a Guide, creating a Guide account, publishing an Experience, accepting a booking, or otherwise using the GuidePal Platform as a Guide, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by this GuidePal Local Guide Agreement.

If you do not agree to these terms, you must not register as a Guide or offer Experiences through the GuidePal Platform.