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Goshuin Atlas app icon - Japanese temple and shrine finder for iOSGoshuin Atlas

Terms of Service

Last updated: January 29, 2026

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using Goshuin Atlas ("the App", "the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Goshuin Atlas, operated by David Dias, a sole proprietor based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Use of Service

Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use our services. By using the App, you represent that you meet this requirement.

App License

Goshuin Atlas grants you a non-transferable, non-exclusive, revocable, limited license to use and access the Service solely for your personal, non-commercial use, strictly in accordance with these Terms.

Account Responsibilities

If you create an account, you are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate and complete information
  • Maintaining the security of your account credentials
  • All activities that occur under your account
  • Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access at hello@goshuin.com

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Use the App for any illegal purpose
  • Harass, abuse, or harm other users
  • Post false, misleading, or inaccurate information about temples, shrines, or goshuin
  • Upload malicious code or attempt to compromise the App's security
  • Scrape, crawl, or collect data without permission
  • Impersonate others or misrepresent your affiliation
  • Use automated systems (bots) to access the App without permission
  • Circumvent any access restrictions or security measures
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • License, sell, rent, lease, assign, distribute, transmit, host, outsource, disclose or otherwise commercially exploit the Service
  • Modify, make derivative works of, disassemble, decrypt, reverse compile or reverse engineer any part of the Service
  • Remove, alter or obscure any proprietary notice (including any notice of copyright or trademark)

Authentication and Account Security

Account Creation

To access certain features (such as cloud sync, social features, and photo contributions), you may create an account using:

  • Email and password authentication
  • Sign in with Apple
  • Sign in with Google
  • Sign in with Facebook

When creating an account, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information.

Third-Party Authentication

If you choose to authenticate using a third-party service, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • Your use of these services is governed by their respective terms of service and privacy policies
  • We will receive limited information from these services as permitted by your privacy settings (typically your name, email address, and profile photo)
  • You authorize us to access and use this information in accordance with our Privacy Policy
  • We are not responsible for the practices of these third-party authentication providers

Biometric Authentication

You may optionally enable biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) for convenient access. By enabling this feature:

  • Your biometric data remains on your device and is never transmitted to our servers
  • Biometric authentication uses Apple's Secure Enclave and follows Apple's security guidelines
  • You can disable this feature at any time in the app settings
  • You remain responsible for maintaining the security of devices with biometric access to your account

Account Security

You agree to:

  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account at hello@goshuin.com
  • Use a strong, unique password if using email/password authentication
  • Not share your account credentials with others
  • Log out of your account on shared or public devices

User Content

Your Content

You retain ownership of content you post in the App, including photos, reviews, and comments. By posting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use, display, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, distribute, and create derivative works from your content in connection with operating and promoting our services.

What this means:

  • Perpetual: The license lasts forever, even after you stop using the App
  • Irrevocable: You cannot revoke this license once you upload content
  • Sublicensable: We can allow others (like CDN providers) to help us display your content
  • For public content only: This applies to content you share publicly or with the community

This license continues even if you delete your account, but only for content that has been shared publicly or with other users. We will not use your private data for promotional purposes without your explicit consent.

Photo Contributions

Feature Status: The ability to upload photos to the community database is currently in development and not yet available. When launched, the following terms will apply:

When you upload photos to Goshuin Atlas (temple photos, goshuin images, or other community contributions), you grant us the permanent rights described above. You represent and warrant that:

  • You own the copyright to the photos or have obtained all necessary permissions
  • The photos do not violate any third-party rights (copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, etc.)
  • The photos do not contain illegal, harmful, or offensive content
  • You have the right to grant the license described above

Important: Once you upload a photo to the community, we have the right to keep and display it indefinitely, even if you later delete your account. This is necessary to maintain the integrity and value of the community-contributed content database.

You retain all ownership rights to your photos. The license you grant to us does not transfer ownership, but it does give us permanent rights to use your contributions.

Account Deletion and Photo Retention

If you delete your account, your personal information will be removed from our servers. However, photos you contributed to the community may remain visible to help other users explore temples and shrines. These photos will be anonymized and no longer linked to your account. This approach:

  • Preserves valuable community resources that help other users discover and learn about temples
  • Protects your privacy by removing all personal connections to the content
  • Maintains the integrity and usefulness of our community-driven platform

You may request removal of specific photos before deleting your account by contacting hello@goshuin.com. After account deletion, you may still request removal of anonymized contributions by providing sufficient details to identify the content.

Content Standards

User content must not:

  • Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
  • Contain defamatory, obscene, or offensive material
  • Violate the privacy of others
  • Promote illegal activities
  • Contain spam or commercial solicitations
  • Misrepresent the nature of temples, shrines, or goshuin

Content Removal

We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these terms or that we deem inappropriate, without prior notice. We may also remove content in response to valid legal requests or copyright claims.

