Guide #65150
*I am fully booked until June 2026. *PLEASE MESSAGE ME BEFORE BOOKING to ensure your tour is customized for you! *I have uploaded a video of myself. Please click "see more" under my profile photo. The video takes a while to load. Hi there! I’m Akiko, a licensed guide based in Tokyo, currently living near Ikebukuro. I would be delighted to help you discover Japan through a local’s eyes. Having spent most of my life in Japan—growing up in the suburbs, attending university, and working in Tokyo’s dynamic office environment—I offer more than sightseeing. I provide genuine insight into everyday life, culture, and customs in Tokyo. I’m also a mother of two teenage boys, and through years of family outings, I’ve gained extensive knowledge of attractions and activities that appeal to travelers of all ages, from young children to adults. In addition to working as a professional guide, I previously served as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government volunteer guide at major train terminals, assisting visitors with navigation and travel logistics. I also had the honor of volunteering at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 as a personal assistant to International Olympic Committee executives, an experience that strengthened my hospitality skills and attention to detail. Today, as a licensed paid guide, I lead tours across Tokyo, including: Tsukiji Fish Market, Asakusa, Harajuku, Akihabara, Yanaka, Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa, Ikebukuro, the Imperial Palace area, Odaiba, and Akasaka. I also offer day trips to destinations such as Kamakura, Hakone (Mt. Fuji), Nikko, Kawagoe, and Aizu-Wakamatsu. I specialize in private, customized tours, carefully designed around each guest’s interests, pace, and travel style. I always strive to ensure that every guest feels comfortable, supported, and fully able to enjoy their time in Japan. I have experience guiding: Families and multi-generational groups Guests with autism, creating calm and sensory-friendly experiences Guests using wheelchairs, with knowledge of accessible routes and facilities I’m fluent in English, having lived in Atlanta, Georgia for three years, and having frequently visited Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where my father worked (you can watch my video by clicking on my photo). Clear communication and careful preparation are among my strengths, and I take pride in creating smooth, well-organized tours. Think of me as your friend in Tokyo — someone who can guide you to wonderful places, help you connect with local culture, and make your journey both enjoyable and meaningful. If requested and subject to availability, my teenage sons can also join tours, adding a fun and relatable element for families traveling with children. I truly enjoy planning itineraries together with my guests. Let me know your interests, and we’ll together create a tour that’s perfectly suited to you. Bring your sense of curiosity and adventure, and let’s explore Japan together. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or solo, I’m here to make your experience memorable, comfortable, and enriching. Qualifications: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English) Tokyo Volunteer Guide (English) Itinerary Control Manager I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle, or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Tokyo

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96 reviews
This tour was the first thing we did during our 10 day trip to Japan and it turned out to be the perfect way to start. Akiko met us at our hotel and helped us get familiar with the Tokyo metro. Our tour started with a relaxing walk through Meiji Jingu shrine where Akiko introduced us to the proper etiquette for shrines and then a stroll through beautiful Yoyogi Park. This...
Replied from Akiko K.
Thank you for leaving a detailed review! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the half day and even wanted to go back to the area for more. I really enjoyed having your family as a guest. Thanks again!
Replied from Akiko K.
Thank you very much for a 5-star review!
Akiko is an amazing tour guide. She went out of her way to make sure my wife and I got a great experience in Tokyo. The tour was a really fun blend of historic sites, popular tourist destinations., hidden local venues, shopping at food markets and department stores, and spectacular city views atop Tokyo’s skyscrapers. Akiko is really personable and accommodating. She...
Replied from Akiko K.
Thank you so much for your review. I’m especially happy to hear the tour felt like exploring Tokyo with a good friend—that is exactly the experience I hope to create for my guests. It was a pleasure spending the day with you both!
Akiko is an excellent guide with an easy going likable personality that made us very comfortable right from the outset. Her command of English rivals any of us. We enjoyed all of the places she showed us on our 2 day tour. Akiko was extremely knowledgeable of each site she showed us. She adjusted her usual tours to accommodate our requests. She also provided much...
Replied from Akiko K.
Thank you so much for your review and recommendation. It was a pleasure spending two days with you and showing you around Tokyo. I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and our conversations about Japan and Japanese culture.