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List of Volunteer Guides

There are numerous goodwill tour guide groups in Japan, offering up their language skills and insider knowledge to give tourists a richer experience.

Systematized Goodwill Guide Groups (SGG), registered with JNTO, can make arrangements for personal tours in various languages, offering the kind of local tips and insights you can't find in guidebooks. The list below details the areas and regions where such tour programs exist as well as information about how to get in touch.

Hokkaido

Furano Ski Host
Guide Area Furano Ski Area
Guide Spot Furano Ski Area
Languages Available English, (Chinese, French & Italian are by appointment only)
Website Website
Email inquiry@furanotourism.com
Message Skiers and snowboarders can get to know the range of slopes at Furano Resort with the Ski Host service. Volunteer guides can take you on a run which best suits your level of experience. Please note that guides do not provide ski or snowboard lessons.
Hakodate Goodwill Guide Association (HGGA)
Guide Area Hakodate Area
Guide Spot Goryokaku Fort / Hakodate Magistrate's Office / Morning Market / Bay Area / Kanemori Red-brick warehouses / Motomachi / Japanese temples & shrines / Western churches / Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples / Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward / Former British Consulate / Mt. Hakodate
Languages Available English, Chinese & Korean
Website Website
Email sgghakodateagg@yahoo.co.jp

Iwate

Hiraizumi Goodwill Guides
Guide Area Hiraizumi
Guide Spot Chuson-ji Temple / Motsu-ji Temple / Takkoku no Iwaya / other historical sites. Annual festivals include: Hatsukaya (Jan. 20th) / Setsubun (early Feb.) / Spring Fujiwara Festival (May 1st-5th) / Floating Poetry Festival (4th Sun. in May) / Iris Festival (June 20th-July 10th) / Mizukake Mikoshi Festival (late July) / Torch-lit O Noh (Aug. 14th) / Daimon-ji Bonfire Festival (Aug. 16th) / Bush Clover Festival (Sept. 15th-30th) / Autumn Fujiwara Festival (Nov. 1st-3rd)
Languages Available English, Chinese & German
Website Website
Email hiraizumi.sgg@gmail.com
Contact TEL: 080-1654-8525
FAX:0191-34-1005
Service hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Please contact Ms. Yuko SAYAMA by e-mail, telephone or fax at least one month in advance.
Message A team of Goodwill Guides can show you around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi. Tour guide reservations are required at least one week in advance. Contact details are available on the website.
Morioka Goodwill Guides
Guide Area Morioka City and its surrounding area
Guide Spot Morioka Castle Site / Hachiman Shrine / Sakurayama Shrine / Splitting Cherry Tree / Mitsu-ishi Shrine (Devil's hand prints) / Hoonji Temple (five hundred statues) Festivals: Chagu Chagu Umakko (every year, the second Saturday of June) / Sansa dance parade (every year, August.1st-4th) / Hachiman shrine festival (every year, Sep.14th-16th)
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email moriokagwg@gmail.com
Message Tourists can enjoy festivals, sightseeing and shopping in the old town of Morioka with the help of a local resident. Reservations for a volunteer guide can be made via email. Contact details are available on the website.

Miyagi

Matsushima Goodwill Guides
Guide Area Matsushima town area
Guide Spot Zuiganji Temple / Godaido Temple / Entsuin Temple / Fukurajima Island / Kanrantei/ Oshima Island / Matsushima Bay
Languages Available English, Chinese & Korean
Email sggmatsushima@amail.plala.or. jp
Message Enjoy the sights and local cuisine in the Matsushima area with a local volunteer guide. Please send an email to request a reservation at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Contact details are available on the website.
Miyagi Goodwill Guide Club (MGGC)
Guide Area Around Miyagi
Guide Spot Sendai (Tanabata, Star Festival) / Matsushima / Shiroishi
Languages Available English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian
Website Website
Email rsz65002@nifty.com
Message Visitors can enjoy their time in Miyagi with the help of a local guide. Most guides typically operate in and around Sendai. Please use the website contact form to make a reservation.
Furukawa Goodwill Guide Club
Guide Area Northern Miyagi ( Osaki, Kurihara, Tome, Kami etc. )
Guide Spot Naruko Hot Spring Resort / Naruko-kyo Gorge / Onikobe Ski Resort / Onikobe Geyser / Museum of Senses / Old Yubikan and its Garden / Himawari (Sunflower) Hill / Kabukurinuma Marsh / Izunuma Marsh / Matsuyama Sake Museum etc.
Languages Available English
Email rou6te6@kke.biglobe.ne.jp
Message Furukawa Goodwill Guide Club (FGGC) offers guided tours in northern Miyagi and interpretation services to international visitors.
The club members will arrange a tour based on your requests, helping to make your visit enjoyable and comfortable.
Please contact FGGC via email to make an inquiry about tourism at least two weeks in advance of your visit.

Fukushima

Aizu Wakamatsu International Association
Guide Area Aizu Wakamatsu City and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Tsuruga-jo Castle / other historical sites
Languages Available English, Chinese & Korean
Website Website
Email mail@awia.jp
Message Volunteer guides provide tours around local sights and attractions. Please note it's not always possible to accept requests for a guide due to a lack of staff availability.

