Japan Ryokan Guide

1. Information We Collect

Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, our hosting provider (Vercel) automatically collects standard server log information, including:

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system and device type
Pages visited and time spent on each page
Referring URL
Date and time of access

Information stored locally

We use your browser’s local storage (localStorage) to save your favorite ryokans and user interface preferences. This data is stored only on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.

Information we do not collect

We do not collect email addresses, names, payment information, or any other personally identifiable information. We do not require account registration or login to use our website.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Operate, maintain, and improve our website
Analyze site usage and performance
Display your saved favorite ryokans
Ensure security and prevent abuse

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Essential cookies

We use essential browser storage (localStorage) to save your favorites and preferences. These are necessary for core site functionality and cannot be disabled without affecting your experience.

Affiliate tracking cookies

We participate in the Booking.com affiliate program. When you click on accommodation links on our site, Booking.com may place cookies on your device to track the referral. These cookies contain an affiliate identifier (aid parameter) and are governed by Booking.com’s Privacy Policy. We do not have access to or control over data collected by Booking.com through these cookies.

Analytics cookies

We may use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymized usage data including pages visited, session duration, and general geographic region. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Embedded content

Our site embeds videos from TikTok and Instagram. These embeds may set their own cookies and collect data according to their respective privacy policies. We do not control the data these platforms collect.

Managing cookies

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website, including the ability to save favorites.

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may process your data:

Booking.com (affiliate partner)

We display links to accommodations available on Booking.com. When you click these links, you are directed to Booking.com’s website, which is a separate entity. Their collection and use of your data is governed by their own privacy policy. We earn a commission on bookings made through our affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

Vercel (hosting)

Our website is hosted on Vercel. Vercel may collect standard server logs including IP addresses as part of their hosting service. See Vercel’s Privacy Policy.

Supabase (database)

We use Supabase to store and serve ryokan data. Supabase processes data on our behalf and in accordance with their privacy policy.

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personally identifiable information to third parties beyond what is described in this policy.

5. Affiliate Disclosure

Japan Ryokan Guide is a participant in the Booking.com affiliate program. This means we may earn a commission when you book accommodations through links on our site, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content or ryokan recommendations. All ryokans are selected based on quality, authenticity, and relevance to international travelers.

6. Your Rights (GDPR & International)

For visitors from the European Economic Area

If you are located in the EU/EEA, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Right to access your personal data
Right to rectification of inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to withdraw consent at any time

For visitors from California (CCPA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion of personal information, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

For visitors from Japan (APPI)

We comply with Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (個人情報保護法). The purpose of any data usage is disclosed in this policy.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Data Retention

Browser local storage data: retained until you clear your browser data
Server logs: retained for up to 90 days
Analytics data: retained per the default settings of the analytics provider

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including HTTPS encryption for all data in transit. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@japanryokanguide.com