Japan's volunteer Goodwill guides - info, please . . .

We are considering using these volunteer guides in Kyoto and perhaps other Japanese cities, instead of doing a DIY, but have a few questions. 1) We would be interested in any reviews of these guides. 2) What is the recommended tip for a 4-hr or all day tour? 3) Are the descriptive signs in English at the various tourist sites in Kyoto.

Thanks for any and all info.

We have used the goodwill guides in various cities around Japan, primarily the bigger cities that are difficult to find your way around with a huge public transport system.

I would recommend the guides without hesitation, their english skills range from good to excellent. We have had students, retired business people and home makers, they all love showing you around their city. One we had 2 years ago in Kyoto is now in Melbourne studying at university on an exchange and so we will be meeting her and having the opportunity to reciprocate the hospitality.

To answer your specific questions, no tips for the guides, however you are expected to pay for their travel costs, entry to sites although some have a free pass, and meal expenses if you are with them at meal times. We also take something very small from Australia as a gift. The Japanese homes are extremely small so nothing big as space is a major issue. Key chain, Pen, Packet of Australian nuts/chocolates, small coin purse are examples. If our guide has young children or grandchildren we take small kangaroo/koala for the children.

Apply for a guide as early as you can, particularly as you are on a cruise there will be so many people wanting a guide and there are limited guides, particularly if you are in port on a school/uni/work day. If you are allocated a guide you will be able to email and discuss where you will meet and time and what you will see during the time.

A huge advantage is not only the worry of getting yourself around their city is gone but the joy of spending a day with a true local is a very special experience.

2 years ago I took a group of friends to Japan , 8 people and arranged for guides in Kyoto and Tokyo. I have been to Japan many times, maybe 12 but the stress of trying to get 8 people around such big cities was something I wasn't prepared to do. We had 2 uni students in Kyoto, a guide and a trainee guide, and in Tokyo a retired businessman who had lived in Singapore for 20 years. The Japanese consider it an honour to be a goodwill guide.

The website for goodwill guides -

https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/list-of-volunteer-guides/

Thank you so much, Tara Jane. Your post is very helpful.

Forgot to answer your question re signs. Yes most things have English explanations. When going to the temples/shrines your ticket often has info in whatever language you speak. You will have temple shrine castle overload but one you must not miss in kyoto is the golden pavilion.

Tara Jane nailed it! We used Goodwill Guides in Tokyo and Hakodate and brought each person some edibles from the U.S. We had chocolate alligators from Florida, herbal teas from Alaska and a salmon dip mix, also from Alaska. Our traveling companions from Malaysia gave small pewter plates from their country. All gifts were modestly but attractively wrapped and presented at the end of each tour.

Forgot to answer your question re signs. Yes most things have English explanations. When going to the temples/shrines your ticket often has info in whatever language you speak. You will have temple shrine castle overload but one you must not miss in kyoto is the golden pavilion.

Thanks, Tara Jane and Orlando. Decisions, decisions.