Elevating Inbound Tourism: The New Guide Training Program in Hakone

Introduction

Waow Japan Travel, an inbound travel company based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is responding to the growing demand for inbound tourism by launching a new training program for English-speaking guides. This Guide Training Program, along with an English Pronunciation Boot Camp, aims to enhance the skills of guides in the scenic Hakone area.

The Need for Enhanced Guide Training

With the increasing number of foreign visitors coming to Japan, there is a pressing need to cultivate knowledgeable and effective tour guides. Recognizing this, Waow Japan Travel has devised a training initiative that not only provides essential historical and cultural knowledge about Hakone but also practical experience in guiding foreign tourists.

Structure of the Training Program

The program comprises two main parts: classroom training and hands-on field training.

- Classroom Training: Participants will learn from seasoned guides who are actively working in the Hakone area. This phase covers a comprehensive curriculum that includes regional history, culture, and essential tourist information needed for guiding.
- Field Training: Following the initial classroom sessions, participants will engage in practical tours alongside instructors. This group-guiding format allows trainees to learn how to cater to diverse clients while exploring local attractions, such as the Hakone Checkpoint and the Hakone Ropeway.

Real-world Training Environment with Foreign Nationals

To simulate real guiding experiences, the program also includes participation from foreign nationals residing in Japan. Participants will take on the role of guides, offering tours to these guests. They will receive immediate feedback from both the guests and instructors, enabling them to refine their guiding techniques.

English Pronunciation Boot Camp

For those interested in improving their communication skills further, Waow Japan Travel offers an optional English Pronunciation Boot Camp. This boot camp is tailored for intermediate to advanced English speakers who struggle with pronunciation. The course focuses on individual sounds, linking phrases, and intonation, significantly boosting confidence in speaking English. It is an ideal complement to the guiding training, ensuring participants are well-equipped to connect with international tourists fluently.

Training Overview

- Target Audience: This program is primarily directed at certified tour guides or those aiming to obtain their qualification, as well as individuals holding a TOEIC Listening & Reading score of 840 or equivalent English proficiency. Beginners or those without prior guiding experience are also welcomed to join the pronunciation boot camp.
- Schedule: The training is organized as follows:

- Classroom Training: June 25 (12 PM - 5 PM)
- English Pronunciation Boot Camp: June 26 (10 AM - 5 PM) – Optional
- Field Training: July 3 (9 AM - 6 PM)

- Field Locations: Participants will engage in tours of major Hakone attractions including the Hakone Checkpoint, Cedar Avenue, the Pirate Ship, the Ropeway, Owakudani, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Notably, field training will mainly involve walking and using public transport.

Investment in Skill Development

- Cost: 38,000 JPY (inclusive of tax) for just the Hakone program, 30,000 JPY for the English Boot Camp, or a combined price of 58,000 JPY for both.

Conclusion

Through this initiative, Waow Japan Travel aims to bridge the knowledge gap between Japan's rich cultural heritage and the needs of international tourists. By honing the skills of local guides, they are not only enhancing the tourism experience in Hakone but are also making strides towards bolstering Japan's attractiveness as a global travel destination.

Registration Information

- Interested participants can register through the following links:

- Hakone Training Registration
- English Pronunciation Boot Camp Registration
For detailed brochures regarding the training, please refer to the provided PDFs for further insights.