Tochigi in One Day: Board bus & Supermarket "Lion d'Or" — Guide Yumi

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour to a UNESCO World Heritage Site Near Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. Today's tour was scheduled as a 6-hour tour, but the guests said they thought they had paid for 8 hours, so I showed them the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) site and they were satisfied that it was a 6-hour tour.

During our email exchanges beforehand, we discussed the day's itinerary many times, and shortly before the tour the guests casually mentioned a change of train. I suspected they might not be aware that the Tobu Line requires fully reserved seating and a limited express ticket, so I mentioned this, and it turned out they had not known. When they tried to buy the limited express ticket the day before, it was sold out, so in the end they came on a very early train departing in the 6 o'clock hour and arriving at 8:25. For the latter half of today's itinerary they had reserved a 3-hour private chartered taxi, but because they arrived so early, there were now more places we could reach in the UNESCO World Heritage area before lunch. So after the guests arrived, we discussed it and changed the order of the itinerary and canceled the taxi tour (for various detailed reasons). From the initial planning stage, the guests had made many suggestions, and I addressed each one, explaining the options and resolving them as we went. Even during today's tour, new requests kept coming and the guests' preferences shifted, so I resolved each one as it arose, but the guests themselves seemed confused and tired. In the end the order was no different from the usual, so it would have been quicker if they had simply left it to me, but they seemed to be someone who required careful handling, so I proceeded cautiously.

On the bus on the way, the guests said they were interested in history and culture, so I tried to speak as I usually do, but I sensed that they did not actually want to hear a great deal, so I checked how much their guide in Tokyo had told them and was careful not to repeat it. As a result, I found it difficult to convey what I really wanted to share. However, since they said they had heard a lot in Tokyo as well, I decided to explain only in response to the guests' questions, so as not to overwhelm them. Being mindful not to tire them out led to a different way of explaining than usual, and my own English became halting at times, which may have tired them out even more.

One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography. They proudly explained the features of the latest iPhone, and I took some photos of the guests with that camera.

From various points in the conversation, I sensed that the guests were very particular about not being mistaken for a certain nationality, and they mentioned that they attach their national flag to their belongings here and there.

Having traveled to many countries around the world and experienced so many impressive things, their reactions were somewhat muted, and out of a desire for them to enjoy the day I tended to explain more, but I spent the day reminding myself that holding back was actually the better approach for today's guests.

Click here for more details: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Yumi

Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?