Kurashiki Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Body: The weather forecast had predicted a high chance of rain, around 70% from the afternoon, but it did not rain at all and the day was very comfortable. The temperature rose to nearly 20 degrees, and I was slightly surprised to see the cherry blossoms already about 20% in bloom, which was a fortunate turn. In the Bikan Historical Quarter, there were two wedding ceremonies taking place, and the guests were moved as they captured them in photographs. The plum blossoms were also in full bloom, and the guests seemed touched by the exotic fragrance of the daphne flowers. At a jeans shop, the guests purchased two high-quality pairs. At the Ohashi House, they thoroughly enjoyed the architecture and lifestyle of the old days, and at Kurashiki Ivy Square they enjoyed the former Meiji-era spinning mill site. Afterward, they took in a view of Kurashiki City in spring from the elevated Achi Shrine and park, and enjoyed some Japanese sweets. The wisteria trellis said to be the oldest in Japan, with a tree reportedly 400 years old, was a month too early for the flowers, but they were able to appreciate the tree itself. At a dining spot near the end of the tour, they enjoyed sushi and beer. The guests were visiting from the Middle East, and with an easygoing and open-minded nature, it was a pleasure to guide them.

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Tour Report by Sam

My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.