Nagasaki: Dejima → 15:45 Depart Dejima — Guide Junichi

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

I had been in touch with the guests in advance through a messaging app, so we were able to meet smoothly at the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. I knew the guests were coming from Europe, and we departed as planned at 10:00.

This time, I wanted the guests to get an overall sense of Nagasaki, and since one of the group used an electric wheelchair (they were able to stand and walk for short distances), we discussed it together and decided to visit the barrier-free Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture. This is truly an excellent facility for understanding Nagasaki's history and culture in one place. It has a good selection of videos with English subtitles, and I believe the guests came to understand Nagasaki well. Although the guests followed a particular faith, they watched and listened with interest to the explanations and video presentations related to Christianity.

Next, we went to Mount Nabekanmuri, where the guests could see the whole of the Nagasaki city area laid out before them. On the way down from Mount Nabekanmuri, there is the Second Gate of Glover Garden. To reduce the physical strain of moving around, we entered from the Second Gate, which only requires walking downhill through the grounds, and the guests enjoyed the beautiful views and the historic buildings. Along the way, they took a break at an outdoor café.

After explaining the episode of the "Discovery of the Hidden Christians" in front of Oura Church, we headed to the Atomic Bomb Museum. Before entering, I showed the guests a copy I carry of the photograph "The Boy Standing by the Crematorium," which appears at the end of the exhibition, and asked them to look at it carefully. It seems everyone did view it, but since photography of the actual photograph on display is prohibited, after finishing the exhibition several of the guests asked to take a photo and photographed the copy I was carrying.

Normally, except in bad weather, I have guests walk to Peace Park by way of the hypocenter, but this time we traveled from the Atomic Bomb Museum to Peace Park by car. At Peace Park, the guest using the wheelchair and one other guest who was tired viewed the Peace Statue from the car window and waited in the vehicle. I guided those who were up for it not only to the Peace Statue but also to the monuments donated by various countries and the Fountain of Peace nearby.

After leaving Peace Park, we passed near the hypocenter monument and in front of the one-legged torii gate before heading to Dejima. At Dejima, I guided the guests to the miniature Dejima, the archaeology hall, and the Kapitan's Room, and we returned to the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal at 16:00, the scheduled ending time.

This was actually my first time guiding a guest in a wheelchair. I took on the challenge hoping it would be a valuable experience, and I managed to complete it without any problems. The day was clear and sunny, and the Peace Statue, in the same blue as the deep blue sky, looked truly striking. We were blessed with good weather, and I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

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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.