Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Castle — Guide Kaji

Title: What's a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour Like During the Setouchi Triennale? A Licensed Guide's Report

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The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They planned to stay in Japan and, before arriving at Naoshima, had spent time in Tokyo, along the Shimanami Kaido (where they also enjoyed some swimming), one day at Naoshima, one day in Hiroshima, one day in Hakone, and further time in Tokyo. Naoshima was extraordinarily crowded because the Setouchi Triennale, held once every three years, was underway. At Takamatsu Port the ferry tickets were sold out, which created about an hour of free time, so I improvised a short visit to nearby Takamatsu Castle, which the guests really enjoyed. The restaurants on Naoshima were also very crowded with long waiting times, so things were quite different from usual. In the end we were unable to visit the Lee Ufan Museum, the Valley Gallery, or the new Naoshima art museum, but we took our time exploring the Chichu Art Museum, the Benesse House Museum, and the outdoor artworks. The guests kindly said not to worry about it and enjoyed themselves. They were a very pleasant and kind group who always listened intently to my explanations, which made guiding them truly rewarding. I was relieved to see them board the ferry bound for Uno without being left behind, and the next day I received a message through a messaging app letting me know they had arrived safely in Hiroshima. My own ferry from Naoshima toward Takamatsu was so crowded that an extra service had been added, but I too managed to board without being left behind and finished the tour with a sense of relief.

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Tour Report by Kaji

Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.