Niigata: Shibata Castle & Shimizu-en Garden — Guide Kayoko

What Is a Private Day Tour from Niigata East Port to Tsukioka Onsen Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

It had been raining right up until the tour began, so I was full of worry, but miraculously it did not rain during the six hours of the tour, and I felt truly relieved.

Since I had learned from the country code that the guests were visiting from Europe, I prepared in advance some materials showing the relationship between Japan and Europe, as well as Japanese words derived from that region's language that are still in use today. Thanks to this, our conversation flowed nicely while we were on the move.

I thought that the famous sightseeing spots would be crowded on the day a cruise ship arrives, so this time I chose a slightly less well-known route to Tsukioka Onsen. The guests tried the foot baths and took a leisurely stroll, and they were very pleased.

This was my third time going to pick up guests at Niigata East Port. This time it was far more crowded than on the previous two occasions, packed with tour buses and taxis waiting for passengers.

I understand that [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) now has a policy that, for assignments at Niigata East Port, the guide does not ride along to the port and only the driver goes there. However, I felt that this arrangement may be quite difficult to carry out in practice. This time, because I was connected with the guests via a messaging app, I was able to meet them successfully at the port by frequently sending updates such as "I am now standing next to the flag of this color." But if it were only the taxi driver alone, I felt that meeting up would be very difficult.

Click here for more details: Niigata Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by KAYOKO

Hello. I’m Kayoko. I’m registered as a National Licensed Guide Interpreter by Tokyo Metropolitan City Government.
I had been living in Yamagata City, 400 kilometers north up to Tokyo for 1 and 3 months, and now just have come back to Tokyo. I really enjoyed living in Yamagata.
My hobby is horse riding and playing some musical instruments such as piano, clarinet, euphonium and tuba.
Thanks to my riding experience, I had a special opportunity to do volunteer works at 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the equestrian venue in Tokyo.
I am also a certified kimono instructor and can help you dress in the traditional Japanese kimono.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you.