Akiko was awesome. She was waiting for us just outside the baggage claim where she seamlessly guided us to our hotel. From there, we had a wonderful orientation of the neighborhood. This was a perfect start to our Tokyo vacation!!!
Private tour in Tokyo Akiko K
5.0
(5) reviews
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Akiko K.
5.0
Guide rating
103
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Tours delivered
5 hrs
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*PLEASE MESSAGE ME BEFORE BOOKING to ensure your tour is customized for you! 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.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Akiko K.
Welcome to Japan! Navigating a new country can be daunting, especially after a long flight. I will ensure a smooth transition from Haneda Airport to your Tokyo destination, whether it's a Shinkansen station or your hotel. I will assist with purchasing train tickets, acquiring transportation IC cards, and guide you through the transportation system. This is also a great option for young ones traveling alone. As a mother of two kids, I would so much appreciate a meet and greet + getting to know the transportation system service at the airport if my kids were traveling by themselves. I will make sure your child reaches your destination and will update you on your child's status. *We will use trains or a taxi. I can also arrange for a private transfer upon request. *I also have a simple meet & greet option without the transport to the hotel/station. *This service is for flights arriving at Haneda Airport between 9AM and 8PM. If your arrival time is outside these hours, please message me.
Akiko was awesome. She was waiting for us just outside the baggage claim where she seamlessly guided us to our hotel. From there, we had a wonderful orientation of the neighborhood. This was a perfect start to our Tokyo vacation!!!
Perhaps the best value and travel hack I have ever made. We hired Akiko to meet our arriving flight at HND and escort us via the local train to Shinagawa station to catch a Shinkansen to Kyoto. When you step off a 13+ hour flight the last thing I wanted to do is feel like an actor on an Amazing Race episode. Hiring this service probably saved us 30-45 minutes but more important, made navigating the train stations, buying the tickets and getting on the correct trains stress free and super easy.
I reserved this tour with Akiko because I knew after a long flight from Los Angeles, our group of sleep deprived and blurry eyes would need a little extra help. She greeted us at the airport, helped us get train tickets and cash and had a car waiting for us once we stepped outside the very hectic with thousands of people airport. She helped find our Airbnb on a small alley street. Akiko ‘s assistance was invaluable for a smooth arrival into Tokyo. Highly recommend.
Akiko met us at Haneda Airport and deftly led us to Shinakawa Station to buy tickets and then guide us to the platform for our bullet train ride to Kyoto. Her English is impeccable, and her personality is engaging. She would be my first recommendation to anyone looking for a guide in Tokyo.
We hired Akiko for a quick meet and greet at the airport. Akiko met us after our plane arrived (after 48 hours of travel) and helped us buy train tickets, took us to the train station and waited until we got on the train to Kyoto. While it was a short time together, we found Akiko to be very friendly and helpful and knowledgeable about what we can expect from our travels, etc. She was very fluent in English which was quite helpful as well.
Arrival at Haneda Airport Meet and greet, assistance with luggage Assistance in exchanging JR passes, purchasing SIM card or currency exchange Purchasing transportation IC cards, buying tickets, guidance on ticket machines, buying Shinkansen tickets Navigating the train (or bus) system, train (or bus) ride to Tokyo Station/Shinagawa Station or Hotel On the way, I'd be happy to discuss your travel plans or answer any questions you may have. Arrival at Tokyo/Shinagawa Station: assistance on finding your bullet train. I will accompany you to the platform or Arrival at Hotel: I will provide help with check-in if necessary. I can also do a quick tour around the hotel neighborhood for nearby restaurants, convenience stores and stations. (maximum 2 hours total after we meet, including travel to hotel) Embark on your Japan journey with ease and confidence! You are all set to explore on your own from the next day!
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Local train, bus, taxi or other transportation of your choice. A private car can be arranged upon request, around JPY8,000-JPY25,000 depending on the destination and number of guests.
Ota City, Tokyo, 144-0041, Japan
Haneda Airport Terminal 3: Outside the baggage claim area. Please inform me of your flight number.
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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