Tour Guide-Interpreter (Tourism)
つうやくガイド（かんこう）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Other Service Occupations
- Minor : Tour Conductors and Tour Guides
Summary
A profession that leverages foreign language skills to guide and explain famous sites, culture, and history to tourists in multiple languages.
Description
The Tour Guide-Interpreter (Tourism) is a specialist who guides and explains famous places, culture, and history in Japan to foreign tourists in their native language or another language. They also handle tour planning, schedule adjustments, safety management, and arranging transportation, collaborating with travel agencies and local governments to provide services. In addition to language skills, intercultural understanding, hospitality, and emergency response capabilities are required.
Future Outlook
With the recovery and increase in inbound demand, demand for tour guide-interpreters is expected to rise. Although there is competition from AI translation technology, the market value of highly specialized guides who can provide region-specific knowledge and meticulous hospitality will be maintained.
Personality Traits
Attentive / Bright and Sociable / Can Respond Flexibly to Situations / Excellent Observation Skills / Good at Explaining / Has Hospitality
Work Style
Freelance / Full-time / Seasonal / Tour Operator / Travel Company Employment
Career Path
Junior Tour Guide-Interpreter → Senior Tour Guide-Interpreter → Guide Chief/Supervisor → Freelance Guide → Inbound Planner/Consultant
Required Skills
Eloquence / Foreign Language Conversational Ability / Interpretation and Guidance Skills / Knowledge of Tourist Spots (History and Culture) / Safety Management and First Aid
Recommended Skills
ICT Literacy (Smartphone Apps and Audio Equipment) / Intercultural Communication / Knowledge of Travel Agency Law / Manners for Entertaining Foreigners / Marketing
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because it is necessary to flexibly respond to changes in weather, traffic conditions, and guest requests. |
| Communication Skills | Because explanation and dialogue in multiple languages form the core of the job. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to continuously update knowledge of culture, history, and languages. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because there is a lot of long-hour walking and standing work, physical stamina is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Almost no need for specialized mathematical analysis. |
Related Qualifications
- Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter
Aliases
- Tour Guide
- Tourist Guide
- Tourist Interpreter Guide
Related Jobs
- Tour Conductor
- Tour Escort
- Tourist Information Staff
- Travel Consultant