Kurashiki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests today were visitors from North America. I had heard that the region they came from historically has strong French cultural roots, which turned out to be true for them as well, and this was a new discovery for me. This group had been difficult to reach from the outset, and the day before the tour I was surprised to receive a message asking where we should meet. Since they had already told me the name of their accommodation, I had not anticipated such a question. When I went to the Hotel that morning and told the staff I had come to pick up the guests, the response was not very courteous, which was a little frustrating. When they did not appear at the appointed time, I began to worry, but I called and confirmed they were indeed staying there, which was a relief.

For some guests, a 6-hour tour spent only in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter can feel long, in which case it is necessary to move to the Kojima district of Kurashiki or into Okayama City to visit Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle. As it turned out, however, these guests were very interested in works of art, so we were able to spend plenty of time visiting museums.

First, we took in an overview of the entire Bikan Historical Quarter from Kurashikikan, then went to the Kurashiki Monogatarikan to learn about the history of Kurashiki through the exhibits and a video. At Kurashiki Ivy Square, they seemed moved by how the British-style spinning mill harmonized with the strong Japanese atmosphere of the Bikan Quarter. That said, they were well aware of the drawback that the ivy, even though originally intended as a countermeasure against the summer heat in the Meiji era, erodes the brick buildings. They were also surprised to learn that this whole area was created through land reclamation. As an aside, they found it very charming that a swan had raised three cygnets on the Kurashiki River.

At Tsurugatayama, they had expressed a wish to see Japan's oldest wisteria trellis, so although the flowers had already fallen, we viewed it. In its place, gardenias welcomed us with their fragrance. After enjoying the view of the Kurashiki cityscape from the hilltop, they were delighted by the unusual exhibits at the Kurashiki Museum of Folk Craft and the Japan Rural Toy Museum, and at the Ohashi House they took their time savoring the atmosphere, imagining life in a townhouse from the Edo period. We then moved on to Shinkeien and strolled through its beautiful garden.

Finally, we made our way to the long-awaited Ohara Museum of Art and its Craft and Asian Art galleries, where they seemed deeply touched by the many masterpieces. We also viewed works at the recently opened Kojima Torajiro Memorial Hall, and then I saw them off at their Hotel. Despite a 60% chance of rain today, the weather held at cloudy, which was a great help for sightseeing.

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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.