Ibaraki

Chinone Group
Guide Area Tokyo / Mito City / Tokai Mura
Guide Spot We will show you around in your favorite places.
Languages Available English
Email aaj64210@pop06.odn.ne.jp
Message The Chinone Group supports foreign visitors exploring the Mita City and Tokai Mura areas of Ibaraki. Please contact the association at least two weeks in advance to make a reservation.
Chiyoda Circle
Guide Area Kasumigaura City / Tsukuba City / Tsuchiura City and surrounding areas
Guide Spot Tsukuba Science City / Mt.Tsukuba / Ushiku-Buddha Statue / Lake Kasumigaura / second largest lake in Japan / etc.
Languages Available English
Email hope_wish1216@yahoo.co.jp
Message Chiyoda Circle volunteers are available to show you around your preferred places in Tsukuba City and the surrounding areas, including Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura.
MESA FRIENDSHIP
Guide Area Mito
Languages Available English
Email mykawase@paw.hi-ho.ne.jp
N & N Guide Organization
Guide Area Kanto District in Japan
Guide Spot Kanto District in Japan
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese & Thai
Email norikotakahashi2016@yahoo.co.jp

Tochigi

Nikko SGG Club
Guide Area Nikko City
Guide Spot World Heritage Site (shrines and temples in Nikko)
Languages Available English
Email sashukou0128@ace.ocn.ne.jp
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Visitors can enjoy the shrines and temples in and around Nikko City (a World Heritage Site) with the assistance of volunteer guides from the Nikko SGG Club.
Utsunomiya SGG Club
Guide Area Utsunomiya / Nikko / Inner Nikko / Mashiko and others
Guide Spot Nikko World Heritage Site / Lake Chuzenji / Kegon Falls / Oya Temple / Oya History Museum / Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park / Mashiko Pottery Town
Languages Available English & Spanish
Website Website
Email tomokootsuka51@ymail.ne.jp
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Volunteer guides are available to take visitors around Utsunomiya, Nikko, and other places in Tochigi Prefecture. The club members also offer information services for tourists at JR Utunomiya Station.

Gunma

Friday club
Guide Area Ota City
Guide Spot Daikoin Temple / Mantokuji Temple / Ota Sports Park
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email jun80@sunfield.ne.jp
Message Friday Club volunteers are available to help foreign visitors with guided tours of the local area and interpretation services. Please contact the association via email to make requests.
"Shokuto Kiryu" Guide Association
Guide Area Kiryu ‟shinmachi” Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District
Guide Spot Kiryu Tenman-gu, Yurinkan etc… We will set a course according to your request and show you around.
Languages Available English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese & German
Website Website
Email kankokyokai@city.kiryu.gunma.jp
Contact TEL: 0277-46-1111 (Extension Number 369)

Chiba

Association of Narita Volunteer Guides
Guide Area Within the grounds of Naritasan Temple and adjacent park.
Guide Spot Main Gate / Niomon Gate / Bell Tower / Store of whole Sutras / Three storied Pagoda / Great Main Hall / Shakado Hall / Votive Tablet Hall / Komyodo Hall / Great Pagoda of Peace
Languages Available English
Email naritasan_guide@yahoo.co.jp
Message Volunteers can guide you on a visit to Naritasan temple, located near Narita International Airport. Enjoy the traditional buildings, Buddhist statues and the Fire Ceremony of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
Kashiwa Goodwill Guide Association
Guide Area Tokyo / Narita / Nikko / Kashiwa and other neighboring areas
Guide Spot 1. Sightseeing: Tokyo Metropolitan, Narita, Nikko, Kashiwa and other neighboring areas. 2. Visit a Japanese House. 3. Experience Japanese Culture. 4. Tea ceremony, purification by a monk, flower arrangement and others. 5. Shopping Guide. 6. Annual Events Guide for each season.
Languages Available English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Thai & Indonesian
Website Website
Email kashiwagoodwill@gmail.com
Contact Tel: 04-7164-0832
Message Guides are available to help international visitors explore alternative destinations in the suburbs of Tokyo. Please contact Tsunetaro Iwatate and include the subject "Kashiwa Experience Tour" or "Tokyo Narita Guide". Private tours are available.
Nagareyama Goodwill Guide Club
Guide Area Tokyo and Nagareyama
Guide Spot Tokyo: Asakusa / Akihabara / Ginza / The Imperial Palace East Gardens / Meiji Shrine Nagareyama: Akagi Shrine / ISSA Memorial Museum (haiku-poet) / Kaleidscope Gallery / Sake and Soy Sauce Brewery Tour / The Tone Canal (Designed by a Dutch engineer)
Languages Available English, French, Spanish & Chinese
Website Website
Contact From overseas: info@nagareyamasgg.org (One week in advance)
From Japan: express@nagareyamasgg.org (Two days in advance)
Message Experience a different side to Japan and visit Nagareyama (25 minutes by train from Tokyo). Please contact the association two weeks prior to your visit to reserve a volunteer guide.
NPO Narita Airport Volunteer Skylets
Guide Area Narita Airport / Haneda Airport and surrounding areas
Guide Spot To be consulted
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French & Russian
Website Website

