Okayama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

What Is a Private Day Tour of Okayama and Kurashiki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Under a cloudy sky, while I was waiting at the Hotel, the guests appeared about ten minutes before our appointed time. My first impression was that they were very punctual. I had known in advance that they were from Oceania, and it was a little unexpected to learn they came from that region, as in my past experience I had often welcomed guests from other areas. The guests requested that we return to the Hotel by around 5:00 in the evening, as work commitments meant staying in touch by smartphone during the trip. I paid the utmost consideration throughout the itinerary.

Our first sightseeing spot was Korakuen Garden. The guest photo was taken here. When we parted around 4:00 p.m., I was asked to send the photos to the smartphone, so although they were not the best shots, I sent them along.

At Korakuen we had a variety of experiences. I had heard the news that a baby red-crowned crane had been born about two weeks earlier, but upon arriving I received the sad news that it had passed away. However, another crane was in the process of hatching, and we were able to witness a heartwarming scene. On this day there was also a special exhibition at Kakumeikan, and we were able to enter and view the Noh stage and other displays. Furthermore, plums were being harvested in the plum grove within the garden, and we were able to see a rare sight. I was told they would be processed into plum wine and jam and sold at the shop within the garden.

Next we went to Okayama Castle and toured the exhibits on every floor. Before heading to Kurashiki, it was time for lunch, so at the famous Azuma Sushi inside Okayama Station, the guests enjoyed Okayama's specialty barazushi and other dishes. We then took the JR line to Kurashiki and explored the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Wishing to see the oldest wisteria trellis in Japan, boasting a history of 300 to 500 years, we climbed Tsurugatayama. After visiting Achi Shrine and descending the hill, we came upon the Morita Sake Brewery, where the guests sampled some sake. There was no time to enter the Ohara Museum of Art, but water lilies transplanted from Claude Monet's pond in France were in full bloom in the garden pond, and the guests admired them. We explored Denim Street, Ivy Square, the banks of the Kurashiki River, and others, and were able to return home safely. Throughout the tour, the guests participated eagerly and it turned out to be a satisfying day.

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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.