Under the Guide-Interpreter Business Law, “individuals who escort foreigners and give them guiding services concerning travel with the use of a foreign language for a consideration have to pass the examination given by the JTA(Japan Tourism Agency) Commissioner and acquire a license issued by a prefectural government.” The tour guide-interpreter is a profession specialized in guiding visitors to Japan so that they can travel safely and in correctly introducing and projecting the nation of Japan and its culture.

The prefecture-based tour guide-interpreter, specified in “The Act on Promotion of Inbound Tourism through Enhancing Travel Convenience of Foreign Tourists” (1997 Act No.91), can practice guiding for a service fee in the prefecture where the guide is licensed. You need to pass the examination given by a prefecture, apply for the license, and be licensed by Governor.