Today, we’re back with our guide series and we are super excited to introduce you to Miyuki San, one of our lovely and talented tour guides in Hiroshima. Awarded the honor of “DECEMBER 2023 Guide of the Month,” Miyuki San is an enthusiastic guide, and with her amazing help, we have grown our Hiroshima guide team from 2 to 6 guides. So, if you are booking a tour with us in the city, make sure to request her, we’re positive you’ll love it!
Greetings Miyuki San, Can you please tell us a little about yourself? Where are you originally from, what are your background and passions? What did you do before guiding?
Hello, I’m Miyuki. I was born and raised in Hiroshima city. I used to live in Osaka (on the border of Kyoto) and after graduating from high school came back to Hiroshima. I worked in the Overseas Division at a major gaming company, taught English at cram schools, and lots more. I think living in another prefecture (especially visiting Kyoto often) made me interested in traveling and learning Japanese history.
Was guiding tourists always a dream of yours, or did life take you on this exciting path and how?
I wasn’t particularly interested in guiding; however, I had an idea that I would be good as a guide as I sometimes had opportunities to take clients to Osaka Castle or the aquarium when working for the game company. I just took them to the castle and all I could say were things like “Hideyoshi built this, let’s go up to the observatory.” I was not able to answer the questions they asked. After that, I started to work as a tour conductor as a side job in my spare time just because I liked traveling and I thought I might be able to improve my abilities and get tips about traveling. This was also for my mother since she wanted me to take her on a trip. You could say that these experiences were the beginning of my career as a guide. Just before the pandemic, Hiroshima Prefecture had started training guides because more and more tourists were coming here, so I passed the Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter test as a 1st-year student. Now, I am who I am.
How long have you been a tourist guide and do you plan to continue this in your future?
I have been a tour guide for a little over a year. Yes, I’m planning to continue to do this job.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned being a guide?
Being a guide brings me new perspectives. I’ve attended a lot of seminars and read articles on how to be a good guide, so I think it’s as worthwhile as going to college. I have made a lot of discoveries about Japan and Hiroshima. They make me proud of being Japanese and a Hiroshiman.
Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate – Photo Credit: Miyuki Shiwaku
We’d love to listen if you could share a fun experience from your time guiding tourists.
Hmm… fun experience? Once I was surprised to be asked “So, Miyuki, tell us about your life, and about yourself…” As soon as we sat down at the first stop during the food tour, we chatted a lot about death, divorce, and gender which we (guides and tourists) may seldom talk about. I think food tours let people talk and ask things more freely than usual, so I really enjoyed that. I welcome any questions from you and want to know your true feelings.
What are some must-see attractions you would recommend, fun things to do, or the best ways to get around in Hiroshima?
Not including the very well-known Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park, there are many places I would like to recommend. First of all, the Okonomiyaki experience. I always boast that Okonomiyaki is a super delicious, healthy food. I want tourists to visit OKOSTA in Hiroshima station to make this treat for themselves. It’s fun and you should try it here especially because you can cook it on a big thick iron plate commonly used by professionals.
What do you say to seeing oysters harvested in front of you and eating them if you like them? Hiroshima produces about 60% of the oysters eaten in Japan, so it’s a valuable experience that not so many Japanese experience, either.
Hiroshima City Sign – Photo Credit: Miyuki Shiwaku
What is your favorite thing about Hiroshima?
I like Hiroshima because it’s not too big or too small, just the right size to live in and for sightseeing. Also, I love its location, as it’s close to the sea (we love the calm Seto Inland Sea), rivers and mountains. And, of course, because it has a lot of tasty foods.
Okonomiyaki – Photo Credit: Karol Ciesluk
Tell us about the local food of Hiroshima. Which dishes do you think are a must-try? Is there any place you would recommend eating at?
A must-try is, of course, our soul food, Okonomiyaki! My recommended Okonomiyaki restaurants are “Suigun”, and “Teppei” in the Okonomi-mura building, “Mikazuki” near Peace Memorial Park, “Rei-chan” in Hiroshima station, and more!
Is there anything you would want to tell a tourist visiting Hiroshima for the first time?
Anything to tell you when you visit Hiroshima for the first time? It might sound persistent but don’t leave Hiroshima without eating Okonomiyaki. If possible, stay a few days and try other local specialties, Tsuke-men (cold noodles dipped in spicy broth), and Dan-dan noodles (spicy, without broth).
Lastly, what would you want to say to our readers?
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and our Hiroshima guides will always welcome you. Wishing you all the best on your journey to Hiroshima!
Thank you Miyuki San for your time and for sharing your extraordinary story with us. If you are traveling to Hiroshima, don’t miss the chance to enjoy one of our tours led by her!
Follow Miyuki on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/489_tour_guide/
Come take a culinary tour in the city that Miyuki is so passionate about, Hiroshima!
Featured Photo: Miyuki Shiwaku
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