Hyogo in Half a Day: Station 2F Observation Deck — Guide Mariko

What's a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The train was slightly delayed, but the guests kindly contacted me in advance via a messaging app. The guests were a group visiting from South America. Only one of them spoke English, so I made an effort to use simpler English whenever it seemed that parts of my explanation were not understood. Since one of the guests requested a restaurant with a nice view, I guided the group to a restaurant inside Koko-en Garden. Both the castle and Koko-en Garden were uncrowded, so I was able to guide them smoothly. As it was their third day in Japan, I explained how to worship at a shrine and told them about the "inome" (boar's-eye) heart-shaped motif, hoping it would be helpful for the rest of their sightseeing. Thinking that visiting only temples might become tiresome, I also recommended the Goldfish Museum in Nara as another option.

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Tour Report by Mariko

Hello! I’m Mariko. I have guided Himeji Castle 400 times for 14 years. I also guide Kokoen Garden and Mt.Shosha. I have lived in Himeji for 74years
That’s why I know everything ,good restaurants ,souvenir shops and the panoramic view a lot of local people don’t know.
I can also tell you anecdotes about Tom Cruise. Last Samurai filmed at Mt.Shoha.I worked as an English teacher at a junior high school on the bottom of the mountain.I have some anecdotes about Tom.For example he came there by a private pericoputer from Kobe,big city.Because our city doesn’t have any gorgeous hotels. I have learned tea ceremony for 14 years.So I would like to take you an authentic tea house in Kokoen Garden.You can enjoy Maccha, green powdered tea and wagashi, Japanese confectionery there.I am looking forward to seeing you!