Profile
Kanazawa has been spared the devastation of war and natural disasters, and therefore people are able to enjoy both the modern aspects of the city as well as get a taste of the old Edo castle town. Kanazawa has inherited rich traditional culture and crafts from the Edo period; things such as tea ceremony, Noh theater, gold leaf, Kutani pottery, and lacquerware.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Kanazawa and offer you warm hospitality. We seek to introduce you to the beauty of the traditions and culture of Kanazawa during your stay.
| Name | Kanazawa Goodwill Guide Network (abbr. KGGN) |
| Purpose | KGGN members contribute to the grass-roots movement of international understanding by offering hospitality, English language assistance and guides. |
| Foundation Date | April 1, 1992 |
| General Coordinator | Nobuyuki Nishi |
| Number of members | 126 members as of April 1, 2018 (Male 39 / Female 87) |
| Address | Kanazawa Hyakubangai, 1-1, Kinoshinbo-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-0858, Japan |
| Contact | Phone +81-076-232-3933 |
| Kind of group | A non-profit volunteer organization |
| Main activities | -Providing free information to tourists at the Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Tourist Information Center -Offering guided tours of Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park from the information booth near Ishikawa-mon gate and providing free information to tourists at the Gyokusen'an Rest House in Gyokusen'inmaru Garden in Kanazawa Castle Park -Providing English-speaking travel guides and interpreters for those who have made prior arrangements -Gathering members together for monthly meetings, workshops, social activities and to publish monthly journals |
History
| April 1992 | KGGN became an independent organization - originally part of “the Society to Introduce Kanazawa to the World”. KGGN began free distribution of information at the Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Tourist Information Center and started a volunteer guide service. |
| September 1992 | KGGN’s first publication of “KGGN News” (name was later changed to: “KGGN NEWS LETTER”) |
| March 1998 | KGGN received the Hotto Ishikawa Sightseeing Hospitality Award. |
| April 2002 | 10th Anniversary Celebration from JNTO |
| June 2003 | KGGN incorporated computer and E-mail usage. KGGN launched its first website. |
| December 2005 | KGGN was awarded the Ishikawa Prefecture International Exchange & Partnership Certificate. |
| March 2008 | KGGN record: KGGN served over 10,000 tourists in one year. |
| April 2008 | Change in counter staffing system: number of staff at the counter increased from 1 to 2 people. |
| May 2010 | KGGN started guided tours of Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. |
| March 2011 | New record: KGGN served 17,500 guests in one year. |
| April 2012 | 20th Anniversary Celebration (lecture, celebration, workshop) KGGN published a commemorative magazine. |
| March 2014 | New annual tourist record : 24,000, Total sightseeing guides : 800 |
| December 2014 | KGGN was awarded a certificate of appreciation as the Excellent Goodwill Interpretation Organization by Japan Tourism Agency. |
| March 2015 | KGGN began free distribution of information at the teahouse in Gyokuseninmaru Garden in Kanazawa Castle Park. |
| March 2015 | New annual tourist record : 33,000, Total sightseeing guides : 900 |
| September 2015 | KGGN was awarded the certificate of Kanazawa-city Culture Activity as the result of longtime hospitality for foreign tourists. |
| March 2016 | New annual tourist record : 50,706, Total sightseeing guides : 1,886 |
| March 2017 | New annual tourist record : 61,111, Total sightseeing guides : 1,171 |