Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour — Guide Sam

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

The guests were the group from North America. Although I had expected a Western background from the family name, they were of Asian heritage and had lived in North America for several generations. They were intelligent and warm, and truly a wonderful group to guide. One of the guests worked in the city, and this was described as a final trip together during a period of studies. The meeting point was initially set at a hotel, but through our correspondence beforehand we found that Uno Port would be more convenient. Their actual accommodation was a comfortable one in Uno.

After arriving at Miyanoura Port on Naoshima, we walked and viewed two art installations at the port, then took the local town bus toward Benesse House Museum. We carefully explored the art works there, then took the Benesse shuttle bus to the Chichu Art Museum. After spending plenty of time viewing the works, we walked to the Lee Ufan Museum and the Valley Gallery. The path leading from the museum to the beach, along with the art works, seemed to leave a particularly strong impression.

We then walked to Tsutsujiso, and while waiting for the bus, we viewed the famous Yellow Pumpkin and other works. After that we headed to Honmura, where the Art House Projects are located, hoping to have lunch, but many places were closed. As we were at a loss, a local resident kindly went out of their way to guide us to a lovely restaurant. This person's warm gesture was truly heartwarming. The prices were reasonable, and although the restaurant had only been open for about seven months, we enjoyed a wonderful French meal there. In fact, I had walked past this restaurant many times on previous tours but had carelessly overlooked it.

Afterward, we visited the Art House Project called Minamidera, which we had reserved, though guides are not permitted inside, so I waited outside. We then purchased the combined ticket for the five well-regarded Art House Projects and were able to see all of them. On this day, the outside temperature was around 7 degrees and cold, with occasional bursts of hail, but this actually added a certain charm and atmosphere to the tour.

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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.