Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Junichi

What Is a Private Cruise-Port Day Tour of Nagasaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I have handled about ten assignments with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) so far, but this was the first time I had no prior contact with the guests at all before the tour.

Feeling a little anxious, I waited from just after 8:30 at the usual exit of the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. Right around the scheduled time of 9:00, the guests spotted the paper with their name that I had prepared and approached with a smile, and we were able to meet without any trouble. I felt relieved.

Before departing, I used a map to explain the places I was thinking of visiting that day. As the weather was not very good, I wanted to move before it got worse, so I first guided the group to Nabekanmuriyama, where they could get an overall view of Nagasaki City.

Coming down the mountain, the (upper) second gate of Glover Garden is along the way, so we got off there and decided to enter Glover Garden. As it was their first day in Japan and they did not have any Japanese yen in cash, I covered the admission for them. I guided them through the former Mitsubishi No. 2 Dock House and the former Glover Residence, among other sites.

After leaving Glover Garden, we proceeded to Oura Cathedral, where I explained the episode of the "Discovery of the Hidden Christians," and then walked directly to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum. Here there are many explanatory videos, and the English-language content is substantial. The guests watched with great interest.

Perhaps because they had seen and learned so much at Glover Garden and the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, they said, "We've already learned so much. If we can just visit the atomic bomb-related sites, that will be enough for today." So I had the private car meet us in front of the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, and we headed to the Atomic Bomb Museum. Before entering, I showed them a photocopy I carry of "The Boy Standing by the Crematorium" and told them, "The final exhibit is this photograph. I hope you will look at it carefully along with the explanation," and then let them go inside on their own. They came out after about 40 minutes, and it was clear they had been deeply moved.

After that, I guided them via the hypocenter to Peace Park, and then they boarded the private car that had been waiting beside the park. From the car window they viewed the one-legged torii gate before we returned to the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. I guided them to the currency exchange machine and received the Glover Garden admission fee I had covered. They said, "We intend to visit Nagasaki again. When we do, we'd like to go to the places you told us about but couldn't visit today, such as Dejima," and the tour came to an end.

Considering that we had not been able to make any contact until we met in person that day, it was almost unbelievable how smoothly the tour went. I am glad they seemed to have enjoyed Nagasaki.

Click here for more details: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Junichi

Hello, my name is Junichi Matsumoto.
I will be your guide on this occasion. With warm hospitality, I will do my best to help you fully enjoy and appreciate the charm of Japan.

Before becoming a guide, I worked for the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and retired in March 2023. From 2003 to 2005, I was stationed in Montana, USA, which has a sister-state relationship with Kumamoto. During that time, I actively interacted with the local community together with my family, which gave me valuable cross-cultural experiences.

I am an easygoing person who quickly builds a friendly relationship with international guests. With a sincere smile and attentive care, I always strive to provide tours that are warm, enjoyable, and memorable. It would be my great pleasure to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in Japan.