#Japan #Ehime #Ehime Prefecture #Inbound Guide #Tourism Training

Recruitment for Inbound Guide Training Course 2026

In an effort to enhance the experiences of international visitors in Ehime Prefecture, Wawojapan Travel Co., Ltd. has announced the opening of applications for the "2026 Inbound Guide Training Course for Visitors from Europe, America, and Australia." This initiative, organized by the Ehime Prefectural Government, aims to train guides who will showcase the beauty and culture of the region to foreign tourists.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year Wawojapan has undertaken this important training. The program will consist of three levels: a "Beginner Course" that does not require prior experience, an "Intermediate Course" for those holding interpreter-guide licenses, and a self-paced option focusing solely on foundational video training. This structure allows for comprehensive learning tailored to the participants' experience levels.

A Growing Demand for Inbound Tourism

With the steady increase in foreign travelers visiting Ehime, the prefecture saw a significant rise in accommodation numbers, ranking second nationwide for growth rate among prefectures in 2024. The Matsuyama area, in particular, is the most frequented destination for international tourists. Numbers are projected to rise by 39.1% in 2025, marking another record-breaking year. To support and enhance this growing tourism sector, Ehime Prefecture continues its proactive approach to developing skilled inbound guides.

The training will employ a dual approach this year. Participants in the Intermediate Course will engage with in-depth, practical content tailored to licensed guides, while the Beginner Course will cater to those new to guiding, providing essential knowledge without prerequisites. Following an online lecture format, trainees will visit popular locations within the prefecture to simulate guiding scenarios, thereby gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Moreover, the Intermediate Course will foster networking opportunities with tourism businesses, both within and outside the prefecture. This initiative aims to cultivate skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the evolving inbound tourism market in Ehime.

Course Details

The courses offered include:
1. Beginner Course
2. Intermediate Course
3. Online Training Only Option

The common online foundational training includes:

• - Introduction to Inbound Guiding (Instructor: Kenichi Takagi, Wawojapan)
• - The First Steps as an Inbound Guide (Instructor: Kenichi Takagi)
• - Foundational Knowledge of Ehime (Instructor: Ruth Virgin, Former Professor at Ehime University)
• - Tourism Content in Matsuyama (Instructor: Ruth Virgin)
• - Basic Knowledge of Shikoku Henro (Intermediate Course only) (Instructor: Atsuko Iketsu, National Interpreter-Guide)

Schedule Overview

• - Online Basics Orientation for Beginner Course: August 25, 12:00-13:30
• - Field Training for Beginner Course: September 11, 9:00-18:00, starting from JR Matsuyama Station, visiting Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, and Ishite Temple.
• - Online Basics Orientation for Intermediate Course: August 27, 12:00-15:30
• - Field Training Day One for Intermediate Course: September 12, 9:00-17:30, visiting Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, and Ishite Temple.
• - Field Training Day Two for Intermediate Course: September 13, 8:30-17:30, visiting Iwaya-ji, Sakamotoya, Yayasaka-ji, and Joruri-ji.
• - Networking Session: September 14, 10:00-13:00, near Dogo Park.

For detailed program requirements and further information, please visit Wawojapan's Official Training Page. Interested individuals hoping to contribute to Ehime's inbound tourism are encouraged to apply.