Kurashiki Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

What Is a Private Kurashiki Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

It was a slightly chilly day, but we were blessed with good weather, and the guest actively enjoyed sightseeing. The guest was very familiar with electronic devices and used tools such as Google Lens. It was a fulfilling tour of about four hours. However, at the Kurashiki-kan, I was a little surprised when a private guide approached and said, "I can give a 20-minute guided tour for 2,000 yen using a translation device," even though I was already present. Also, at the Kurashiki City Museum of Natural History, even after showing my National Guide-Interpreter (全国通訳案内士) license, I was initially refused entry on the grounds that "there was no precedent." Afterwards, admission was made free, but I felt there were shortcomings in how the situation was handled. Nevertheless, the guest offered many interesting topics of conversation and enjoyed favorite dishes such as chawanmushi and zenzai, and I believe the guest was satisfied.

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Tour Report by Sam

My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.