TOP > FAQs
Iwamiginzan Volunteer Guides
Volunteer English Guides for Iwami Ginzan
FAQs

Q1. How do I book a guide?
Q2. How much notice do you need?
Q3. How do I know if my reservation is booked?
Q4. When is the best time to come to Iwami Ginzan?
Q5. How do we travel around the area?
Q6. Who pays for any expenses?
Q7. Where do we meet?
Q8. Can I get some food?
Q9. How far do we walk in the tour?
Q10. What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Q11. What if it is raining or there is a typhoon or heavy snow on the day of my tour?



Q1. How do I book a guide?
A1. Please apply using the "Book a Guide Online" form on our website. Since a lot of information is required to provide you with the best tour, we do not make reservations over the phone.


Q2. How much notice do you need?
A2. Please allow at least a two-week notice for us to find you a guide. Availability of the guides depends on the timing of your visit. If you are flexible with your dates, please let us know.


Q3. How do I know if my reservation is booked?
A3. These are the three steps:
1) Fill in the "Book a Guide Online" form.
2) We will send you an e-mail within 7 days with your booking details.
3) You must contact us by e-mail or telephone to confirm your booking as soon as you get your booking details.


Q4. When is the best time to come to Iwami Ginzan?
A4. Anytime is fine. Each season has its unique characteristics. As for the weather, we have many rainy days from the middle June to the middle July, and snowfalls from December to February. The temperature is very high (about 35) in midsummer and very low (about 5) in midwinter. Iwami Ginzan has been very popular since it was listed in the world heritage sites. It can be quite busy on weekends or holidays.


Q5. How do we travel around the area?
A5. Walking. The traffic in the area is restricted and there is no bus service available along the tour route. You can enjoy a walk through an old traditional Japanese town, and through the ancient silver mine.


Q6. Who pays for any expenses?
A6. For any admission and meals you just pay for yourself. The guides are authorized to enter almost all the sightseeing spots in the area. And when you go into a restaurant, the guide will happily wait for you . If you want your guide to join you, please offer to pay for your guide.


Q7. Where do we meet?
A7. At Ginzan Park (near Gohyakurakan or Rakanji Temple). If you drive to Omori, you should park your car at the World Heritage Center, which has a large free parking space, and take a bus from the Center to Ginzan Park. The ride takes several minutes. If you travel by train, there is bus service available from Oda station. The stop nearest to Ginzan Park is "Omori".


Q8. Can I get some food?
A8. There are some restaurants and cafes in Omori. Some of them serve Japanese foods like soba, a set lunch with sashimi or tempura and some kinds of Japanese sweet. Some serve non-Japanese dishes like curry with rice and pasta, or their originals. All of the foods are very good and inexpensive. However, these places are not so large. If you visit on a weekend or during summer vacation (the middle of August), they can be quickly filled with visitors at lunch time.


Q9. How far do we walk in the tour?
A9. Please have a look at the "Course Map" on our website. It is 2.3 km between Ginzan Park(A) and Ryugenji Mabu(B) and 0.8 km between (A) and Kigamijinja Shrine(J). We recommend visiting Ryugenji Mabu (B) first. The path between (A) and (B) is along a stream and, for the most part, in the shade of trees. Walking on it is so pleasant.
For some people, however, it may be hard. Although the route is partly paved, some part of it is a narrow unpaved path. Wheelchairs or baby buggies are not possible as the path includes some steps.
There is no transportation that reaches (B). The traffic is restricted to the local's own cars and the bus service in limited area in order not to disturb life in the small peaceful town and its environment.


Q10. What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
A10. Since some guides may be arranging babysitters or rescheduling work for your tour, please do not cancel at the last minute. However, if you really have to cancel, it is very important to contact us as soon as possible so that we can infrorm your guide.


Q11. What if it is raining or there is a typhoon or heavy snow on the day of my tour?
A11. If it is raining or snowing lightly, your tour will be on. If there is a typhoon or heavy snow, please contact us in the morning to confirm that your tour is canceled.





Copyright (c) 2008 Iwami Ginzan Volunteer Tour Guide All Rights Reserved.
inserted by FC2 system