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Akihabara: Hub of all Japanese pop culture!
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Joined 2025
Let me tell you the incredible story of Akihabara, the post-war electric town that became the Japanese capital for the otakus subculture: Anime, Manga, Video Games, and cosplay!
Then, once you are more familiar with this labyrinth of a place, I will guide you to the best shops according to your preferences.
And let's not forget to try an Akihabara specialty: Japanese Crêpes!
PS: For true otaku, I recommend starting with my Nakano Broadway tour first!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- Upon request, we can arrange another meeting point in Tokyo.
The Old Electric Town
First, I'll tell you about the history of Akihabara, while taking you to the old electronics shops that have survived, hidden just under the railway tracks!
Akihabara exploration
Akihabara is like an endless maze of shops hidden everywhere.
So, let me know your preferences in advance and I'll save you a lot of walking, while focusing on the best stores of the area.
In Akihabara, you will mainly find:
Figurines, plush toys, trading cards (Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic...), manga, iPhone accessories, cosplay gears, new & vintage electronic components...
It's Crêpes Time !
Crêpes in Akihabara are known for their wide variety of flavors,
so it would be a shame not to try them at least once!
(about 600JPY ~ 3USD/EUR per person)
Ending Point
At your hotel or Anywhere in Tokyo
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
English/French/Japanese speaking guide
Various anecdotes about the history of the places visited
Pick up and Drop off at your hotel
(Otp.) Train fee from Hotel to Akihabara for you and the guide
Hotel in Tokyo ≈ 400JPY ≈ 2USD/EUR p.p.
Crêpe & drinks for you at 16h, 700JPY ≈ 4USD/EUR p.p.
Tour Important Information
• This tour may involves a lot of walking. Please let me know your preferences for the shops you would like to visit (Manga/figurine/Pakemon cards),
and I will adjust the itinerary accordingly to make it less tiresome!
Important message from the supplier
I am unable to make bookings for customers (e.g. chartered taxi / accommodation....), but I can provide guidance and end my tour at a specific location upon request.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Hardy M.
Being a former student and staff member of the University of Tokyo,
I have a natural ability to communicate with people from all corners of the world.
Regardless of whether you prefer to speak English, French, or Globish with me !
I have practiced Aikido, Iaido (Katana), and Kyudo (Bow) martial arts, and I have also worked on the restoration of Japanese armor. Therefore, I am well-versed in the art of war in ancient Japan.
But my passion for history goes further, and during my guided tours, I will share various anecdotes that will bring ancient Japan to life for you !
I'm also a huge fan of old Japanese video games, especially RPGs, so if you want a true otaku experience, follow me to Nakano Broadway and Akihabara!
If you're interested in arranging a tour that's tailored to your preferences, feel free to send me a message !
Reviews
John G.
“Tokyo Tour”
Hardy met us on time & got us to our Studio Ghibli Tour on time. On the way, he walked us through a shrine in our neighborhood, giving us great background that was interesting for both my wife & I as well as our three teenage boys. After our tour, he walked us through Inokashira Park on our way to our next destination, sharing interesting insights along the way. Our youngest wanted to stop to ride the boats, & Hardy was flexible & accommodating. We then visited Meiji Shrine, soaking up Hardy's insights & enjoying his company. Our plans veered off course, but Hardy made it a wonderful, easy, fun day!
John G.
“Friendly, helpful, flexible”
Hardy was so friendly and helpful with our family of five. Our flight arrived four hours late, and Hardy kept in touch, met us at the airport, and helped us get to our hotel with ease. He found a wonderful spot for dinner and oriented us in our neighborhood in prep for our tour the following day. He's reliable, thoughtful, and can adjust to change easily!
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much, A jetlag plus a delayed flight was hard for you and the youngsters; luckily your accommodation was close by, and we arrived not too late at night. Yet, I could have shown you more interesting places in your neighborhood if only the weather had been better too.
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Michelle G.
“Highly Recommend Hardy!”
