Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Philosophy

Japan Ramen Guide (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to respecting and safeguarding your personal privacy. Our mobile iOS application (Japan Ramen Guide: Passport) and website (japanramenguide.com) are built upon an on-device first architecture. We believe that culinary travel tools should function offline, without invading your personal space or requiring persistent data harvesting.

2. Information Handled by the iOS Application

The iOS app operates primarily as an offline reference database and personal tasting journal. It handles the following data types strictly on your physical device:

• Passport Stamps & Tasting Logs: When you record a bowl or collect an Eki-Stamp, the flavor ratings (5-axis radar chart), shop ID, timestamps, and custom notes are stored locally on your device using native sandboxed iOS storage (AsyncStorage and local filesystem).
• Bookmarks & Wishlists: Saved favorite shops and custom pilgrimage volume lists are stored exclusively on your device.
• User Preferences: Display language preferences (English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Korean) and romaji/kanji orientation toggles are persisted in local application state.

3. Device Permissions & Why We Request Them

Japan Ramen Guide requests only minimal iOS system permissions, each tied to an explicit, opt-in user action:

4. Website Information (japanramenguide.com)

When accessing our web portal at japanramenguide.com:

• Server Logs: Standard web hosting infrastructure may record standard anonymous HTTP access logs (such as IP address, browser type, referring URL, and page request timestamps) for system security, performance monitoring, and anti-abuse defense.
• Cookies & Local Storage: We use local storage purely to remember user interface preferences (such as light/dark mode and search filters). We do not deploy third-party advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.

5. In-App Purchases & Subscriptions

Any optional digital purchases or passport unlocks are processed directly by Apple through the standard App Store StoreKit infrastructure. We never receive, process, or store your credit card details, billing address, or payment credentials. Apple provides us only with an anonymized transaction receipt confirming your entitlement status.

6. Data Retention & How to Delete Your Data

Because all app data (passport stamps, tasting notes, bookmarks, photos) is stored on your physical iPhone, you have absolute ownership and control over your records:

• You can reset individual logs or bookmarks at any time within the app settings.
• Deleting the application from your iOS device instantly and irreversibly removes all local sandbox data, stamps, and saved shops from the device.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our services are intended for general culinary audiences and international travelers. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under the age of 13.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect functional improvements or regulatory updates. Any revisions will be published here with an updated “Last updated” timestamp. We encourage users to review this page periodically.