We're joining our daughter's family with 3 children, ages 3-9 at the last minute, leaving this Friday, and would like to use a tour guide in Tokyo and Kyoto. We've used Rick Steves outstanding guides in Europe but don't have a clue for Japan. Any recommendations?
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Vancouver, BC, Canada
1327 posts
Japan has a large network of volunteer goodwill guides in many cities. Most only require that you pay just for their transport to meet you, any admission fee for the attraction and maybe lunch.
Our family has arranged to use a volunteer guide for Himeji Castle in two weeks. I've been told that they will not accept any monetary tip and have suggested that I provide a small gift like a bottle of maple syrup from Canada.
Here is a link to various volunteer guides:
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/list-of-volunteer-guides/