Tokyo (Living)
English, Japanese
4 hours on average
Today
Hello,
My name is Akira.
I am certified national guide interpreter.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years.
I love walking in the city with no particular plan finding trasures in the streets such as nice ramen noodle restaurants, cafes, funny billboards, and most of all, narrow alleys that remind me of good old days.
I will help you enjoying the days in the city fully and making your vist memorable one.
I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Available only for more than 7 hour tour.
Not available for middle people including travel agents, travel advisors.
Akira picked us up at the hotel and we sat in the lobby to quickly evaluate our options, as the flea market we wanted to go to got cancelled. Very quickly he came up with a new plan to explore some more local neighbourhoods that felt much more like the real Tokyo compared to the neon sign areas. He guided us so well and all the transportation was so seamless, it was hard to reconcile in the evening all the areas we've been to. We had some of the best fruits we've ever had, amazing experiences at so many small shops that we would have never dared to go into alone, and at the end he even guided us to a ramen place that had incredible vegan ramen for my wife! Thank you Akira for that amazing day! :)
Dear Mats, Thank you so much for the great review. I am so glad that you liked the tour. I wish I were the god of almighty so that I could change the weather. However, I was happy that you like the plan B, and so happy to know that you are a type of person who look for a silver lining even in unpleasant circumstances. So glad that the day was a good opportunity for you to know about what I call "Tokyo with no makeups". Places we went were my favorite places and people we met were the one that I enjoy exchanging regularly, even on my day-offs. I hope that you get an idea of what it is like to be a local in city. Thank you so much for having me as a guide this time. I am looking forward to another chance to explore my loving city with you. Sincerely, Akira
When we booked Akira in Tokyo for two days he made sure we understood that his tours require lots of walking, and he wasn’t lying. However, I don’t think we could have gotten a better experience any other way. Akira shows you the historic sites as well as off the beaten path areas that helps one understand both history and current culture. By the end of the day you look back and realize you’ve trekked through half of Tokyo learning new and interesting things. Only then do you understand why all of a sudden you’re so tired. We had a wonderful time with Akira, he even took great pictures and shared them with us which is a bonus. Strongly recommend!
Dear Layla, Thank you so much for the great review. I always think that walking, and using public transportations, is the best way to know about Tokyo and I am so happy that you somehow felt the same way. I believe you could get an idea of what it is like to be a local like me. Living in Tokyo is like being in a strong stream, or flow you can say. I observed that you and Jason were pretty good at riding the stream, without paddling too hard and get exhausted in there. So glad that you liked the pictures. It made me smile taking pictures of two young couple with bright future having great time, and enjoying each moment. Thank you so much for hiring me as a guide this time. I am looking forward to another chance to explore my loving city together. Sincerely, Akira
My partner and I had a wonderful tour with Akira. We visited the Imperial Palace gardens, walked through local neighborhoods, and had fresh drip coffee from independent shop Aoyama Coffee Roaster. We had a great local lunch, visited a local ceramics store, and concluded with the freshest fruit from the local market. Akira was a great host - we appreciated sharing his personal perspective on Japanese history, culture, and customs. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we highly recommend a tour with Akira. Get off the tourist trail, and see more of the real Tokyo. Thanks Akira!
Dear Oliver, Thank you so much for the great review. I am so happy that you enjoyed the tour. Your (and Viviana's) kind, generous, and sincere behavior brought you all the great things that we experienced that day, especially when we exchanged with local people whom I love. I will let them know that you two had a real great time and I am sure that they will be pleased. I tried to add more personal and human touch on this tour as much as I could and I am so happy that it worked and you liked it. Thank you so much for letting me be myself and I am looking forward to another chance to explore my loving city together. Sincerely, Akira
Akira is a very funny and knowledgeable guide. My wife and I booked his services for our honeymoon, and he did not disappoint. We went to different shrines, hidden restaurants and cafes, and interesting open markets. I had THE best miso soup of my life at one of the places that we visited. I still think about that sometimes. Well worth the money if you want a guide who is nice, flexible, and on time. Thanks Akira!
Dear Gregory, Thank you so much for the great review. I am so happy that I didn't make your honeymoon a nightmare, but memorable one. I totally agree your commentary on the miso soup that we had in the restaurant. Miso and broth are mixed after they get order from customers, and that's why it taste clear, fresh and flavorful. It is my pleasure to guide generous, jolly, serious, and thoughtful people like you and beautiful Chelsea. I am looking forward to another chance to explore my loving city together. Sincerely, Akira