Thank you for choosing me as your tour guide. I have worked 31 years for tourists of more than 20 countries and areas in English. I am interested in Tea ceremony and history of Japan in particular. When you go sightseeing with me.
I like to explain cultural background with that point of view. Don’t you like to know relationship between “shogun and emperor” ? Even modern Japanese manners are based on tradition of Tea ceremony. Don’t you like to learn it? Nowadays lots of tourists to Japan love to wear Kimono and rent it. Most of them do NOT understand Kimono rules. So when I take a look at them, I will bite my lips. It is often funny.
On the other hand, I got shocked when I saw a man, maybe from Asia, walking in “white” kimono. I associated it with Samurai “ssepuku or harakiri” costume. Anyway I like to give basic information about kimono, our national costume. Of course, even Japanese young people have similar problem, too.
I have been living in Osaka for more than 60 years. When you come to Osaka, I like to take you to Dotombori to have lunch together, where Osaka food is wel l known among tourists. For example, Okonomiyaki, or pizza-like food, which is much better than the pizza ! A chef cooks Okonomiyaki just in front of you. If you plant to visit a quiet Buddhist temple even in Osaka, Shitenoji is nice place. It is peaceful and you can get relaxed. Sometimes you can have a look at solem Buddhist ceremony. Next year the World Expo. ‘Osaka, Kansai 2025’ will be held on ” Yumeshima” island where you will go there by Osaka Metro. Why won’t you come to Osaka to see Osakan people who are friendly and kind like me?
As for Japan’s transportation system, it is mainly accurate. I think it is easy for you to make a travel plan. You would know that if you was on JR limited express train, for example. and it were five minutes behind the schedule. the crew would be keep appologizing until it got to destination. If the train gets its destination two hours behind the schedule, remember you should get the seal which is called hanko before or when you get out at or from the ticket gate from the station staffer. You will be refunded.
Now when you enter Japan, you will notify that many Japanese people still wear face mask. This does not mean that they have got Corona pandemic. During spring time, many have pollen allergy. In other words, pollenosis.
Spring is the best time to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms. The flowers at best stay only few days. Even if you miss them, you should not be sad. Geographically Japan is long. If you move to the northern district, you have a chance to see them. For example, the flowers finish around the first week of April, go to Takayama, Gifu prefecture, you can seethem around April 10 or so. I think spring is the most colourful season in Japan. I am looking forward to see you soon.
Thank you. Rumiko