Tour host manual – Guide to be a Guide!

Please read this before you do your HiddenWalks tour.

These points will help you plan and conduct the tour properly. This way you can work efficiently and your guests get to enjoy a memorable tour!

Creating Your Tour

1. Research the area you will be leading the tour(s) in. Learn about the history, culture, and landmarks of the area that you can provide accurate and interesting information to your tour group. Ideally, you should conduct your tour within your local area since you can share your personal experience!
2. Prepare a script or an outline for your tour. This should include the main info you want to cover and any stories or anecdotes you want to share.
3. Practice your tour in advance. This will help you become more comfortable with the material and allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your script.

Here is an example of a script for a beginner tour guide leading a walking tour of Kyoto:

Opening:

“Konnichiwa, everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I will be your tour guide today. Today, we will be taking a walk through the beautiful city of Kyoto and learning about the rich history, culture and landmarks of this ancient city. As you have already read when you booked the tour, I plan on taking you [where you want to go]. Since this a private tour we can adjust it to your own preference. What are your interests? Are you all ready to begin?”

First stop

“Our first stop is at Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This temple was built in the 14th century and is a great example of Muromachi period architecture. The temple is covered in gold leaf and it’s surrounded by a beautiful garden, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Second stop 

“Next, we will be heading to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is the head shrine of Inari, the god of rice. Let’s take a moment to look around and see the thousands of torii gates that lead to the top of the mountain. It’s one of the most iconic sights of Kyoto.”

Third stop 

“As we continue on our tour, we will be passing by the Nijo Castle. This castle was built in the 17th century and was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the military leaders of the Edo period. Inside, you can see a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and learn more about the history of the castle.”

Fourth stop

“Our next stop is the Gion district, which is the most famous geisha district in Japan. Here, you can see the traditional wooden machiya houses and the tea houses, where the geishas entertain their guests. You may even see a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking around if you’re lucky.”

Fifth stop

“Finally, we will be ending our tour at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This is one of the most beautiful natural sights of Kyoto, the grove is a peaceful and serene place to walk and admire the tall bamboo stalks.”

Closing

“Thank you for joining me on this tour of Kyoto. I hope you enjoyed learning about the history, culture and landmarks of this ancient city. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Also if you have a free minute after the tour: I would really appreciate if you were to rate the tour on HiddenWalks and tell me what you did enjoy and what you wish was better. Domo arigatou gozaimashita (Thank you very much).”

After Booking Request

1. Accept the booking request.
2. Send your guest a friendly introduction of yourself and thank them for booking your tour.
3. Ask if your guest has any questions or special requests for the tour. However, feel free to decline their request if it exceeds your capability or the tour range.

Here is an example: 

“Thank you for your interest in my Kyoto Sightseeing Tour!

I am [your name] and excited to be your guide. I want to ask you again if there is anything you like me to include in the tour. I will try to incorporate in the tour.

To complete the booking process, please make a payment through the platform.

Note that the tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable and experienced guide, and admission to the temples and gardens we will be visiting. However, it does not include meals or any personal expenses.

Also, please let me know if any of your group members have any special needs or requests. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hosting you and showing you the best of Kyoto.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

After you have sent the message, wait for the guest to make the payment. The booking process is finished when they complete the payment. (Your tour fee will be sent/deposited to your wallet once you complete the tour)

After Booking Confirmation

1. Keep in touch with your guest. Be able to answer any questions or updates on the upcoming tour. Let them know if you are flexible for any customizations of the tour plan. Some guests may have particular requests or needs.
2. Review and memorize your tour itinerary and route. Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Does your tour also work in bad weather? Do you have an alternative program?
3. Before the tour date, make sure to send your guest the exact location of the meeting point. Even if you have it already listed on your tour description, send it directly through the message page as a reminder. It may help to let them know what you will be wearing that day.

For example:

“This is the address of our meeting point: XXXXX, I will be waiting in front of the Seven Eleven store wearing a black sweater and jeans. Please call me at (phone #) if you have trouble finding me.”

Conducting the Tour

1. Be punctual! Arrive at the meeting point early that you can greet your tour guest and ensure that everyone is present before starting the tour.
2. Be personable and engaging. Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace and make eye contact with your guests. Encourage questions and interactions.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as uneven sidewalks or low branches, and be prepared to adjust your route if necessary.
4. Be flexible. Be prepared to adjust your tour depending on the interests and needs of your guest.
5. Be professional. Dress appropriately, be polite and courteous, and always be respectful of the places and people you are visiting.
6. Have fun! Remember that you are sharing something you are passionate and enthusiastic about. This should come through in your tour!
7. Get feedback. Ask your guest(s) how they felt about the tour and take note of what they liked and what they in fact did not. It will help you to improve your future tours. You will also get personal feedback as a review from your guests later. Remind them to please rate the tour.

Review your guest

1. Log into your HiddenWalks account and navigate to the “Profile” section.
2. Go to the “Reviews by you” section.
3. Locate the tour and guest that you would like to review and click on the “Write a review” button.
4. Fill out the review form for rating the guest. You can also add a written review to provide more detail about your experience with the guest. You can also add a private message.
5. Submit the review form. Your review will be visible on the guest’s profile for other tour hosts to see.

Keep in mind that your review will be visible to the guest, so it is important to be honest and considerate when reviewing. If you have any issues with the guest, it’s best to try to resolve them before leaving a review!