Published on Apr, 2025
I had an excellent time with Yuta-san on my private tour. Yuta-san is a really nice kind hearted young man with excellent English speaking ability. We had a really great time. Wanting to be immersive in learning about Hiroshima, Miya Jima island and in general Japanese culture, he welcomed a blended N5 Japanese speaking experience throughout our tour. Of course, where my Japanese skills wained, he would make it clear in English.
We met at my hotel lobby and proceeded to MiyaJima. He came prepared and I was quite surprised at the breadth of knowledge he had on the island. Because it is such a special place, never once did he rush me through in order to meet the tour course objectives. I had a lot of questions, and he took his time to answer them to my satisfaction. And then we had the unique experience of watching a Shinto Priest blessing ceremony which he explained in detail what was happening.
What I found amazing was as we chatted, he just asked me regular questions abut me - but unbeknownst to me at the time, he was building a mental profile. He was subtly narrowing down where we would have lunch. Next thing I know we are at an amazing Okonomiyaki restaurant. To my amazement, he even knew the histories/origins of some of Japanese cuisines.
Eventually landing at the Dome and Peace Memorial. While I had read up on some of it, he explained things I had not even considered. Just a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. I never had any thought of time, and nor did I feel rushed whatsoever. Initially I thought it was a little unusual that he suggested I walk through the museum alone. But in hindsight it was the right decision given how moving it is. It allowed me to move at my pace.
In conclusion, it felt much more like a college roommate showing me around his hometown atmosphere. But with someone who had extended knowledge on the subject. And a very nice touch ending was he had a Polaroid camera where he had taken a picture of me at MiyaJima, placed in a clear envelope with some notes on it.
I’d highly Yuta-san as a guide.