Kanagawa: Miyaginobashi bus stop — Guide Ichiro

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The weather was unfortunately cloudy and Mount Fuji was hidden behind the clouds, which was a shame, but otherwise everything went as planned and I believe the guests were satisfied. The guests were visiting from North America. They had come to Japan because one of the guests was participating in the Tokyo Marathon. Since we were on the topic of marathons, I mentioned the Hakone Ekiden relay race, and they became quite interested. Regarding the Hakone-zaiku woodwork souvenirs, one of the guests seemed to want to visit the production site in Hatajuku, but since there was not enough time, they decided to shop where we were. Maruyama Bussan next to the Hakone Checkpoint has the atmosphere of a factory-direct shop, so I believe the guests were pleased.

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Tour Report by Ichiro

Having taught at a national university with many international students, I have experience in intercultural communications. I hope you can enjoy my talk on Japanese culture and history. I am a novice as a guide, but having traveled around the world, I think I know what foreign travelers expect of a tour guide. One of the most impressive tour guides I have met is a lady in Chennai who told me everything about the Indian culture and history – from Hindu gods to how the British brought ice from North America to Madras and kept it all through the summer for their cold drinks. I hope to become an impressive guide like her.