Tokyo

Capital Tokyo West (CTW) SGG
Guide Area Mainly western Tokyo inclusive of whole Tokyo areas
Guide Spot Popular Japanese gardens, temples, shrines, museums, famous tourist attractions and areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Yoyogi, Roppongi, Azabu, Daiba, Tsukiji, Ginza, Bunkyo, Akihabara, Kanda, Ueno, Yanaka, Nezu, Nippori, Ryogoku, Sumida, Asakusa and TDR, etc.
Languages Available English, French & Italian
Website Website
Email chu-san@sb3.so-net.ne.jp
Message Explore the varied sights of Tokyo. Guides are available daily, except for three days in summer (August 13 to August 15) and during the New Year period (December 29 to January 3.)
Edo Tokyo Guide Group
Guide Area Tokyo
Guide Spot Typically but not limited to; 1. Imperial Palace Area 2. Harajuku & Meiji Shrine 3. Shibuya 4. Odaiba 5. Ginza 6. Kagurazaka 7. Ueno & Yanaka 8. Asakusa & Skytree 9. Akihabara 10.Tsukiji & Hamarikyu Garden
Languages Available English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
Website Website
Message Local volunteers can show you around Tokyo on foot. They can tailor a unique itinerary to help you experience the city your way, and introduce the city's important cultural and historical spots.
Shinagawa SGG Club
Guide Area Tokyo and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Fish Market (after 9:00am) / Imperial East Garden and other Japanese Gardens / Ginza / Harajuku (Meiji Shrine) / Ueno / Asakusa / Odaiba / Shinjuku / Shibuya / etc.
Languages Available English (French, Italian, Spanish & Mandarin are exceptional)
Website Website
Email sinagawa_sgg2004@yahoo.co.jp
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Volunteer guides at the Shinagawa SGG Club are available to help overseas tourists enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Tokyo. The team will do their utmost to accommodate your personal requests.
The Japanese Red Cross Language Service Volunteers
Guide Area Tokyo metropolitan area Locations near Tokyo which would not require an overnight stay
Guide Spot Many places in the Tokyo metropolitan area are negotiable. Please let us know which places you would like to visit.
Languages Available English
Email jrclsvsgg@tok-lanserv.jp
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance and explain how we can accommodate for disabilities.
Message Volunteers are available to guide people with physical disabilities around Tokyo and Kamakura. The team provides support in several languages, with all services offered in line with Red Cross principles.
Tokyo Free Walking Tour
Guide Area Tokyo
Guide Spot 1. East Gardens of the Imperial Palace 2. Asakusa 3. Meiji Shrine and Harajuku 4. Ueno Park
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email info@tfwt.jp
Contact The tour is totally free of charge, and no reservation is needed.
Message Join a Tokyo Free Walking Tour and experience the city on foot. Tours are conducted regularly on Saturdays and Sundays, with occasional weekday tours offered. Visit the website for more information and to make a reservation.
Tokyo International Student Guide
Guide Area Tokyo Metropolitan Area and its neighbouring town
Guide Spot We can take you to any tourist spots and other places to meet your request.
Languages Available English, French, German, Chinese & Korean
Email takahashi@tit.ac.jp
Message Tourists can explore the tourist spots of the Tokyo area with the help of a local student guide. Please contact Tokyo International Student Guide at least two weeks in advance of your visit.
TOKYO SGG CLUB
Guide Area 1. Asakusa Area 2. Historical spots of temples, shrines, memorials and museums in the Ueno Park 3. Imperial Palace 4. Yanaka Area
Guide Spot 1. Asakusa Kannon Temple area and it's neighborhood 2. Historical spots of temples, shrines, memorials and museums in the Ueno Park 3. Imperial Palace Outer Garden and East Garden 4. Yanaka Ginza shopping street, Yanaka Cemetery and centuries-old town district with temples
Languages Available English
Website Website
Message Visitors should arrive at the designated SGG Club counter desk before the tour start time. Please note that tours are offered on a first come first served basis and can be canceled without prior notice.
Koto English-speaking Volunteer Guide Association (KEV)
Guide Area East Tokyo / Mainly Koto city
Guide Spot 1.Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple and Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine 2.Fukagawa Edo Museum and Kiyosumi Garden 3.Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street 4.Toyosu Fish Market 5.Japanese Cultural Experiences (Sake tasting/Tea ceremony) 6.Sumo stable, Basho Museum, and others
Languages Available English
Website Website
Message Volunteer guides are available to take visitors into the heart of everyday life in Koto City, Tokyo. Enjoy Japanese gardens, museums, shopping, and a sumo wrestler practice session! Please visit the website for more details.
Doshisha SGG Joe Tokyo & Kyoto
Guide Area Kanto Region / Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Guide Spot Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Enoshima, Hakone, Chiba & Saitama (Kawagoe)
Languages Available English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Indonesian
Website Website
Email keyozgo@gmail.com / lovebaybreeze@gmail.com
Message Alumni from Doshisha University and Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto offer support and guided tours to international travelers visiting either Tokyo or the Kansai region. Contact details are available on the website.

Kanagawa

Kanagawa Systematized Good Will Guide Club
Guide Area Kanagawa Prefecture
Guide Spot Yokohama City / Kamakura City / Kawasaki City / Enoshima Island
Languages Available English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean & Thai
Website Website
Email ksgg_guide@yahoo.co.jp
Contact Request for our services and inquiry.
Message The Kanagawa Systematized Goodwill Guide Club provides voluntary sightseeing tour services around the Kanagawa area, mainly in Yokohama, Kamakura, Kawasaki and Enoshima. Please visit the website for more information.
Odawara Hakone Systematized Goodwill Guide Club
Guide Area Entire Hakone region / Odawara Town / Odawara Area including Odawara Castle / Ichiya-jyo Castle / Odawara Town and surrounding areas.
Guide Spot Hiking and hot spring experiences / Visiting museums and historical spots / Round trip of Hakone by a mountain train, a cable car, rope-ways and a sightseeing cruise / Odawara Castle / Ichiya-jyo Castle
Languages Available English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Korean & Thai
Website Website
Email ohsgg1@gmail.com
Message Volunteers provide foreign language sightseeing guide services. They can guide international visitors and non-Japanese speaking residents around Odawara and Hakone in Kanagawa. Please visit the website for more information.

Yamanashi

Yamanashi Systematized Goodwill Guides (YSGG)
Guide Area The area of Yamanashi Prefecture
Guide Spot Shingen-ko Samurai Festival / Shosenkyo Gorge / Mt.Fuji area / etc.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email ysgg.office@gmail.com
Message Yamanashi Systematized Goodwill Guides (YSGG) look forward to having a good time with foreign people after the Corona Pandemic is over.

Nagano

Alps Language Service Association
Guide Area Matsumoto city and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Matsumoto castle / Kiso valley / Wasabi farm
Languages Available English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian & Portuguese
Website Website
Email npoalsa@gmail.com
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Nagano SGG Club Bonsho-no-kai
Guide Area Nagano City, Togakushi, Obuse, Matsushiro-machi
Guide Spot Zenkoji Temple / Togakushi-Shrines / Ninja Village / Sanada Museum / Feudal Lord's Palace / Samurai Houses / Matsushiro Castle / Obuse-Hokusai Museum
Languages Available English & Chinese
Website Website
Email bonshonokai@yahoo.co.jp
Message Bonsho No Kai volunteers bring Japanese culture to life by guiding you around sightseeing spots in and around Nagano. Please send an email (contact details available on the website) to request a volunteer guide.
Matsumoto SGG Club
Guide Area Matsumoto City
Guide Spot Matsumoto Castle / Matsumoto City Museum / Former Kaichi School
Languages Available English
Email saito2@maxon.co.jp

Niigata

DSI Volunteer Guide
Guide Area Sado Island
Guide Spot Any places upon requests throughout the island.
Languages Available English
Email mijintl@lapis.plala.or.jp
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Please contact DSI Volunteer Guides at least two weeks in advance of your intended visit. As staff volunteer, it may not be possible to arrange guided services on your requested date.

Toyama

Tour Concierge Toyama
Guide Area Toyama City and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Toyama Castle / Toyama Glass Art Museum / Toyama Folkcraft Village / Iwase / Zuiryuji Temple / Kaiomaru Park / etc. Please visit the website for more information.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email tourtoyama@yahoo.co.jp
Message Tour Concierge Toyama offers tours between 9:00 and 17:00, seven days a week. Make a reservation via email two weeks in advance. For more information, please refer to the website.

Ishikawa

Kanazawa Goodwill Guide Network
Guide Area Kanazawa City
Guide Spot Kenrokuen Garden / Kanazawa Castle Park / Higashi Chaya District / Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email kggn@po4.nsk.ne.jp
Message Kanazawa Goodwill Guide Network (KGGN) provides language support to tourists and guided sightseeing tours. Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance of your visit via the KGGN website.

Fukui

Fukui Phoenix SGG
Guide Area Fukui City and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Eiheiji Temple / Echizen Bamboo Doll Craft Studio / Maruoka Castle Asakura Clan Ruins / Tojinbo
Languages Available English
Email yuko4572@yahoo.co.jp
Message Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Fukui and the surrounding area. English speaking local guides can help you explore and get the most out of your trip.

Shizuoka

Atami Guide Club
Guide Area Atami City
Guide Spot Kiunkaku / Kinomiya Shrine / Plum Garden / Geigi Kenban / Izusan Shrine / Atami Castle / Beach
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email info@agcjp.net
Message Visitors can explore the beach town resort of Atami with the help of a volunteer guide. Please make requests for a guide via the website contact form at least ten days in advance of your visit.
Ito Systematized Goodwill Guide
Guide Area Ito
Guide Spot Mt. Omuro / Jogasaki Coast & Lake Ippeki / historical spots of Ito (shrines & temples)
Languages Available English, German & Spanish
Website Website
Email itosgg@gmail.com
Message Foreign visitors can tour the Ito area with a local volunteer guide. To reserve a place, please contact the organization through the website at least two weeks in advance of your trip.
IZU Systematized Goodwill Guide Club
Guide Area Shimoda / Kawazu / Minami Izu area
Guide Spot Historic walk for Gyokusenji temple / Ryosenji temple / Shirahama shrine / etc. We can guide you whatever you like.
Languages Available English
Email izusgg1@gmail.com
Contact E-mail us first.
Message The Izu Systematized Goodwill Guide Club provides memorable guided tours around the South Izu area. Please contact them by email to arrange a guide and tour route.
Shimoda International Club
Guide Area Shimoda, Kawazu and Minami Izu in Izu Peninsula
Guide Spot Shimoda downtown area / Kawazu / Minami Izu based on the request
Languages Available English, German & Spanish
Email sicshimoda@yahoo.co.jp
SHUZENJI Systematized Goodwill Guides
Guide Area Shuzenji, Izu-city area
Guide Spot Shuzenji Onsen (Shuzenji Temple / Bamboo grove pass / Shigetsu-den Hall / The grave of Yoriie)
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email shuzenji.sgg@gmail.com

Aichi

Aichi Goodwill Guides Network
Guide Area Nagoya and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Nagoya Castle / Osu Shopping Arcade / Atsuta Jingu Shrine / Tokugawa Museum / Arimatsu / Shirotori Garden / Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology / etc.
Languages Available English, Spanish, Portuguese, French & Chinese
Website Website
Email guide-desk@aggn.jp
Message Volunteers from Aichi Goodwill Guides Network are available to guide you around the city of Nagoya. Please make a request for a guide via email at least two weeks in advance of your visit.
Chita Peninsula SGG Club
Guide Area Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture
Guide Spot Nankichi Memorial Museum / Handa City Museum / Sake Museum / Pottery Path in Tokoname
Website Website
Email sgg-1@ml.n-fukushi.ac.jp
Message The Chita Peninsular SGG Club aims to make Japanese history and culture accessible to everyone through volunteer guide and interpretation services available to those visiting the Chita Peninsula.
Inuyama Goodwill Guide
Guide Area Inuyama Castle and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Inuyama Castle / Inuyama Old town & Historical Museum / Uraku-en Garden / Joan-Tea Ceremony House / The Museum Meijimura
Languages Available English, German, Chinese & Korean
Website Website
Email guide_req@inuyamagoodwillguide.jp
Message International visitors can enjoy old Japan in Inuyama, Aichi prefecture. Volunteers guides area available to introduce tourists from foreign countries to Inuyama Castle, Jo-an Tea Ceremony House and other sightseeing spots.

Gifu

Gifu Goodwill Guides Network
Guide Area Gifu Prefecture
Guide Spot (mainly) Gifu City / Kakamigahara City / Gujo City / Ogaki City
Languages Available English, Chinese & French
Email ronmama1135@gmail.com
Message The Gifu Goodwill Guides Network is a non-profit organization which offers volunteer guided sightseeing tours around Gifu prefecture. It hopes to promote cross-cultural understanding through its services.

Shiga

Hikone Volunteer Guide Association
Guide Area Hikone City and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Hikone Castle / Genkyu-en Garden / Hikone Castle Museum / Hikone Castle Town Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in other places in and around Hikone.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email hikone-vga@festa.ocn.ne.jp
Contact Contact us at least one week in advance.
Message Enjoy Hikone and Hikone Castle with local volunteer guides. Please note, 1000 yen is charged for the guide's transportation and this fee still applies in the event of no-shows or cancellations on the day.

Kyoto

GOOD SAMARITAN CLUB
Guide Area Kyoto City
Guide Spot Anywhere in Kyoto where the tourist wishes to visit including temples and shrines such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, etc.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Message The Good Samaritan Club is made up of a team of volunteer students from various Kyoto universities. They provide bespoke guided tours around the famous city of Kyoto, helping visitors enjoy the sights.
Goodwill Guide on Kyoto Handicraft & Historical Sites
Guide Area Kyoto City and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot Any spots guests want to visit, as far as it's practicable.
Languages Available English, Chinese, French, Russian & Thai
Website Website
Email ggkhadm0@gmail.com
Message Enjoy the traditions and culture of Kyoto with a team of knowledgeable local guides. They can guide you around the ancient temples, shrines and gardens of the city, and also introduce you to traditional Japanese handicrafts.
Kyoto SGG Club
Guide Area Kyoto City
Guide Spot Higashiyama Area / Kinkakuji Temple Area / Nijo Castle / Arashiyama Area / Downtown / Fushimi Inari shrine / etc.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email kyo.2023.sgg@kyotosgg.sakura.ne.jp
Message The Kyoto SGG Club provides tour guides for overseas tourists. To reserve a guide, please visit the website and complete the guide service application form, stating where you wish to go in Kyoto City.
Kyoto SGG Associates
Guide Area Kyoto City and the surrounding areas
Guide Spot Kiyomizu-Dera / Kinkakuji / Fushimiinari / Arashiyama / Theme Walks Kyoto There are many beautiful places in Kyoto. We can also arrange a custom course as requested.
Languages Available English, Chinese & Korean
Website Website
Email sgg@costra.co.jp
Message Kyoto SGG and Associates can guide you around Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Visit Kyoto's numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy beautiful scenery with the support of a local guide.
Sakura Volunteer Guide Club
Guide Area Kyoto / Nara / Shiga
Guide Spot 1. Nijo Castle - Golden Pavilion - Kiyomizu Temple 2. Fushimi Inari Shrine - Sanjusangen-do Temple - Kiyomizu Temple 3. Silver Pavilion - Philosopher's Walk - Eikan-do Temple or Nanzen-ji Temple
Languages Available English
Website Website
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Tours of up to six people can be accommodated. Please request a tour guide via the website application form. To request a guide for additional days, please submit a separate form for each extra day required.
The Volunteer Guide Association of Kansai Traditional Handicrafts (KADEKO SGG KANSAI)
Guide Area Kyoto / Osaka / Nara / Hyogo (Kobe) / Shiga / Wakayama
Guide Spot World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, traditional handicrafts artisan's houses and traditional culture workshop (Japanese tea ceremony, Ikebana e.g.) including traditional entertainment such as Japanese dance-Kabuki, Noh play.
Languages Available Japanese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian & Vietnamese
Website Website
Email traditional2010@icloud.com
Contact Service hours: 10:00 - 17:00 ※Our tour guide service would be flexible.
Message KADEKO SGG Kansai can help international visitors get closer to Japanese culture through their guided sightseeing tours and cultural workshops, available in and around the Kansai area.
Doshisha SGG Joe Tokyo & Kyoto
Guide Area Kansai Area / Kinki Area
Guide Spot Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji), Nara, Osaka & Hyogo (Kobe, Himeji, Arima, Takarazuka)
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email keyozgo@gmail.com
Kyoto Goodwill Guide Clover
Guide Area Kyoto and also Nara/Osaka/Kobe/Himeji/Koyasan
Guide Spot Many of Kyoto's most famous sights such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Bamboo Forest. In addition, we will also take you to fun spots for your children such as Monkey-Park, Manga Museum etc. You will be able to experience some of Kyoto’s renowned workshops (tea ceremony, confectionery hand making, tie-dye, calligraphy, pottery making, Ninja photo studio, etc.). Kyoto-based guides can tell you the local restaurants that are not for tourists.
Languages Available English, French
Website Website
Email goodwillguide.clover@gmail.com

