Japan

[no fuss travel]

Should we do it on our own, or should we persevere and try to find private guides? Neither of us speak a work of Japanese, but could take a crash course from our daughter.

 

We are going to Okinawa, Hiroshima and Kobe.

[4774Papa]

Celebrity has some cruises that stop in several Japanese ports.

 

My Son works for a Japanese company. He has been to Japan. It does help to have a local assist, but I think you can take tours or do a lot on your own.

[maryann ns]

Check into having a volunteer guide. We were all set to do this in Osaka when the earthquake sent us out of Japan.

 

Here are my research notes:

http://www.geocities.jp/goodsamaritanclub_hp/

 

Another source for host guides;

http://www.aitaijapan.com/

seems good; they have profiles of guides, etc

http://www.aitaijapan.com/kiyotaka-tsukada.html#more-40

 

………….

For Japan, you could consider applying for the services of a volunteer guide from the local "Systematized Goodwill Guide" (SGG) group. These offer free local tours, guided in English and other languages.

 

There is no charge for their service. You are only expected to pay for their travel expenses and admission charges to tourist facilities as well as yours, and to pay for their meals if you eat with them.

 

For further information, visit the JNTO website at http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/es...html#volunteer and http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/es...uides_a-n.html

…

We used a very good Goodwill Guide when we stayed in Japan on our own in 2007. This was in Tokyo. The lady lived in a large Tokyo suburb and took the train to meet us at our hotel, the Palace. She teaches English and dance from her home, and may be the most attractive grandmother in Japan. We had arranged an earlier Goodwill Guide in Kyoto, but DW was a bit under the weather after just arriving from China, so we had to cancel.

 

My memory is that you have to go through a Goodwill club, of which there are often many in the large cities. You can find these listed on the web. As you must know, these people ask only for travel reimbursement and payment of any fees. We also went to dinner together, and of course we picked up the tab.

 

[Milhouse]

We haven't been to Okinawa (on the list) but have been to Tokyo, Kansai region, and Hiroshima for parts of four trips in the last 15yrs. Personally, we've found Japan fairly easy to do with a little bit of research and guide book. There are a lot of signs in English. However, a handful of Japanese phrases will get you a long way. People are very friendly and wanting to help foreigners.

 

However, I wouldn't discount the value of a guide though if you prefer efficiency and what they can offer in terms of knowledge & insight.

[K-Roo-Zers]

Agree with all the advice. We are about to head to Japan for our third trip. Last two times we used Guides. This time we are going solo. The Japanese people are a delight, so friendly and willing to help.

 

Try a guide, but don't wait too long, as they are volunteers and it can often take a while to find a suitable guide. Will only cost you transport, their lunch, and admission fees.

 

Enjoy. Japan is simply amazing!

 

Nicki

[dogs4fun]

Agree with all the advice. We are about to head to Japan for our third trip. Last two times we used Guides. This time we are going solo. The Japanese people are a delight, so friendly and willing to help.

 

Try a guide, but don't wait too long, as they are volunteers and it can often take a while to find a suitable guide. Will only cost you transport, their lunch, and admission fees.

 

Enjoy. Japan is simply amazing!

 

Nicki

 

Are there any specific guides that you would recommend? We are booked on the Diamond Princess/end of August. Particularly interested in Kobe, Nagasaki, Kushiro & Hakodate. This will be our first trip to Japan/South Korea. Don't speak/read a word of Japanese or Korean.

Thanks in advance! :)

[dogs4fun]

Check into having a volunteer guide. We were all set to do this in Osaka when the earthquake sent us out of Japan.

 

Here are my research notes:

Thank you for providing the links! :)

[suncityga]

Another volunteer guide website to check... we will be in Tokyo in May and have made arrangements to use their services. We have exchanged emails with the TFG guides assigned to us and we look forward to enjoying Tokyo with their help.

 

http://www.tokyofreeguide.com/

 

More info from TripAdvisor:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298184-r134338516-Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Edited March 13, 2014 by suncityga

[dogs4fun]

Another volunteer guide website to check... we will be in Tokyo in May and have made arrangements to use their services. We have exchanged emails with the TFG guides assigned to us and we look forward to enjoying Tokyo with their help.

 

http://www.tokyofreeguide.com/

 

More info from TripAdvisor:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298184-r134338516-Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

 

Thank you! :) I have sent off an email.