Okayama Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

Title: What's a Private Okayama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle

The guests today were visitors from North America. The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private tour began at Nishigawa Green Way Park, where the fresh greenery was beautiful. We then started at Okayama Korakuen Garden under clear skies, walking past areas where tea leaves were about to be harvested and rice paddies. The guests seemed very interested. They also felt an open and spacious atmosphere from the rare lawn garden. Inside the garden, at Kakumeikan, there was an exhibition of Nishijin-ori kimono, and the organizer kindly gave a thorough explanation, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed. They also saw the red-crowned cranes and were amazed at their longevity. After that, we moved on to Okayama Castle, where we explored not only the castle keep but also the grounds, which can be considered historical remains. At the castle keep, the guests demonstrated great knowledge about swords and other items, and I learned a great deal from them. The guests had long been interested in Japanese history since childhood, in addition to their professional field. Welcoming such guests is truly stimulating.

There was some concern at first, as I had not received any contact from the guests early on. Afterward, there were also some misunderstandings, such as a change of hotel and confusion over communication, which made the arrangements a little challenging. However, the guests were planning to sightsee in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture the next day and wanted to try making udon, so after seeing them off at the hotel, I researched and sent along information I thought would be helpful. I trust they had a memorable experience in Kagawa as well.

Click here for more details: Okayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

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.