Disruptive Behaviour by Tour Guides

　The cherry blossoms along the Kamogawa River, which had been in full bloom, are now beginning to fall in places due to the rain and wind.

　As this is the final weekend of the cherry blossom season, Kyoto Station is extremely crowded. In particular, visitors from overseas are so engrossed in taking photographs that they come close to colliding with the Shinkansen, and there are occasional instances of people failing to observe Japanese rules, which often causes problems.

　Unfortunately, there are people who behave in that way, even amongst us tour guides. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many guides have left the profession, and as a result, disruptive behaviour by English-speaking guides and their assistants has become particularly noticeable. During this season, it is common to see them causing Shinkansen delays by attempting to board groups of over 30 people through the same entrance without spreading them out, cutting in line without permission, or obstructing the flow of pedestrians whilst engrossed in their explanations. I myself must always be mindful of my own conduct.

　Therefore, the best way to judge the quality of a guide is by observing how they behave towards others.

　I believe that it is the mission of us guides in Kyoto to create an environment where neither those who live here nor those who visit have to endure any unpleasant experiences.