Premium Subscriptions and In-App Purchases

Subscription Plans

Goshuin Atlas offers optional premium subscriptions that unlock additional features including unlimited goshuincho, iCloud sync, offline access, export collections, PDF export, no watermarks, Pro badge, and priority support. Available plans:

  • Monthly subscription - automatically renews monthly
  • Yearly subscription - automatically renews annually
  • Lifetime access - one-time purchase with no recurring charges

Billing and Auto-Renewal

Subscriptions are billed through your Apple ID account and managed through the App Store. Charges occur at confirmation of purchase and automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period at the same price.

Managing Your Subscription

You can manage and cancel your subscription through your Apple ID account settings. Subscriptions may be canceled at any time, and will remain active until the end of the current billing period. No refunds will be provided for partial subscription periods.

Free Trials

Some subscription plans may offer a free trial period. If you cancel before the trial ends, you will not be charged. If you do not cancel, you will automatically be charged the subscription price at the end of the trial.

Price Changes

We reserve the right to modify subscription prices. For existing subscribers, price changes will take effect at the start of the next subscription period following notice of the change. Apple will notify you of any price changes in accordance with App Store policies.

Refund Policy

Refund requests are handled by Apple according to their Standard License Agreement. Please contact Apple Support for refund requests.

Location Services & Notifications

Location Services

Goshuin Atlas uses your device's location services to provide features including:

  • Discovering nearby temples and shrines
  • Providing accurate directions to locations
  • Enabling location-based search and filtering
  • Temple proximity notifications (with your permission)

You can control location permissions through your device settings. The app functions with limited location access ("When in Use") but requires "Always Allow" permission for proximity notifications.

Proximity Notifications

If you enable temple proximity notifications and grant "Always Allow" location permission:

  • The app monitors your location in the background using iOS geofencing
  • You receive notifications when approaching temples within your selected distance
  • Location monitoring uses iOS region monitoring (up to 20 regions)
  • Notifications respect iOS 24-hour cooldown periods to avoid spam

You can disable proximity notifications at any time in the app settings.

Push Notifications

With your permission, we may send you push notifications for:

  • Temple proximity alerts (when enabled)
  • Important app updates or announcements

You can disable notifications at any time through your device settings or within the app.

iCloud Sync

Optional iCloud Sync

If you enable iCloud sync (requires premium subscription), certain app data will sync privately across your Apple devices using Apple's iCloud service:

  • Your check-ins and visit history
  • Saved temples and collections
  • Personal goshuin records (excluding images)
  • App preferences and settings

iCloud Privacy

Data synced via iCloud:

  • Remains private within your Apple iCloud account
  • Is not accessible to Goshuin Atlas or our servers
  • Is governed by Apple's iCloud Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
  • Does not require a Goshuin Atlas account

iCloud vs. Cloud Sync

iCloud sync is separate from Goshuin Atlas cloud sync:

  • iCloud sync: Private sync across your devices only
  • Cloud sync: Requires Goshuin Atlas account, enables social features

You can use either, both, or neither depending on your preferences.

User Data

All data you input into the Goshuin Atlas app, including your goshuin collection, favorite temples, and notes, is stored locally on your device using SwiftData. We do not have access to this data. You are solely responsible for backing up your device to prevent data loss.

If you create an account and enable cloud features, certain data (such as your profile information, contributed photos, and sync preferences) will be stored on our servers as described in our Privacy Policy.

Intellectual Property

Our Content

The App and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Goshuin Atlas and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws of Canada and international treaties.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • The Goshuin Atlas name and logo
  • App design and layout
  • Original text, graphics, and code
  • Database structure and organization

Trademarks

The Goshuin Atlas name, logo, and related marks are trademarks of our service. You may not use these marks without prior written permission.

Temple and Shrine Information

Information about temples and shrines is compiled from public sources and user contributions. Individual temples and shrines retain all rights to their own names, images, and goshuin designs.

Temple data and goshuin information are provided for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or correctness of all data. Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons are subject to their respective licenses.

Copyright Infringement (DMCA Policy)

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect our users to do the same. In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and applicable Canadian copyright law, we will respond to valid notices of copyright infringement.

Notice of Infringement

If you believe content on Goshuin Atlas infringes your copyright, please send a written notice to our designated agent containing:

  1. Your physical or electronic signature
  2. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
  3. Identification of the infringing material and its location within the app (provide specific details)
  4. Your contact information (address, telephone number, email address)
  5. A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law
  6. A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the owner's behalf

Send notices to:

We will review all valid notices and may remove or disable access to allegedly infringing material. We will make reasonable efforts to contact the user who posted the content.

Counter-Notification

If you believe your content was wrongly removed due to a mistake or misidentification, you may submit a counter-notification containing:

  1. Your physical or electronic signature
  2. Identification of the removed material and its previous location
  3. A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed by mistake or misidentification
  4. Your name, address, telephone number, and a statement consenting to the jurisdiction of the Federal Court of Canada or the jurisdiction where you are located, and that you will accept service of process from the person who provided the original infringement notice

Send counter-notifications to: hello@goshuin.com with subject line "DMCA Counter-Notification"

Upon receipt of a valid counter-notification, we will forward it to the original complaining party. If that party does not file a lawsuit within 10-14 business days, we may restore the removed content.

