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Terms of Service

Effective Date: February 27, 2026

1 Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Sacred Steps: Ohenro ("the App"), developed and operated by Lost Theory, located in La Jolla, California, USA ("Company," "we," "us," or "our").

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using the App, you ("User" or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the App. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and the Company.

You represent that you are at least 13 years of age, or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is greater. If you are under the required age, you may not use the App without the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms.


2 Description of Service

Sacred Steps: Ohenro is a virtual pilgrimage application that transforms daily walking into a meaningful journey through Japan's historic 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage route. The App uses data from Apple HealthKit to convert your real-world steps into virtual progress along the pilgrimage path.

The App provides the following features, which may vary depending on the experience mode selected:

  • Virtual progression along the 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage route
  • Step tracking via Apple HealthKit integration
  • Temple information, cultural content, and zen teachings
  • Optional walking groups and community features (Pilgrim Mode)
  • Optional hydration tracking (Pilgrim Mode)
  • Achievement and milestone tracking
  • Digital pilgrim passport and temple stamp collection

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the App at any time, with or without notice. We shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the App.


3 User Accounts and Data

The App may store your pilgrimage progress, preferences, and related data locally on your device and, if you choose, via Apple iCloud. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your device and any data stored on it.

You agree to provide accurate information and to keep your settings and preferences current. We are not responsible for any loss of data resulting from device failure, operating system updates, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.


4 Intellectual Property

All content within the App, including but not limited to the following, is the intellectual property of Lost Theory or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws:

  • Original Content: Zen teachings, wisdom quotes, meditation guides, stage narratives, educational content, encounter narratives, and all written materials
  • Temple Data: Temple descriptions, historical summaries, cultural context, and curated information about the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temples
  • Artwork and Design: App icons, illustrations, avatar artwork, temple stamps, UI design elements, visual assets, and the overall look and feel of the App
  • Route Data: Pilgrimage route coordinates, stage boundaries, and geographic data
  • Software: Source code, algorithms, data structures, and technical implementations

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the App and its content for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, publicly display, or exploit any content from the App without prior written permission from Lost Theory.

The names "Sacred Steps," "Ohenro," and "Lost Theory," along with associated logos and branding, are trademarks of Lost Theory. You may not use these marks without our prior written consent.


5 HealthKit Data and Health Disclaimer

The App integrates with Apple HealthKit to read step count data with your explicit permission. By granting HealthKit access, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Not Medical Advice: The App is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The step tracking, hydration tracking, and any fitness-related features are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
  • Consult a Professional: You should consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program or making changes to your physical activity levels. Do not rely on the App for health or medical decisions.
  • Data Privacy: Your HealthKit data is processed locally on your device. We do not transmit, store, or have access to your health data on our servers. Your health data is governed by Apple's HealthKit policies and your device privacy settings.
  • Accuracy: Step counts and distance calculations are derived from your device sensors and HealthKit data. We do not guarantee the accuracy of step counts, distance calculations, or any metrics displayed in the App.
  • No Liability for Health Outcomes: Lost Theory is not liable for any injury, health condition, or adverse outcome that may result from physical activity undertaken in connection with your use of the App.

6 Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Use the App for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable local, state, national, or international law
  • Reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or attempt to derive the source code of the App
  • Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the App or its related systems
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the App or its related systems
  • Use automated systems, bots, or scripts to interact with the App or manipulate step data
  • Misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person in connection with App features
  • Use walking group or community features to harass, abuse, or harm other users
  • Upload, transmit, or distribute any harmful, offensive, or illegal content through the App
  • Reproduce, redistribute, or commercially exploit any App content without authorization

7 Third-Party Services

The App may integrate with or rely on third-party services, including but not limited to Apple HealthKit, Apple iCloud, and the Apple App Store. Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms and conditions, and we are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or conduct of any third-party service.

The App may contain links or references to external websites or resources. We do not endorse and are not responsible for the content, products, or services offered by third parties.


8 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL LOST THEORY, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE) THE APP, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STATUTE, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE APP SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US, IF ANY, FOR ACCESS TO THE APP DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

THE APP IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, SECURE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.


9 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lost Theory and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in connection with: (a) your use of the App; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any rights of a third party; or (d) any content you submit or transmit through the App.


10 Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the App at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use the App will immediately cease.

You may terminate your use of the App at any time by deleting it from your device. Upon deletion, locally stored data will be removed in accordance with your device settings. Data stored in iCloud is subject to Apple's data retention policies and your iCloud account settings.

The following sections shall survive termination of these Terms: Intellectual Property, HealthKit Data and Health Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Governing Law, and any other provisions that by their nature should survive.


11 Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the App shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Diego County, California. You consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lost Theory may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property rights.


12 Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page and, where practicable, notify you through the App or by other reasonable means.

Your continued use of the App following the posting of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must discontinue your use of the App.

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates.


13 General Provisions

  • Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lost Theory regarding your use of the App and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.
  • Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
  • Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Lost Theory.
  • Assignment: You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.
  • No Third-Party Beneficiaries: These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights, except as expressly provided herein.

14 Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Lost Theory
La Jolla, California, USA
Email: support@losttheory.app

© 2026 Lost Theory LLC. All rights reserved. Lost Theory LLC, a New Mexico limited liability company.
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