Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour — Guide Sam

What Is a Private Day Trip to Naoshima Art Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I had the pleasure of guiding guests from North America. They were a close-knit, longtime group, and it was heartwarming just to see how well they got along. They were highly intellectual people, which in a sense made me a little nervous, but their thoughtfulness and warm personalities put me at ease. We talked about many personal topics, but for some reason the subject of work never came up. Still, they gave me the impression of being researchers.

After arriving at Uno Station from Okayama, we had about an hour before the next ferry, so we strolled around the port area to see the installations there. Questions flew back and forth about the Mitsui shipyard and refinery, which are major industries in Tamano City, as well as the refinery on Naoshima and the effects of air pollution, which showed just how keen their interest was.

After arriving on Naoshima, since they had made reservations for two museums, we headed to the Benesse House Museum, then the free Valley Gallery, and the Chichu Art Museum, where we thoroughly enjoyed the works of art. They approached the works with an almost philosophical aesthetic sensibility, and I found myself quite overwhelmed.

Although our time on Naoshima was limited to about five hours, since it was a special visit to Japan, we made the most of it and strolled around the "Art House Project" area in the Honmura district. Among the highlights, we were specially and quietly allowed to view the underground stone chamber of Go'o Shrine. Also, the Naoshima Plan "Water" is only open two days a week, and unfortunately we arrived just after it had closed, but we were able to catch a quiet glimpse of the interior.

One moment that gave me a chill was nearly being left behind by a full bus on the way back. I somehow managed to plead our way onto it, but the difficulty of public transportation on Naoshima is something that troubles me every time. Looking back, however, since the guests were relatively energetic, they walked briskly and vigorously, making it a very fulfilling 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.