Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a guide in Minami-Alps is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First stop, I’m at the Minami-Alps City Hall. I’m supposed to meet a group of tourists. They’re late. Like, seriously? I’m standing there, lookin’ like a lost puppy. Finally, they roll in, and it’s a mixed bag. Some are super excited, others look like they just woke up from a nap. I mean, c’mon, we’re in the heart of the Japanese Alps! Get hyped!
We hit the road, cruising down Route 52. The views are insane! Mountains everywhere, like nature’s own skyscrapers. I’m trying to explain the history of the area, how Minami-Alps was formed by volcanic activity. But then, this one dude, let’s call him “Mr. Know-It-All,” interrupts me. “Yeah, but what about the sushi?” Like, bro, we’re not even talking about food right now! I’m trying to give a history lesson here!
So, we finally get to the Minami-Alps National Park. It’s breathtaking. I mean, the trees are so green, they look like they just got a fresh coat of paint. We start hiking, and I’m feeling good. But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I’m talkin’ like, “Did someone just dump a bucket of water on us?” Everyone’s scrambling for their ponchos. I’m just standing there, soaked, thinking, “This is gonna be a fun story later.”
We push through the rain, and I’m trying to keep spirits up. “Hey, at least we’re not in a boring office, right?” Some chuckle, others just glare at me. I mean, c’mon, lighten up! We finally reach this stunning viewpoint on the trail. The clouds clear up, and BAM! The view is like a postcard. I whip out my phone to snap a pic, and guess what? My phone dies. Classic, right?
But then, this sweet lady in the group offers to take a pic for me. I’m like, “You’re a lifesaver!” We snap a bunch of goofy selfies, and suddenly, everyone’s laughing. It’s like the rain never happened. I love that moment.
After the hike, we head to a local izakaya. I’m starving! I order some local specialties—y’know, the grilled fish and mountain veggies. But then, Mr. Know-It-All strikes again. “Where’s the sushi?” I’m about to lose it. “Dude, we just hiked in the Alps! Enjoy the local cuisine!” But I keep it cool.
Food comes, and OMG, it’s delicious! I’m shoveling it in, and everyone’s finally chillin’. We start sharing stories, and I’m cracking jokes. I even tell them about the time I got lost in the mountains. They’re laughing, and I’m feeling like a rockstar.
But then, as we’re leaving, I realize I left my jacket at the izakaya. I sprint back, and of course, it’s gone. I’m like, “Noooo!” I’m about to cry. But the staff is super nice, and they find it for me. I’m so relieved, I could hug them.
Finally, we wrap up the day, and I’m exhausted but happy. I drop my group off, and they’re all thanking me. I’m like, “Nah, thank YOU for making my day wild!”
As I drive home, I can’t help but smile. Minami-Alps is crazy beautiful, and even with all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I mean, who else gets to experience this? Just another day in the life of a guide, right?