By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. For more details, please see our Cookie Policy.

Cookie Policy

The Biwako Otsu Tourism Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) uses cookies, local storage, and other similar technologies (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Cookies, etc.”) on the website operated by the Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Site”). When using the Site, you shall be required to agree to this Policy. Furthermore, this consent may be withdrawn at any time.
This Policy is subject to change at any time; therefore, please check it regularly.

1. What are Cookies and Similar Technologies (Cookies, etc.)?

Cookies

Cookies are small text files saved on a user’s terminal (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) to collect internet log information, behavioral information, etc., when users access a website.
There are “first-party cookies” set by the Site itself and “third-party cookies” set by affiliated external services. In addition to temporary cookies that are deleted when the browser is closed, there are also “persistent cookies” that are not automatically deleted after the browser is closed.

Local Storage

Local storage is a technology that allows data to be stored semi-permanently on a user’s terminal and is used to improve convenience in the same way as cookies.

2. Purpose and Method of Use of Cookies, etc.

The Site may automatically collect information from users through Cookies, etc., which shall be used for the following purposes.

  1. Improving convenience: By collecting data on site visits, browsing, and other activities, the Site improves overall convenience, such as by enabling efficient movement between web pages.
  2. Analysis and improvement: By measuring the number of content views, advertisement views, and clicks, the Association provides information tailored to the interests of users and performs effectiveness measurement and improvement of the Site.
    *Even when Cookies, etc. are used, the Association shall not obtain information that can directly identify specific individuals, such as names, email addresses, or terminal information. Furthermore, there shall be no direct adverse effects on the user’s terminal.

3. Main Cookies, etc. and External Services Used on the Site

The Site primarily uses the following Cookies, etc. Each partner company may use information collected from the Site in combination with information provided directly by the user to each partner or information collected when using other services.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They do not retain personal information and are used to prevent the same notification from being displayed repeatedly by remembering that the user has closed the cookie consent notification.

Performance Cookies (for access analysis and performance improvement)

These are used to statistically understand and analyze site usage and improve operability. Data is collected anonymously and does not identify individuals.

Google Analytics (Google LLC)

Used for measuring site traffic, analyzing browsing content, and improving convenience.
Main cookie names: _ga, _gid, _gat_gtag_, etc.
Details: Google Analytics Terms of Service / Google Policies and Terms

Microsoft Clarity (Microsoft Corporation)

Used to analyze user behavior within the site (such as clicks and scrolls) and improve operability.
Microsoft Privacy Statement

Advertising / Functional Cookies

Third-party cookies may be used to deliver appropriate advertisements or provide external functions such as maps.

Google Ads / Google Maps (Google LLC)

Used to provide location information services and deliver advertisements tailored to your interests (remarketing, etc.).
Details: Google Privacy Policy

Meta (Meta Platforms, Inc.)

Used for integration with social media and appropriate advertisement delivery.
Details: Meta Data Policy
*These partners may include companies located in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) (countries with standards different from Japan’s personal information protection standards or EEA standards), but the Association endeavors to ensure that appropriate contracts and data protection measures are in place.

4. Information Collected by Analysis Tools

The following information regarding visitors is tracked by cookies used by the Site’s analysis tools (Google Analytics, etc.). This information is used solely to create statistical reports summarizing overall activity and does not include personal data.

  • IP address (anonymized/masked)
  • Approximate location information (country, region, city, approximate latitude/longitude)
  • Date and time of request (date and time of access to the site)
  • Title and URL of the page viewed
  • URL of the page viewed prior to the current page (referrer URL)
  • Screen resolution and time zone of the terminal used
  • Files clicked and downloaded
  • Links to external domains clicked
  • Page generation and loading speed
  • Browser’s preferred language, browser/OS version, device identifier
  • Search keywords within the site and site events

5. How to Block or Delete Cookies, etc.

Users may refuse to accept or delete Cookies, etc. themselves. Changing the settings will not cause significant hindrance to browsing the Site, but some functions may become unavailable.

  1. Changes via browser settings: Most web browsers allow you to disable or delete cookies from the settings screen. Please refer to the help pages of major browsers below.

    *In browsers such as Chrome and Safari, disabling cookies also automatically disables Local Storage.
    If you are using Firefox, please check this storage help page .

  2. Opting out (disabling) of specific tools

    If you wish to individually refuse analysis and data collection by Google Analytics, please install the following add-on provided by Google LLC in your browser.

    Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

6. Contact Desk

For questions or inquiries regarding Cookies, etc. used on the Site and this Policy, please contact the following.

Name: Biwako Otsu Tourism Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)

Address: Inside the Civic Cultural Center, 2-3 Goryo-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 520-0037

Phone Number: 077-528-2772

Email Address: infootsu.or.jp

Enacted: October 29, 2026