中村 壽男 Toshio Nakamura MK歴 33年
アメリカの大手旅行雑誌が発表する“旅行で訪れたい世界の都市ランキング”で、昨年、京都が日本の都市で初めて「1位」に選ばれました。
今後ますます外国人のお客様が増えていくと予想される中、世界各国のVIPやハリウッドスターからのご指名が絶えない中村壽男社員にお客様とのエピソードを尋ねました。
In the "Ranking of World Cities One Wants to Visit During Travelling" survey results released by a leading travel magazine in America, Kyoto was chosen as Number 1 among Japan's cities for the first time last year.
Since it is expected that the number of foreign visitors will increase more and more from now on, here is some episodes with customers by Toshio Nakamura who is often appointed by VIP and Hollywood stars around the world.
In the "Best destinations in the world" published by a major U.S. travel magazine last year, Kyoto has been elected No.1 among all cities in Japan for the first time.
While it is expected to have further growth in number of foreign customers, we interviewed Nakamura, who has countless appointments by VIPs all over the world and Hollywood stars, about his experience with his customers.
●外国人のお客様が最も喜んでおられたエピソードを教えてください。
龍安寺の石庭です。Steve Jobs氏も深い感銘を受けられました。ひょっとしてiPhone、iPadの発想はここで生まれたのかもしれません。
●初めて京都に来られた外国人のお客様が戸惑われたり、驚かれたりすることはありますか?
チップは不要であること。大型紙幣(1万円札)での支払いが可能であること。都市銀行のATMは海外カードに対応しておらず、郵便局・セブンイレブンのみ可能であることなどです。
The stone garden of Ryo-an Temple. Steve Jobs was also impressed at it. Who knows if the idea of iPhone and iPad came from here or not?
*Anything foreigners gets surprised or startled when they first come to Kyoto?
Tipping is not required here. Many accept large bill (10,000 Yen bill) payments. ATMs of the local city banks do not accept overseas card, but ATMs in post offices and 7-11 accept them.
The rock garden at Ryoan-ji. Mr. Steve Jobs was deeply impressed by that sight. Perhaps the inspiration for the iPhone and iPad was born there?
・What are foreign tourists most confused by when visiting Kyoto for the first time?
That credit cards using a chip won't work. That it's possible to pay with large bills (¥10,000). That foreign cards are no good at bank ATMS, and only function at the post office or 7-11 ATMs.
●実は外国人のお客様はこんなことを思っています!ということはありますか?
ほぼ完全な禁煙世界ですので、ニオイに敏感。私はタバコを吸いませんが、吸う人がいたら最低でも運転30分前には喫煙をやめること。
高級寿司店の横で板前さんが喫煙しているのをご覧になって、その店の予約をキャンセルされたお客様がおられました。
They are in the world that is almost not smoking, so they are very sensitive about the smell.
I don't smoke but if any of us smoke, they try to not smoke 30mins before they drive.
There was one customer that he canceled the reservation because he saw a sushi chief smoking beside the rich sushi restaurant.
In an environment that is almost completely non-smoking, people are really sensitive to the smell of smoke. I don't smoke, but if you are a driver who does smoke, I would recommend not doing so at least 30 minutes before picking up passengers.
I had a guest who, upon seeing the chef of a high-class sushi restaurant smoking outside the door, canceled his reservations at the restaurant.
●外国人のお客様をエスコートする時に心がけていることを教えてください。
日本の歴史とお客様の国の歴史とを比べながら解説するように心がけています。国によって歴史観が違うことや、時には勝者が故意に作り上げた歴史があることなど、実例を挙げてお伝えするようにしています。
●お客様へのメッセージを英語でお願いします。
Please come to KYOTO. KYOTO will refresh your mind.
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I tend to explain history of Japan in contrast with the history of the visitors' home nation. There are times where historical views differ from country to country; there are also history that victors made up. I try my best to explain with actual examples.
*A message to visitors in English please.
Please come to KYOTO. KYOTO will refresh your mind.
→ Return to drivers list
When explaining Kyoto, I like to compare Japan's history to the history of my guest's country. Different countries have different historical viewpoints, and history is often written by the victors, so I like to offer examples when communicating with my customers.
・Please give us a message for visitors in English.
Please come to KYOTO. KYOTO will refresh your mind.
→ Return to driver introductions
◆休日の過ごし方は?
録画したTV情報番組(特に京都に関するもの)をチェック。食事は予算の許す限り夫婦で実食に訪れます。興味深い展示があれば、美術館に出向いたりもします。
ただ数日にわたる激務のあとはバラエティー番組や刑事ものを半分居眠りしながら見ることも。そんな中に、時々思わぬ情報があったりします。
I watch recorded TV programs (mostly the ones about Kyoto). I seek out new food with my life, as much as our finances allow. If there's an interesting exhibition in town, I go to a museum. However sometimes I am so tired after days of intense work I end up staying barely awake and watching variety and detective shows. I sometimes learn surprising things from them.
I check the programs I've recorded on my TV (particularly the ones related to Kyoto). Along with my wife I like to eat out and try new foods as much as my budget allows. If there's an exhibition I'm really interested in, I'll go to an art museum once in a while.
When I've had a few longs days at work in a row, I watch variety and detective shows while half asleep. Sometimes I hear something interesting while doing that.
◆お客様へのメッセージ
清水寺や嵐山の日祭日臨時交通規制や四条通の歩道拡幅計画、京都駅八条口ののりば整備など、業務に関する環境が日々大きく変わってきています。
お客様に不便のないよう対応を考えていきたいと思います。
It's getting harder to work in Kyoto due to traffic restrictions around Kiyomizu temple and Arashiyama during holidays, Shijo sidewalk widening project, construction work around Kyoto station Hachijou exit taxi stand etc.
I will try not to cause discomfort to our customers.
Due to festivals at Kiyomizu Temple and Arashiyama and the resulting temporary traffic changes; plans for widening Shijo Street; and maintenance on the Hachijo stop at Kyoto Station, service is often subject to chance.
I hope to help guests combat these changes and prevent any inconveniences!
Oops, I misunderstood the part about チップ.