The City of Kyoto’s Interpreter-Guide System is a system in which the city Kyoto certifies interpreter guides who are highly skilled and able to communicate the deep attraction of the Greater Kyoto area (Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City), which is home to many World Cultural Heritages and Kyoto Cultural Properties.
In order to be certified, each applicant must have attained a designated level of language proficiency, take a training course, acquire knowledge on hospitality, guiding skills, and Kyoto tourism, after which they must pass an oral examination.
If you want to visit the World Heritage Sites, a detailed guide from a knowledgable professional will be a great addition.
In this article, we will guide you through the procedures for using the Kyoto Visitors Host.
What exactly is the Kyoto Visitors Host?
The City of Kyoto’s Interpreter-Guide (Kyoto Visitors Host), are certified interpreter guides who are highly skilled and able to communicate the deep attraction of the Greater Kyoto area.
Aside from translation & interpretation skills, these guides go through a 6 month training period to train their skills like hospitality, guiding skills, and general knowledge of the city. Applicants then have to pass a test in order to become a certified guide.
Many skilled professionals apply each year, and now there are about 50 certified professionals.
These guides have a solid understanding of the culture and history of Kyoto, as well as having the best personalities and hospitality. They have a vast knowledge for all things Kyoto, and are guranteed to make your love for Kyoto even deeper.
This service can be used for both personal tourism, or for businesses. The Kyoto's Interpreter-Guides (Kyoto Visitors Hosts), who are filled with pride and love for the city, will gurantee to make your visit special.
(source:Kyoto City Visitor's Host Official Website)
How to use Kyoto Visitors Host
You can appoint a Kyoto Interpreter-Guide (Kyoto Visitors Host) through their official website.
Step 1: Go to their official website
First things first, visit the City of Kyoto Visiters Host official website. (https://www.kyotovisitorshost.com/)
Choose your preferred language from the pull down list on the top right. Choices are Japanese, English, Chinese, French, and Spanish.
Step 2: Search for your guide candidates
From the top page, you can search for your guide candidates by choosing a date and preferred language.
Step 3: Select your guide
Click on the "Search" button to see a list of available candidates.
If you select a candidate, you will jump to their profile page listing their general fees and availability. Continue searching for your ideal candidate.
Step 4: Complete user registration
Once you have found your ideal candidate, you will then have to contact the guide for further arrangements.
In order to contact them, you will have to register as a user.
Look for a login page from the guide profile pages or menu windows, then from there, set your ID and password and you should be all set.
Step 5: Contact your guide
Once you have completed the user registration, fill in the desired dates, languages, number of people, and other preferences, upon contacting the guide you chose.
As a general rule, you will receive a reply from the guide (or an intermediary) within 48 hours.
When you receive a reply from the guide, negotiate directly with the guide about fees, payment methods, and availability of the guide, and make a decision whether or not to go through with the service.
Enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour of Kyoto with a Kyoto City certified interpreter guide (Kyoto City Visitor's Host)!
Like so, the Kyoto Interpreter-Guide (Kyoto City Visitors Host) is a convenient system that allows you to easily find a suitable tour guide online.
There are so many temples, shrines, and tourist attractions in Kyoto that no matter how many times you visit, you will almost never be able to visit them all.
If you are visiting World Cultural Heritage Sites and important cultural assets, listening to explanations from knowledgeable and experienced specialists could highten your experience by tenfold.
Enjoy Kyoto sightseeing to the fullest with a Kyoto City certified interpreter guide (Kyoto City Visitor's Host).
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