Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour — Guide Taka

What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like on a Busy Holiday? A Licensed Guide's Report

Since the tour took place in early January, I had explained the expected crowds to the guests well in advance. Initially, the guests hoped to visit Itsukushima Shrine even if it meant waiting in line. However, after seeing the actual crowds, the guests decided to give up on entering Itsukushima Shrine, so we visited other spots instead (Toyokuni Shrine, the Five-Storied Pagoda, the Five Hundred Rakan, Daisho-in Temple, and the Henjokutsu Cave). To avoid the crowds, we took a route through Machiya-dori and past the Dragon Beard Pine, and the guests were very pleased with the scenery. They seemed especially interested in the old votive tablets displayed at Toyokuni Shrine, the Five Hundred Rakan statues wearing red caps, and the blessings of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage at Henjokutsu Cave. Finally, I showed them the photo spot for the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, and we went down to the sandy beach to view and learn about Itsukushima Shrine. The guests told me that even though they could not go inside, they were satisfied with its grandeur. I tried to avoid the crowds as much as possible, but the restrooms were extremely crowded, which I believe was a source of frustration. I also reflected that more thought was needed regarding the choice of lunch location (we ate near Hiroshima Station instead of Miyajima), even though reservations for lunch on Miyajima were impossible. Since sightseeing time was limited, avoiding waiting in lines is a must, and going forward I want to be prepared to quickly suggest alternatives. Using a messaging app that I had connected with the guests beforehand, I took many photos at the scenic spots with my own smartphone and sent them to the guests right away, which they greatly appreciated. Since the guests had visited Japan many times before, I handed them postcards and pamphlets of my hometown that I had brought along and promoted it to them.

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Tour Report by TAKA

I was born in Onomichi. After spending a lot of time in Onomichi until I graduated from high school, I entered Chiba University in Chiba Prefecture, next to Tokyo. After graduating from university, I worked for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. For the three years in Osaka, I was in charge of tourism public relations for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, planning tourism events in Hiroshima and promoting it to media and travel agencies. After that, I took an early retirement from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and returned to my hometown, Onomichi. I worked as a staff member at the guest house Miharashitei, which is popular among foreign tourists, and at a vegetable and fruit wholesaler in Onomichi, which is famous for its citrus fruits. I like hiking and cycling on my days off. As for my experience as an interpreter and guide, I made my debut as an interpreter and guide in April 2024. I have guided walking around temples in Onomichi City, guided cycling on the Shimanami Kaido, and guided the townscape of Onomichi, a Japanese Heritage site. I am looking forward to cycling and walking with the guests who visit Onomichi.