About Tour Guide Akiko W.

Hello! My name is Akiko from Gifu prefecture. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.

I like going out with my family, talking with my friends over coffee at a cozy cafe, reading books, baking bread and cake when I have time.

I passed the national tour guide test in 2017 and have worked as a guide since then.

I have guided in Gifu city, Seki city, Takayama city, Shirakawago , Mino city and Nagoya city.

I have lived in Gifu for more than forty years. Gifu prefecture is rich in nature so you can enjoy the rural atmosphere. Gifu city has a beautiful river 'Nagara river' and Mt.Kinka which has Gifu castle on the top. You can go up the mountain on foot or use a ropeway. The view from Gifu castle is so fantastic. At the foot of the mountain , there are many places to visit such as parks, a temple having a big image of Buddha, and a street preserving the historic atmosphere.

At Nagara River, you can enjoy seeing a traditional way of fishing ‘cormorant fishing’ which is thought to have started 1300 years ago.

Many cafes have unique service called 'morning service' in Gifu along with Aichi

In the morning (until about ten thirty or eleven) when you order a cup of tea or coffee, they serve toast and salad ! Near Gifu park , you can find a nice Japanese style cafe where you enjoy good coffee and seeing a Japanese style garden.

Seki city is a small city but so famous for its cutlery. At Japanese sword museum in Seki, you can see authentic Japanese swords! Mino city next to Seki city is well known for its hand made Japanese paper 'Hon minoshi' designated as intangible cultural asset by UNESCO .

Until recently it was not easy to guide guests because of COVID-19 pandemic; however the situation is getting better. Some strict rules about COVID-19 have been lifted.

Please visit Gifu. I am looking forward to seeing you.

Please feel free to ask me when you need information about Gifu.

Thank you for reading my introduction.