I have read several places were "free guides" are advertised - most young people wanting to speak/learn English. When these guides are used - what is the customary practice? I know tipping is not acceptable but in these cases is it and what would you recommend for a half day tour? full day tour? Any thoughts experience appreciated. Barb

I think these guides can be found through local culture centres or the city halls. I think they have their own custom but it would be cheap.

If I were doing it I`d probably pay for their meals and transport, they are getting a great chance to practise their English and they aren`t professional so maybe don`t know too many detaisl about the places you visit.

Most of the volunteer guides are retirees and housewives whose kids are older. They really don't expect tips and may even be forbidden to accept them. It is usual to pay for their transportation and lunch/coffee break. A small gift would be ok.
Knock knack kinds of things are generally not such great gifts. Guides may receive lots of stuff like that and it just takes up space. Food is always good. Local products from your locality nicely wrapped can be enjoyed with their family and now household space will be needed to keep it.

The volunteer guide network is popular so booking in advance is generally required.

At least in Kanazawa, the training required to be a goodwill guide is pretty thorough. They are very knowledgeable

Some useful links for finding Goodwill Guides: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/es...uides_a-n.html

I paid for my guide in Kanazawa's lunch, transportation, admission to sights that charged admission (though she got a discount at some), and a snack later in the day.

In the course of arranging our day together via email she asked if I'd like to meet for coffee or dinner with her (as I was traveling alone) the night before in order to meet and plan the day in some more detail, and I agreed. So I bought her dinner that night as well, although she made it clear that it wasn't expected and I had to tussle a bit (politely, of course) in order to do so. We had jibuni, a nabe-style dish made with duck that's characteristic of the area.

She had clearly had some training, and occasionally referred to her notes.

We just had a couple of university students wander up to us at Nijo-jo and take us around. They refused anything (I guessed tipping was taboo), even a drink bought from the ever present vending machines.

PS -- drink vending machines are OMNIPRESENT in Japan.

I must say my experience in Kamakura was somewhat dissapointing. They were good at explaining what's been on their notes, probably standardised Q&As, but not quite as informative on general questions I had about history or culture. Their english were ok, but not quite fluent as I expected the guides--now I understand they were probably interested in practicing their english conversational skills. They were absolutely sweet, though.