I've used volunteer guides in Kamakura and their English is often quite challenging. On the other hand, if you have some guests over then it's an offbeat chance for some interraction with the local populace. I'm not sure whether to be disconcerted that FGs have to go to the zoo to apply.
Tourism-Oriented Community Development in the Ueno District
To welcome tourists visiting Ueno from abroad and to fully convey the charms of Ueno, the Council has launched a volunteer, English-language tourist guide service.
1. Service starts: Friday November 19, 2004
2. Availability: Every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday
3. Language: English
4. Description of service:
(1) Scope of guide operations: Within walking distance of Ueno Park (for the time being, service focuses on Ueno Park)
(2) Method: Volunteers accompany visitors along a pre-determined route, which takes approximately 90 minutes.
(3) Starting time: 10:30 for the morning session, and 13:30 for the afternoon session
*When there are no visitors requesting the service, the volunteers engage in tourist information services at the counter.(Business hours: 10:00 to 16:00)
(4) Cost: Free
5 Reception desk: 1st floor, Ueno Green Salon, Ueno Zoo
6 Application: Applications accepted at the reception desk on the day the service is required.

Mulboyne wrote:... Volunteers accompany visitors along a pre-determined route, which takes approximately 90 minutes...

Oops - I thought she said "a long and pretty damn good root, which takes approximately 90 minutes".

I might cancel my booking.

So what are the stops on the tour?

The depressed unhealthy-looking animals in the Wino Zoo - the developed worlds worse zoo, the homeless pissing or passed out in the park, the toxic waste pond, the Iranians selling Allah-knows-what, or perhaps the site where student-rightist committed mass suicide with hand grenades to celebrate the surrender in 1945.

Ah! The charms of Ueno.....