My husband and I are going on our first trip to Japan at the end of June. We are independent travelers and don't like big groups. Any suggestions for tour guides in Tokyo and Kyoto? Private tours are outside of our budget. We prefer small groups, walking tours, etc.
Thanks!
Claudina

The Japanese National Tourism Organization coordinates free volunteer guides throughout Japan. These “Goodwill guides” – who are generally knowledgeable and happy to guide you in return for practicing their English – which can be excellent, but it is a bit of a luck-of-the-draw.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/tr...deservice.html

You pay any entrance fees and his/her meal if your time with the guide includes one. Do NOT tip these guides, or anyone else in Japan.

BTW, if you haven't already done so, spend a LOT of time with japan-guide.com -- it's not perfect, but it is probably the best single source of information to travel to Japan.