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Hardy. On very short notice, he went out of his way to accommodate my son while he was traveling alone in Japan and in need of some companionship. As a parent, it meant the world to know that someone kind, reliable, and genuinely caring was looking out for him. Not only did Hardy manage to arrange a last-minute tour, but he also made sure my son felt comfortable throughout the experience. My son told me that Hardy was a lot of fun and made their time together truly enjoyable, which made me so happy. It’s rare to meet someone who is not only professional and organized, but also genuinely kind and willing to go the extra mile for someone they’ve just met. I am incredibly grateful for Hardy’s flexibility, kindness, and for making such a positive difference in my son’s travel experience. I would highly recommend Hardy to anyone looking for a tour guide who is knowledgeable, personable, and truly cares about the people he works with.
Hardy M.
Dear Michelle, I am very grateful for your kind and warm review, and to be honest, not only did I greatly enjoy traveling with your son, but I also learned a lot about the US Navy from him. To make a trip enjoyable, it should be punctuated with anecdotes. I was happy he could feed me with interesting ones concerning the army. Also a special thanks for your excellent writing. My Japanese girlfriend learned a new expression while reading your review :)
$125/ per group
More tours by Hardy M.
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Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
The Edo period, when Tokyo became the capital, is often seen as the peak of Japanese art and culture! Temple architecture, woodworking, woodblock prints, porcelain... I will use traditional handicrafts to illustrate the history and lifestyle of the people of Tokyo. Who were the samurai? What difference with a Ninja? How were armors crafted? I am also going to teach you all you need to know about those fierce warriors in front of a large collection of authentic weapons & armors.
Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
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History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
Take a day to discover how the destiny of Tokyo & Japan was shaped by the Tokyo Bay! From Yokohama, the first industrial port, to boarding the Mikasa, once the flagship of the imperial Navy. Let me tell you the complex love story between the Japanese & the sea, with centuries-old and modern ships of the Japanese & American navies as a backdrop. Traveling along the Miura Peninsula coast, you will discover what most of Japan is really like: small towns nestled between mountains and rivers / sea.
History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
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Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
Dive into Japanese Otaku and Punk subcultures only 10 minutes away from Tokyo. Nakano Broadway is a cheaper and easier alternative to Akihabara for Anime, Manga, Figurine, and Video Games lovers. Thus, I highly recommend visiting Nakano Broadway first and then heading to Akihabara. Koenji is the hub of Punk, alternative rock, and Gothic subculture in Tokyo, and it has a lot of vintage clothing stores. Also, there are a lot of barbecue bars in the vicinity of the station.
Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
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Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall
Get the Tengu's protection with an easy forest trail just 1h from Tokyo! The temple devoted to those deities, is surrounded by centuries-old trees, home of flying squirrels and monkeys. With along the way waterfalls still in use by monks for meditation. Mt. Takao hiking is relatively easy and only requires comfortable shoes, and if the weather is favorable, Mt. Fuji can be seen at the submit! And in the old town, restaurants and snacks offer a different taste than the capital.
Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Tokyo
Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
The Edo period, when Tokyo became the capital, is often seen as the peak of Japanese art and culture! Temple architecture, woodworking, woodblock prints, porcelain... I will use traditional handicrafts to illustrate the history and lifestyle of the people of Tokyo. Who were the samurai? What difference with a Ninja? How were armors crafted? I am also going to teach you all you need to know about those fierce warriors in front of a large collection of authentic weapons & armors.
Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
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Harajuku, Omotesando & Shibuya, Half Day Tour
Our Tour will start from Meiji Shrine, then move to Takeshita street where you can find cute ‘Kawaii’ culture. On Omotesando Promenades you will find a gorgeous line-up of newly designed architecture, such as Omotesando Hills by Tadao Ondo etc. Finish is Shibuya where you can enjoy Shibuya Crossing. Goal will be good Japanese restaurant.
Harajuku, Omotesando & Shibuya, Half Day Tour
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Traditional and Modern One-day Tour in Tokyo
Best recommended tour for the first-time visitor to Tokyo. Tokyo is a unique city with various traditional and contemporary attractions. Let’s create your personalized time in Tokyo by discussing the places you want to visit. You should plan a tour of different sites, such as Kamakura and Hakone, along with my other plan. I am based in Tokyo, but I would happily arrange your tour.
Traditional and Modern One-day Tour in Tokyo
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Asakusa, 3 hours.
Asakusa is not only a temple town but also a traditional town of common peoples's culture. In the typical Tokyo Shitamachi (old residential town), there is Japanese Broadway, interesting and unique river view and many many shops worth to visit. You can enjoy the essence of Shitamachi.
Asakusa, 3 hours.
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