Repeat Infringer Policy

We will terminate the accounts of users who are repeat infringers. A "repeat infringer" is a user who has been notified of infringing activity or whose content has been removed for copyright infringement on two or more occasions.

DMCA Process Workflow

Upon receiving a valid DMCA notice, we will:

  1. Acknowledge receipt within 48 hours
  2. Review for completeness - Verify all 6 required elements are present
  3. Remove or disable access to allegedly infringing content within 72 hours
  4. Notify the uploader of the takedown and provide counter-notification instructions
  5. Track repeat infringers in our moderation system

We maintain records of all DMCA notices and counter-notifications for legal compliance.

False Claims

Please note that submitting a false or fraudulent DMCA notice or counter-notification may result in legal liability under applicable law, including potential liability for damages, costs, and attorney's fees.

Third-Party Services

This app uses the following third-party services:

YouTube

We use YouTube's embedded player to display video content. Your use of videos through this app is subject to:

By using this app's video features, you agree to be bound by YouTube's Terms of Service.

Map Services

The App integrates with Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, and other mapping applications. Third-party map services are subject to their own terms and privacy policies.

Disclaimer of Warranties

Information Accuracy

Important: Information in the App is provided for reference purposes only.

  • Temple operating hours, goshuin availability, admission fees, and other details may change without notice
  • We recommend confirming information directly with temples and shrines before visiting
  • Goshuin availability can vary by day, season, or at the discretion of the temple/shrine
  • Some temples may temporarily or permanently stop offering goshuin

We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate but cannot guarantee its completeness or currency.

Service Availability

The App is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee that:

  • The App will be uninterrupted or error-free
  • Defects will be corrected
  • The App is free of viruses or harmful components
  • The results of using the App will meet your requirements

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Goshuin Atlas and its operator shall not be liable for any:

  • Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill
  • Damages arising from your use of or inability to use the App
  • Damages arising from any content posted by users
  • Damages arising from inaccurate temple/shrine information

Our total liability for any claims arising from your use of the App shall not exceed the GREATER OF (a) the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or (b) ONE HUNDRED CANADIAN DOLLARS (CAD $100).

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitations of liability, so some of the above may not apply to you.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Goshuin Atlas, its operator, and any affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the App
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Content you post in the App

App Store Compliance

This App is available through the Apple App Store and is subject to:

In case of conflict between these Terms and Apple's EULA, Apple's EULA takes precedence for matters related to your use of the App through the App Store.

Modifications to Service

We reserve the right to:

  • Modify or discontinue any part of the App at any time
  • Change features, functionality, or content
  • Impose limits on certain features or access

We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of significant changes, but are not liable for any modification or discontinuation.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. When we do:

  • The "Last updated" date at the top will be revised
  • Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms
  • For material changes, we will provide notice through the App or via email

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with:

  • The laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada
  • The federal laws of Canada applicable therein

This applies without regard to conflict of law provisions.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to contact us at hello@goshuin.com to attempt to resolve any dispute informally. We will attempt to resolve disputes within 30 days.

Jurisdiction

If informal resolution fails, any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of the Province of Ontario, Canada.

You consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and waive any objection to venue in such courts, except where prohibited by applicable law.

Class Action Waiver

To the extent permitted by law, you agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

Termination

Our Right to Terminate

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice, including but not limited to:

  • Violation of these Terms
  • Violation of applicable laws or regulations
  • Conduct harmful to other users or third parties
  • Conduct harmful to us or our business interests
  • Extended periods of inactivity
  • At our sole discretion

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your license to use the Service immediately terminates
  • We may delete your account and data (subject to our Privacy Policy)
  • Sections that by their nature should survive will survive, including but not limited to: User Content licenses, Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, and Dispute Resolution

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights under these Terms, in whole or in part, without our prior written consent. Any attempted assignment without such consent will be void.

We may freely assign or transfer these Terms and our rights and obligations under these Terms, in whole or in part, without your consent, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganization, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. Upon any such assignment, the successor entity will be bound by these Terms and will assume our obligations hereunder.

Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under these Terms where such failure or delay results from any cause that is beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, labor disputes, shortage of materials or energy, equipment failures, cyberattacks, denial-of-service attacks, internet or telecommunications failures, or any other similar cause.

Beta Features

We may offer certain features in "beta," "preview," or "early access" form. These features are provided "as is" without any warranty. Beta features may be incomplete, contain errors, or be discontinued at any time without notice. By using beta features, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Third-Party Links and Websites

The App may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services that are not owned or controlled by us. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. You access third-party sites at your own risk and should review their terms and privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Export Compliance

The Service may be subject to Canadian export control laws and international sanctions. You may not use, export, or re-export the Service or any content except as authorized by Canadian law and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Service was obtained. You represent and warrant that you are not located in a country subject to Canadian economic sanctions, or a prohibited end user under applicable export control laws.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Goshuin Atlas regarding your use of the App and supersede any prior agreements.

No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights.

Contact

If you have questions about these Terms of Service:

Legal References

These Terms are designed to comply with: