Japan’s Good-will Guides

Japan’s Good-will Guide program made for two rich and delightful experiences during my May ’06 visit.

In Kyoto, I spent a full day with volunteer guide Mitsuharu Naka­gawa, who enthusiastically and tirelessly showed me his city, taking me not only to Kyoto’s must-see sites but to those areas known best to those who live there.

My second experience was the happy result of a mandated 7-hour wait for a flight home out of Tokyo’s Narita Airport. Instead of cooling my heels for a long day at the terminal, I took a 10-minute train ride that delivered me to an unexpected treasure: the temple town of Narita.

There, volunteer guide Kamikawa Katsumi accompanied me down a winding street lined with all manner of shops, many founded to cater to pilgrims long ago, leading to one of Japan’s most magnificent Shingon-sect Buddhist temple complexes. With “Katz” as my entertaining and knowledgeable guide, a dreaded wait for a flight became one of the highlights of my trip.

Eighty-one volunteer groups scattered throughout the country comprise Japan’s Systematized Good-will Guide (SGG) program. Sponsored by the Japan National Tourist Office (212/757-5640 in New York City or 213/623-1952 in Los Angeles), there is no charge for the service other than the paying of any admission charges and for meals taken together. In Kyoto, my day with Mr. Nakagawa added up to ¥3,000 (about $29) and in Narita, half that.

The volunteers, mainly retired persons, receive in turn the opportunity to practice their language skills (both of my guides were very proficient in English) and share the love of their country.

Information about the program can be found online at www.jnto.go.jp. Once arrived at the site, click on Essential Information, followed by Guide Services and then List of Volunteer Guides.

YVONNE HORN
Santa Rosa, CA