Osaka

Foreigner Guides Net Osaka
Guide Area Osaka / Kyoto / Nara
Guide Spot Any place, up to guest's request
Languages Available English & Chinese
Website Website
Email yokoithr-ou42@mse.biglobe.ne.jp
Message Foreigner Guides Net Osaka provide guided tours and interpretation services to international visitors in Kansai. Please request a tour guide via email and include the required information listed on the website.
Osaka SGG Club
Guide Area Osaka (Kyoto, Nara, Kobe provided you stay in Osaka)
Guide Spot Places of historic interest, scenic beauty and modern atraction in these areas, depending on the request from the visitors.
Languages Available English (guide in German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Malay & Indonesian could be provided when possible)
Website Website
Message Osaka SGG Club offer guided tours and language assistance to help visitors enjoy their time in Osaka. Please visit the homepage to request a guide and to view the association's terms and conditions.
Osaka Tenma Yomiuri SGG Club
Guide Area Osaka / Kyoto / Kobe / Nara / Shiga
Guide Spot Osaka Castle / Nijyo Castle / etc. following the requests of overseas tourists
Languages Available English, French & Chinese
Website Website
Contact Contact us at least one week in advance.
Email: hirouchi@pisces.plala.or.jp / orotyshirouchi@yahoo.co.jp
Message Osaka Tenma Yomiuri SGG Club provides guided tours and interpretation services to overseas guests exploring the Kansai area, and has received a reward for excellence from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Nara

IKARUGA ICES SGG
Guide Area Ikaruga Town, Ikoma Town
Guide Spot Horyuji-Temple Site
Languages Available English, Chinese & French
Website Website
Email ikaruga@kcn.ne.jp
Contact TEL: 0745-74-6800
FAX: 0745-75-9090
Service hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Message Ikaruga ICES SGG provides free guided tours of Horyuji Temple in English, Chinese and French. Please request a guide via the application form on the website.
NARA SGG CLUB
Guide Area NARA Prefecture
Guide Spot Nara Park Area as it includes three basic must-see-spots / UNESCO World Heritage Sites / etc.
Languages Available English (for other languages, please contact us.)
Website Website
Email narasgg20@gmail.com
Contact TEL: 0742-22-5595
FAX: 0742-22-5595
Service hours: 9:00 - 19:00
Contact us at least three days in advance.
Message Nara SGG Club offers free guided tours and interpretation services to international visitors, helping you to have a safe, enjoyable and comfortable stay in Japan.
Nara Student Guide
Guide Area Nara
Guide Spot Kohukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine are the main spots but we can guide you anywhere in Nara.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email narastudentguide1964@gmail.com
Message Volunteer student guides are available to guide tourists around Nara City. Please visit the website for further information and contact details.
Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides
Guide Area Nara Prefecture, Nara City
Guide Spot Nara Park (Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji Isuien Garden) / Naramachi / Toshodaiji / Yakushiji / Horyuji Temples / other places upon requests
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email info@egg-nara.org
Message Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides are semi-professional guides with extensive knowledge of Nara and Japanese history and culture. Visit their website to view contact details and request a personalized tour in and around Nara.
NPO Nara Guide Club
Guide Area Nara City and its environs
Guide Spot Kofukuji Temple / Todaiji Temple / Kasugataisha Shrine / Isuien Japanese Garden / Naramachi Town / Yakushiji Temple / Toshodaiji Temple / Horyuji Temple / etc.
Languages Available English, Korean & Chinese
Website Website
Email nara-guideclub@xvh.biglobe.ne.jp
Message NPO Nara Guide Club offers guided tours of Nara city center, and the outer Nara area. To reserve a guide, make your request at least five days in advance. Further information is available on the website.
NARA TRADITIONAL GUIDE CLUB SGG
Guide Area Northern part of NARA pref.
Guide Spot Yamatokoriyama City (Koriyama Castle, Goldfish Scooping Competition, Hinadoll Festival) / Nara City (Deer, Yakushiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple) / Ikaruga Town (Horyuji Temple, Fujinoki-kofun Tumulus) / Ando Town (Ceramic Works)
Languages Available English
Email sinjoiso@kcn.jp
Contact FAX: +81-743-53-4563
NARA Volunteer Tour Guide, SUZAKU
Guide Area Nara City
Guide Spot Nara Park (Todaiji,Kasuga Tiasha, Kofukuji, Isuien Garden)/ Naramachi/Heijokyuu(Nara) Palace Site/Yakushiji/Toshodaiji/other places upon requests
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email suzaku97@m3.kcn.ne.jp
Message NARA Volunteer Tour Guide, SUZAKU offers guided tours of Nara city area.

Please visit the website for further information.

Wakayama

Wakayama Interpreter Volunteer Club
Guide Area North of Wakayama
Guide Spot Koyasan / Wakayama City / Kinokawa City / Hashimoto city / its surrounding areas We can take you around at your request.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email emikobelt@yahoo.com
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Enjoy the highlights of Wakayama, including Koyasan - one of the most famous monastic centers in Japan. Please contact Wakayama Interpreter Volunteer Club at least two weeks in advance to request a guide.

