Tochigi in One Day: Hongu Cafe & Nikko Municipal Hospital — Guide Yumi

What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like With a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report on Toshogu, Rinnoji, and an Unexpected Hospital Visit

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had stayed two nights at a hotel near Lake Chuzenji before the tour. On the day of the tour, they came from their hotel by taxi, so we arranged to meet at Shinkyo Bridge.

The day before, while they were on their way to the hotel, I received a message saying that one of the guests had been experiencing severe back pain since the previous day and wanted to visit a hospital, asking whether I knew a good place. It was a Sunday, and by the time I noticed the message they were already on the hotel shuttle bus, so I contacted the hotel to ask them to help in some way.

On the day of the tour, the back pain was still present, but the wish was to start the tour and see how things went. Since it was raining and there was a desire for coffee, I guided the group to a cafe near Shinkyo Bridge, and after discussing the day's plan there, we proceeded as scheduled to Rinnoji Temple and Toshogu Shrine.

However, watching the group, it seemed that the pain was being endured with great effort, so at lunchtime I checked how they wanted to proceed. It turned out that the pain was gradually getting worse, and there was a wish to go to a hospital if possible, so I looked into nearby hospitals. At first the request was to go to a small private clinic, so I called several places that might be able to help, but each clinic said that if it involved the nerves, it would be better to go to a large hospital. We therefore decided to go to the nearest municipal hospital that seemed likely to provide a detailed examination. It was a hospital I had never been to myself, but the staff were very kind, it was not very crowded, and they handled everything carefully, which seemed to reassure the guests. Since I am not used to medical terminology in English, I asked about the symptoms little by little together with the doctor while using a dictionary, but before long a nurse who could speak English appeared and the examination proceeded smoothly. After that, a blood test and an MRI were scheduled, and while waiting I was told that I was no longer needed and could go home, so the tour ended there.

Afterward, I received a message from the guests saying that an injection had eased the pain and that medication had been provided, which was a great relief. It was fortunate that this was not an injury or accident during the tour, but since there may be occasions like this in the future where I accompany guests to a hospital, I strongly felt that I should study medical English on a regular basis.

Click here for more details: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Yumi

Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?