Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus Stop — Guide Kaji

What Is a Private Naoshima Art and Architecture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One of the guests had first come to Japan in 1969, making this their second visit, while it was the first time in Japan for the other. Their stay in Japan was planned from January 15 to January 30. Their itinerary included six days in Tokyo, four days in Kyoto, four days in Kurashiki and Naoshima, and one final day in Tokyo. They chose to visit Naoshima out of an interest in art and architecture, as well as recommendations from friends. The guests had previously worked in education and were both cheerful and gentle, which made them easy to guide. Naoshima is currently in its winter low season and would normally not be crowded, but even at this time of year there were many visitors from Asia. To reach the Chichu Art Museum, we had planned to take the Benesse shuttle bus departing from Tsutsujiso at 11:45 with a six-minute transfer window, but a tour group of more than ten visitors was already waiting at the bus stop, and we ended up being left behind right at our turn. This bus has a rule that all passengers must be seated, and standing is not permitted. The next bus to the Chichu Art Museum was an hour later, which would not make it in time for our reservation. I thought we had a problem, but when I called the Chichu Art Museum, I was relieved to hear that we could change our reservation to one hour later than originally scheduled. Furthermore, we were able to have lunch at Naoshima Shokudo, located right nearby at Tsutsujiso, so no time was wasted. The guests enjoyed their lunch as well. Naoshima is a small island, but one must be careful about being left behind when buses reach capacity. I was reminded once again how important it is to always have various pieces of information on hand. The guests mentioned they had a special occasion the following day. It was a busy tour, but they seemed very satisfied.

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Tour Report by Kaji

Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.