Hyogo

Himeji Goodwill Guide Kashinoki-kai
Guide Area Himeji City
Guide Spot Himeji Castle / Koko-En / Mt.Shosha / Nearby Sites / Fighting Festival
Languages Available English
Email himejitourkashinoki@gmail.com
Message Explore Himeji with an English-speaking guide from the Himeji Goodwill Guide Kashinoki-kai association. Volunteers (based at Navi port in front of Himeji station) also guide people around Himeji Castle, Kokoen and Mount Shosha, by appointment only.
Kobe SGG club
Guide Area Kobe / Himeji / Osaka / Nara / Kyoto
Guide Spot Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway and Herb Gardens / Mt.Rokko / Arima Hot Springs / Harborland / Meriken Park / Nada Sake Breweries / Kitano Foreigners' Residences / China Town / Pearl Bridge / Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institute / Ikuta Shrine / Kobe Special Gourmet: Kobe beaf / Confectionery / Sake and Kobe Wine
Languages Available English, Chinese, French & Spanish
Website Website
Contact Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Kobe SGG club offers guided tours and interpretation services to international visitors. The association will arrange a tour based on your requests, helping to make your visit more enjoyable and comfortable.
Takarazuka Bunkazai Guide Society
Guide Area mainly Takarazuka City
Guide Spot Junrei Kaido (The Pilgrim Highway) / Nakayamadera Temple / Horticulture area / Kiyoshi-kojin Seichoji Temple & Tessai Museum / The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
Languages Available Japanese & English
Email e-k@jttk.zaq.ne.jp
Message To make the most of your time in the Takarazuka area, please contact the Takarazuka Bunkazai Guide Society at least three days in advance.
Volunteer Guide Association of Himeji Castle
Guide Area Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden
Guide Spot West Bailey / Second Bailey / Main bailey and Main tower
Languages Available English, Chinese & Korean
Website Website
Message Volunteer guides wait near the ticket office on most days. Look out for the "Free English-speaking guided tour available" sign. Please note that advance reservations are not usually accepted.
K.V.G.G.
Guide Area Kobe, Himeji and Osaka
Guide Spot Ikuta Shrine / Minatogawa Shrine / Kitano Ijinkan / Nunobiki Herb Garden / Nunobiki Waterfalls / Hyogo Daibutsu / Arima Hot Spring Resort / Sake Museum / Akashi Kaikyo Bridge / Meriken Park / Kobe Harborland
Languages Available English
Email kobe.kvggsince1984@gmail.com
Contact Please contact us by email.

Shimane

Matsue Goodwill Guide
Guide Area City of Matsue / Yasugi / Izumo
Guide Spot Matsue Castle / Shiomi-Nawate area / Horikawa boat cruise / Adachi Museum of Art / Izumo Grand Shrine
Languages Available English
Email sgg_mgg_club@yahoo.co.jp
Contact Upon your request other than those times and places, please contact us by e-mail.
Message Goodwill Guides welcome foreign visitors to Matsue. Please note the Matsue Castle free guided tour is available from 10:00 until 16:00 every Saturday and Sunday from March to November.

Okayama

Kurashiki Goodwill Guides
Guide Area Kurashiki Bikan Area (The Old Town of Kurashiki)
Guide Spot Canal Area / Ohara Museum / Ivy Square / Ohashi's House / etc.
Languages Available English, Chinese & Korean
Email GWG_kurashiki@kurashiki-v.net
Message Visitors can explore the old town of Kurashiki with the support of an English- speaking guide. Please contact the association directly to make your arrangements.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima SGG club
Guide Area Hiroshima City and its surrounding areas
Guide Spot 1. Peace Park / Hiroshima Castle / Shukukeien Garden 2. Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine / Daisho-in Temple)
Languages Available English
Email taif@fureai-ch.ne.jp
Contact TEL: 082-843-9030
Contact us at least ten days in advance.
Message Hiroshima SGG Club volunteer guides can meet you at JR Hiroshima Station (the Shinkansen ticket gate or the South exit) or, alternatively, at your hotel on the scheduled day of your tour.

Yamaguchi

Yanai Sightseeing Volunteer Association
Guide Area Yanai White Wall Townscape and its surrounding areas. In this area, Merchant houses from the Edo period line both sides of the street for 200 meters, and it was known as the "Warehouse of the Iwakuni Domain" during the Edo period, it was a bustling street. Walking on this street makes you feel like you have been transported back to a simpler, peaceful time.
Guide Spot Kunimori Residence / Kanro Syoyu Soy Sauce Museum / Muroya-no-sono Merchant House Museum / Willow Tree and Well (Syoko-an Temple) / Yanai Machinami Museum / Shirakabe Gakuyukan Museum / Yanai Nishigura Experience workshop
Languages Available English
Email info@kanko-yanai.com
Contact 090-5268-5908 (Yuko Izumi)
Website is in preparation but we have our page on Facebook.
Message Guided tours are free of charge. Please contact the association at least ten days in advance to request a guide to show you around Yanai.

Kagawa

Kagawa Systematized Good-will Guide
Guide Area Kagawa Prefecture
Guide Spot Ritsurin Garden /Tamamo Park / Mt. Yashima / Shikokumura Village / Naoshima Art Island / Kotohira-gu Shrine
Languages Available English, Spanish & French
Website Website
Email kagawasgg@gmail.com
Message Foreign visitors can experience Kagawa with a local goodwill guide on a personalized tour. Please complete the website application form, or send an email, to make a request for a guide.

Ehime

Ehime Systematized Good-will Guide
Guide Area Matsuyama / Oz / Uwajim / Niihama / Imabari cities / Shimanami Bridge Route
Guide Spot We can take you around at your request. Recommended sightseeing spots are : 1. The Castle at each area, Dogo Hot Spring, Ishiteji temple 2. Tobe Pottery Places, Uchiko Town
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish & French for Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Hot Spring English for other sightseeing places
Website Website
Email guide-desk@ehimesgg.sakura.ne.jp
Contact Apply by phone 9:00 - 20:00
Message Volunteers are available to help visitors enjoy the sights of Ehime. Free guided tours and interpretation services are available on request. To contact the association, please send an email.

Tokushima

Tokushima GG Club
Guide Area Tokushima Prefecture
Guide Spot Tokushima Prefecture
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French & German
Email kankouseisakuka@pref.tokushima.jp
Message Please contact Tokushima GG Club via email to make an inquiry about tourism in Tokushima. To reserve a guide, please contact the association at least two weeks in advance.

