*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.
