For those who have used this service, how long did it take before you were assigned a guide after filling out the form? I've been waiting about a week (for a date in 2 months). From what I understand, if a guide isn't available, you just won't get contacted. It would be nice if they could give you a yes/no so I could try a different date or make other plans!
Posted Mar 23, 2017, 11:40 AM UTC
I actually have the exact same question! I've been waiting about two weeks though. We've just gotta keep waiting I guess!
Update: I got a guide yesterday!
Let me know if you hear anything! I'm going to get really antsy if it goes past the 1-month mark.
Thought I'd mention too that I came across these guys: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo.student.guide.group/
Maybe I'll try contacting them if it doesn't work out with TFG. It actually seems like a better fit since my partner and I are young-ish and I think a lot of the TFGs are old guys. Have been hesitant since there isn't a lot of reviews/info out there about the student guides.
I tried to schedule a free guide on my last trip too, probably 2 months before my departure. They won't contact you unless they find a guide. I guess we wanted to do it on a weekday which makes it harder to find someone available. I wasn't able to get a confirmation before my trip to Japan so I cancelled the request about two weeks out...
My guess is they won't be able find someone until much closer to the actual date. Unless you are very flexible on your schedule, I will definitely make sure to have a plan B.
We're arriving Wednesday evening and I requested a guide for Thursday, since it seems like a great way to get oriented. I just put in a second request for the Saturday, though. I'll see what happens.
Not used their service but it could be that there aren't any guides that can confirm their availability that far in advance yet.
Yes, have definitely considered that. However, don't know how long I should wait without missing out on other dates too.