Kochi

Kochi Systematized Goodwill Guide Club
Guide Area Kochi Prefecture *We can take you around at your request.
Guide Spot Recommended sightseeing tours are: 1. Kochi Castle - Katsura Beach 2. Kochi Castle - Ino Paper Museum 3. Sunday Market - Kochi Castle (Sunday only)
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean & French
Website Website
Email kochisgg@hotmail.co.jp
Contact TEL: 090-7148-7608
Contact us at least two weeks in advance.
Message Kochi SGG Club aims to promote international friendship through free guided tours of local sightseeing spots. Visitors can contact the association via email or use the website application form to request a guide.

Fukuoka

Chikuho SGG Club
Guide Area Chikuho Area (Iizuka City, Tagawa City, Nogata City and the nearby counties of Fukuoka Prefecture)
Guide Spot Chikuho Area
Languages Available English
Email suzuki66@ace.ocn.ne.jp
Fukuoka SGG Club
Guide Area Fukuoka City and its surrounding areas such as Dazaifu and Yanagawa
Guide Spot Ohori Park / Fukuoka Castle ruins / museums / Hakozaki Shrine / Tochoji Temple / learning from disaster simulation drills / Japanese gardens / Japanese old houses / an old shopping arcade / Dazaifu / Yanagawa
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean & Spanish
Website Website
Email fukuoka_sgg_club@yahoo.co.jp
Message Volunteers are available to guide visitors on personalized tours in and around Fukuoka. Association members can also provide advice to those traveling further afield in Kyushu. Please use the website application form to request a guide.
Kitakyushu SGG Club
Guide Area Mojiko Retro Area / Kanmon Strait Area / Chofu Town (Yamaguchi Pref) / Kitakyushu Industrial Area
Guide Spot Kokura castle / Yawata Steel Works / Mojimekari N.P. / Yaskawa Robot Factory / Mt. Sarakura cable / Kawachi Lake
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean & Russian
Email hirokimura18@ezweb.ne.jp
Message Welcome to Kitakyushu.
Bienvenido.

Saga

Imari SGG
Guide Area O-kawachi-yama / Arita / Karatsu
Guide Spot Kyushu Ceramics Museum / Karatsu Castle / Okawachiyama Area / Arita Porcelain Park
Languages Available English
Email rokuseng@live.jp
Karatsu Volunteer Guides
Guide Area Karatsu / Imari / Arita
Guide Spot Karatsu: Karatsu Castle / Rainbow Pine Forest / Mt. Kagami / Festival Float Exhibition Hall / Galleries of Karatsu Ware Imari and Arita: Okawachiyama (A Potters Village) / Museum of Kyushu Ceramic Arts / Galleries of Arita Ware
Languages Available English, Korean & Chinese
Email y-shinji@karatsu.or.jp
Message Website of Karatsu Volunteer Guides is in preparation but we have our page on Facebook.
Saga Castle Honmaru Volunteer
Guide Area Saga city
Guide Spot Saga Castle History Museum
Languages Available English, Korean & Chinese
Website Website
Email rekishikan@pref.saga.lg.jp

Nagasaki

Nagasaki International Association
Guide Area Nagasaki Prefecture
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email nia@nia.or.jp
Contact Service hours: 9:00 - 17:30
Contact us at least three weeks in advance.
Message Volunteer tour guides are not trained professionals and tour content may differ from those offered by travel agencies. Also, please note it is not always possible to guarantee that a guide will be available on your requested date.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto SGG Club/Kumamoto Yokatoko Annainin-no-kai
Guide Area Kumamoto City and its surrounding area
Guide Spot Kumamoto Castle/Suizenji Jojuen Garden/Shimada museum of Arts/ Traditional Craft Center/Reigardo Cave/Honmyoji Temple/etc.
Languages Available English, Chinese, Korean, etc.
Website Website
Email contact@k-yokatoko.com
Message Volunteer guides can show you around Kumamoto City and the surrounding area. Please note the city was damaged by two large earthquakes in 2016 which caused damage to buildings, including Kumamoto Castle, which is now being restored.

Miyazaki

Miyazaki Bridge of Fellowship
Guide Area Miyazaki City / Nichinan City / Saito City / Aya Town
Guide Spot Aoshima Island / Udo Jingu Shrine / Obi Castle Ruins / Cape Toi / Ancient Burial Mound Park
Languages Available English
Email grika8@miyazaki-catv.ne.jp

Kagoshima

Kagoshima GAiGO Gakuin SGG
Guide Area Kagoshima City
Guide Spot Sakurajima / Sengan-en Japanese garden / Museum of Meiji Restoration / etc.
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email kgaigosgg@gmail.com
Contact facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kgaigosgg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kgaigosgg/
Message Make the most of your stay in Kagoshima City with a volunteer guide from Kagoshima GAiGO Gakuin Club. Requests for a guide can be made through the website application form.
Kagoshima iBS International Speaking Society
Guide Area Kagoshima
Guide Spot Recommended sightseeing tours are: 1. Sengan-en Japanese garden 2. Chiran Samurai House 3. M6. Sakurajima
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email ibs@ibs-gaigo.com
Message Kagoshima iBS International Speaking Society members are available for personalized guided tours in and around Kagoshima City. Please contact the association directly to make a request.
Kirishima Silver Sightseeing Goodwill Guide
Guide Area Kirishima city
Guide Spot Segodon course, Kirishima Shrine, Kagoshima Shrine, Wake Shrine and Inukai Water Fall. Hayato Mound and Hamanoichi, Ruin of Osumi Kokubunji, Kokubu Shiroyama park
Languages Available English
Website Website
Email Kirishima@sjc.ne.jp

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