Offering Experiences Through Food and People to Enjoy Togakushi Together
I began working as a guide through the Togakushi Guide Association in 2023, and the following year, I also started guiding snowshoe tours. I guide Japanese and foreign visitors, ranging in their 30s to 70s. The frequency of guiding varies with the seasons, but on average, I guide about three or four times a month. I love the desolate Mirror Pond and the approach to the Okusha Shrine of Togakushi in the dead of winter. Still, I prefer the Togakushi Shrine and the botanical garden if I'm going with guests. My favorite route is from the Okusha Shrine of Togakushi, incorporating stories of history, culture, and the natural environment as we go.
When guiding, I prioritize enjoying the moment myself. When I guide with the mindset of "I love Togakushi," guests often feel moved, realizing, "Togakushi is such a wonderful place!". This contributes to the fulfillment I find in my work.
Aside from guiding, I also engage in local agriculture and work with children in elementary and junior high schools. My strength for guests from abroad lies in leveraging local connections, allowing them to interact with the people of Togakushi and share places and stories known only to locals.
The Spectacular View I Saw in My Twenties Is My Origin, and I Want to Share Its Charm with Solid Knowledge
I've always loved nature and was an active child. My first serious mountain climbing experience was in my late 20s when a friend invited me to climb Mount Tōnodake in Kanagawa Prefecture. Upon reaching the summit, I was greeted by the magnificent sight of Mount Fuji, the Kanto Plain stretching to Tokyo Tower on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. It was a beauty I had never seen before, and tears naturally welled up in my eyes. It was the only moment I felt that if everyone in the world could see this view, conflicts might disappear.Since then, my love for mountains has been rekindled, and I have begun exploring various places. I learned about the training when I first guided inbound guests with the Togakushi Guide Association. I had a hunch that opportunities for inbound tourism would increase, but I felt anxious due to my lack of experience. I wanted to become a guide who could confidently handle inbound tourism, so I searched for training and decided to participate when I received the information.
During the training, the instructor's words left a strong impression: "Guests from overseas are not drawn to phrases like 'famous in Japan' or 'historically valuable in Japan.'" What I found particularly useful was learning first aid in English. I had never had the opportunity to study this before, so it was indeed a valuable experience. Since the training, I have been striving to provide better guidance by incorporating the seven principles of "Leave No Trace," a globally recognized approach to environmental conservation.
Becoming a Personal Guide Who Conveys the "Good Old Japan" That Remains in Various Places
Nagano Prefecture is rich in diverse climates and cultures, offering a wealth of attractions. In terms of nature, the varied terrain ranges from the majestic "Japanese Alps" to lower mountains that are easy to hike, which is one of its charms. Additionally, the availability of fresh food and the deliciousness of everything you eat is a major attraction. Freshly picked vegetables and fruits are a true delight. Their freshness and juiciness can be enjoyed at affordable prices exclusive to the production area.
Lastly, another thing I appreciate about Nagano Prefecture is that it preserves Japan's original culture. The wisdom left by our ancestors is still deeply rooted in the community, evident in the construction of homes, and I hope people can experience the good old Japanese culture through our current way of life.
