Fukushima in Half a Day: Aizu Samurai Residence & Tsuruga — Guide Yoko

What Is a Private Guided Tour of Aizu, Fukushima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America on their first trip to Japan. Although Tokyo was the main focus of their stay, they spent four nights in Fukushima. They had hoped to visit the prefectural museum, but as it was closed on Mondays, we visited only the samurai residence and Tsuruga Castle. Even so, time felt a little tight. I talked about Japanese history and the Boshin War, and the guests listened with great interest, so I wished I had been able to explain it even better (I was not able to say much about the Byakkotai, for example). At the first stop, the samurai residence, the guests spent quite a bit of time shopping at the gift shop, which reduced the time we could devote to Tsuruga Castle. They were also interested in matcha (one of the guests is studying Japanese and even owns a tea whisk and matcha bowl at home), so at the Rinkaku tea house I showed them a casual way to enjoy matcha. After that we climbed the castle keep, so we ended up staying until closing time at 17:00. I was reminded once again that I need to find ways to explain things more concisely within a limited time. Even though it was their first time in Japan, the group was very active, staying at hot spring inns for all four nights in Fukushima and driving a rental car to Urabandai and Abukumado. They said they would like to come to Japan again during the autumn foliage season. I would be delighted if they visited Fukushima again. (At first I was hesitant about riding in the rental car driven by one of the guests, but since it was the third day of driving and they seemed quite used to it, and the distances were short, we traveled in the guests' rental car.)

Click here for more details: Aizu Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Yoko

Hello, I am Yoko Nemo, happy to be your guide. Fukushima/Tohoku area is full of beautiful nature and traditional culture. There are many unknown charms. Get away from the crowded tourist areas to enjoy the relaxing local atmosphere!
I also can take you to the coastal area of Fukushima. There are several memorial museums related to the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear power plant accident. You will see how people are working hard for the revitalization of the area.
I love traveling both inside and outside of Japan. So I also look forward to hearing about your hometown. Thank you!