Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 15, 2026
1. Introduction
Discover Kyoto (hereinafter "the App") respects user privacy and is committed to protecting personal information. This Privacy Policy (hereinafter "this Policy") explains what information the App collects and how it is used and protected.
By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this Policy.
2. Information We Collect
The App stores the following information only on your device:
2.1 Information Stored on Your Device
Location Data
- Location data is used for geofence functionality
- Location data is processed only on your device and is never transmitted to external servers
- Walk logs (walking records) are stored only on your device
Settings
- Language preferences (8 languages supported)
- Spot display granularity settings
- GPS and notification on/off settings
- Onboarding completion flag
Purchase Information
- In-app purchase (Deep Content) status is managed through Apple's StoreKit 2
- The App does not store any payment information
2.2 Information Processed Temporarily
Motion Data
- CoreMotion is used to detect walking and movement
- Step count and activity data are processed only on your device and are not stored or transmitted
Text-to-Speech
- The text-to-speech feature (TTS) uses iOS AVSpeechSynthesizer
- Speech synthesis is processed on your device
Important: The App never transmits your location data to external servers. All location processing is completed entirely on your device.
3. How We Use Your Information
Collected information is used solely for the following purposes:
3.1 Providing the Service
- Sending geofence-based proximity notifications for nearby spots
- Recording and displaying walk logs
- Saving and restoring user settings
- Playing audio guides
- Displaying spot information in multiple languages
4. Data Storage
4.1 Local Storage
The following information is stored securely on your device:
- Settings: Stored on your device using SwiftData
- Walk logs: Walking records are stored in SwiftData on your device
- Spot data: All spot information is included in the app bundle and processed on your device
4.2 Retention Period
- Data on your device is retained until you uninstall the App
- The App does not transmit data to external servers
5. Third-Party Services
The App uses the following third-party services:
5.1 Google AdMob
Purpose:
- Displaying advertisements
Information processed:
- Certain information is processed for ad delivery in accordance with AdMob's privacy policy
Privacy Policy:
https://policies.google.com/privacy
5.2 Wikimedia Commons API
Purpose:
- Displaying images of spots
Information processed:
- API requests for image retrieval (no personal user information is included)
5.3 Apple MapKit
Purpose:
Information processed:
- Processed in accordance with Apple's privacy policy
Privacy Policy:
https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
6. Data Sharing
The App does not, in principle, share collected information with third parties.
6.1 Exceptions
Information may be shared only in the following cases:
Legal Requirements
- When required to comply with laws, regulations, legal proceedings, or governmental requests
- When necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the App
Service Providers
- Google AdMob (advertising service, see Section 5 of this Policy)
- Apple MapKit (map service)
Business Transfers
- In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, information may be transferred to the successor
7. Data Security
The App takes the following measures to protect collected information:
- Local processing: All data, including location information, is processed only on your device
- Encrypted communications: Network communications are encrypted via HTTPS
- Principle of least privilege: Only the minimum necessary permissions are requested
8. Permissions
The App may request the following permissions:
8.1 Location (Always Allow)
Purpose: Sending geofence-based proximity notifications for nearby spots
When used: While walking in the background, when approaching a spot
If denied: Geofence notification functionality will be unavailable, but you can still browse spots on the map
8.2 Notifications
Purpose: Sending push notifications when near a spot
If denied: Notifications will not be received, but you can still view spot information within the App
8.3 Motion & Fitness
Purpose: Detecting walking/movement state, adaptive GPS accuracy control
If denied: Automatic GPS accuracy adjustment will be limited
9. Your Rights
9.1 Access to Data
All data is stored on your device and is accessible at any time.
9.2 Correction of Data
You can change your settings at any time through the settings screen within the App.
9.3 Deletion of Data
Uninstalling the App will completely delete all data from your device.
10. Children's Privacy
The App does not intentionally collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. If it is discovered that a child under 13 has provided personal information, we will promptly delete such information.
11. Changes to This Policy
The App may update this Policy from time to time. If significant changes are made, users will be notified through in-app notifications or announcements on this page.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, comments, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: