Recommendation for welcome guide in Tokyo and Kyoto
Hi all,
So many of you rave about the guides that you have had and I would love to contact one of them. This my third trip to Japan will be very different for me as I will be traveling with a friend. I have seen many of the highlights in both cities, some I don't mind revisiting others I can easily skip. My thought was to perhaps see if we can get a welcome guide for my friend, which will eliminate some of the repetition for me. |
The only guide I used while in Japan was one Goodwill guide, and I thought she was a delight: 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. |
Thank you kja,
Yes, I am aware of how to book a guide. I was hoping to avoid the luck of the draw as I did not have a good guide in Kanazawa, and was hoping for a personal recommendation. |
The volunteer guides are hit or miss. We had one in Kyoto, and it was a disaster. He knew absolutely nothing, and he coerced me into taking him to the most expensive restaurant in Kyoto for lunch. Never again.
I would check with your hotels, wherever you are staying, and book a paid guide through them. Alternatively, Kathie, a frequent poster here, was quite happy with a lady she has used. You can search the posts here, or PM Kathie. |
Sorry, CaliforniaLady, you must have confused me with someone else. We didn't use any guides in Japan. I did have a travel agent in Japan, and if I can contact her, she'd have a recommendation. But hired guides in Japan are pricey.
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Kathie, I remember that it was you that spoke about a lady you liked, but I was mistaken in thinking that she was a guide, and not a travel agent. I believe others on this forum have contacted her as well. And you are correct, guides are more expensive in Japan than in other parts of Asia.
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Nywoman, are you planning to have your friend go with the GwG, instead of you, to the places that would be repetitive to you?
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I had an excellent GWG in Kyoto, and a not such good one in Kanazawa, but I have no idea how to contact her. I think it is luck of the draw - whoever happens to be available at the time. |
Mrwunrfl that is my thinking at the moment, however I may change my mind.
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Is your friend determined to see stuff that you would rather skip? Or vice versa. Or you are both usually solo travelers and want some solo exploring time. I mean this kindly: it sorta sounds like you are looking for a babysitter for your friend. You'll work it out together.
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