You see it everywhere online:
“Private tours in Tokyo 🇯🇵”
“Let me show you Shibuya like a local ✌️”
“French-speaking guide in Osaka 😍”
But the question is… Is it legal? Safe? Reliable?
Often: no.
😠 The problem
More and more people are improvising as “guides” without any license, insurance, or legal registration.
Sometimes they’re expats on a working holiday visa, sometimes even locals — offering off-the-grid tours through social media.
➡️ The result? No guarantee, no safety, no accountability.
And if something goes wrong?
A theft, accident, injury, scam, or serious mistake?
There’s no coverage. No solution. No legal protection.
📜 Japanese law is very clear
To work legally as a paid guide in Japan, you must:
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Hold an official National Guide-Interpreter License (全国通訳案内士)
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Be registered and tax-declared
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And usually have liability insurance in case of incidents
Without this, the activity is illegal — and potentially dangerous.
💬 Why this matters
These fake guides:
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Undermine true professionals who invest in training and follow the rules
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Put tourists at risk without informing them
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Damage Japan’s image, turning culture into a hustle instead of a respectful experience
We hear from people every week who’ve been misled, disappointed, or worse.
✅ What We Recommend at Japanzon
We only recommend licensed, insured, and certified professionals.
Not random TikTok or Instagram profiles with no legal structure.
We’re currently preparing a list of trusted, verified guides — coming soon.
📣 Our advice
If you’re looking for a guide:
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Ask for the license
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Check the website, business registration, and reviews
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Avoid profiles that exist only on social media with no legal information
A legitimate guide will often list their license number or company registration info.
👉 If you can’t find it, that’s a red flag. Stay away.
Japanese culture deserves respect, and visitors deserve safety.
🛑 Fake guide = real risk
Share this message. Too many people are falling into the trap.
—
WeAreJapanzon
Authentic. Responsible. Japanese.
