Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama's Old Town and Sakurayama Hachimangu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. As there was some time before the bus departure, we did brief self-introductions and talked about their overall itinerary, Hida beef, and recent natural disasters in Japan.

At the Miyagawa Morning Market, I provided information such as the market's operating season and the distance, and then the guests enjoyed it at their own pace. They took photos of the koi swimming in the river and showed interest in pickles and small taiyaki. At a kitchenware shop, they were curious about whether chopsticks come in separate types for men and women, and although not for today, they asked which sightseeing area I would recommend for buying a kitchen knife, so I asked about their upcoming destinations and suggested Kyoto. They also smiled at the food samples.

On the way to the shrine, we passed in front of the Yoshijima Heritage House and went up to the entrance. They seemed interested, but I prioritized the original plan. In connection with the cedar ball (sugidama), I explained the sake brewing process. They also looked pleased at a nearby cat cafe.

At Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, we took a group photo in front of the torii gate, and afterward the guests offered a prayer in front of the main hall. There was also a small pond with koi, and they were curious about how it is managed. At the Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall), they were impressed by the power of the floats. After I explained the festival season and the karakuri mechanisms, they thoroughly enjoyed the screening video as well. They also nodded with interest at the fifth wheel that helps the floats turn. At the Hidachikan, the facility's guidance was apparently only in Japanese, so I explained the positional relationship of Nikko Toshogu, the connection to the master craftsmen of Hida, and that it is a World Heritage site, and they seemed amazed by the high level of craftsmanship.

On the way to the old townscape, we stopped by the Takayama Showa-kan. It was a slight challenge that they were not fully convinced by the explanation of it being a paid facility, but I felt they liked the atmosphere. We also stopped by a furniture shop.

In the old townscape, they did not seem very interested in sake, and as I responded with this plan of simply strolling and stopping wherever caught their attention, I sensed the atmosphere became a little awkward, so I quickly guided them to the Jinya.

At the Jinya, I responded using the basic English guidance in the facility. From the way they seemed to have finished viewing everything, I felt they understood it well. By the time we exited, it was already past 12:30, so I briefly showed them the location of the bus stop to return to the Hotel, the area for lunch, and other sightseeing spots, and we parted ways. In the end, we were able to say goodbye with smiles.

Note: Throughout the tour, the guests were very interested in Japanese culture and history. Looking back, I regret a little that we did not walk through the preservation district of the old townscape. There were also many questions such as "What is that?", but I think I managed to handle them.

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

Tour Report by MARU

I’m MARU.
I live in Aichi prefecture.
I’m very honored to guide you in around Tokai area, central Japan.
The number of foreign tourists coming to Japan has been increasing currently.
However, there is the overtourism in such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
Do you know that central Japan is located between them?
Why don’t you drop by a little in between them on a bullet train?
You may discover new things make you satisfied.
I hope I share your thoughts with you.
So, what are you waiting for?
I’m always here with you.
Let’s make a wonderful journey with me.