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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
Nick B.
“Excellent, interesting and informative guide that made our trip exceptional.”
Hardy was the perfect guide for our time in Narita and Tokyo. His suggestions were great and made our trip memorable. He was extremely helpful when the ATM at the 7-11 didn’t give the Japanese Yen purchased. He solved this issue quickly and we carried on. He asked about our interests and individualized the itinerary. He’s easy going and his English is excellent. We highly recommend for a stress free holiday in Tokyo.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much; I also really enjoyed the time we spent together. I hope you won't run into any more issues with an ATM; to be honest, it was the first time I’d ever used an ATM’s emergency phone, and I was just as relieved as you were to be able to resolve the situation quickly :) I wish you all the best for the rest of your journey in Japan !
Todor Z.
“Fantastic first day in Japan ”
We had an incredible time on the Special Harajuku & Lucky Cat Temple Tour with Hardy M. The 9-hour tour was well-paced, engaging, and packed with wonderful sights in Tokyo. Hardy was a fantastic guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and very attentive to our group. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a unique and memorable tour experience!
Hardy M.
Thank you for those kind words, It was a pleasure to show you the Lucky Cat Temple! Unfortunately, people tend to avoid it because it’s off the beaten path, I would really love to be able to bring more people there ! So, if anyone wishes to see the "lucky cat temple", please message me ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
Yelena R.
“Easy going and very knowledgeable ”
We really enjoyed our time with Hardy, he met us at the hotel and discussed the day. He knows a lot about the culture, history and spots to see. Recommend him.
Hardy M.
Thank you very much; I am happy that you enjoyed the Japanese "omikoshi" festival with the Shinto priest's blessing. It is a rare spectacle that I have found for this day with you.
$126/ 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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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
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Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
Harajuku is like Japan; a place where ancestral traditions meet with modern society! On one side, Meiji Jingu, a tranquil century-old forest home of a majestic Imperial temple. On the other side, Takeshita Street, a vibrant and frantic place to be for young Japanese, known for its cosplay & Gothic shops. But also Omotesando, equivalent to Paris "Champs-Élysées", large avenue full of the most famous luxury brands shops.
Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Tokyo
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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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Alte Japanische Kulturgüter besuchen
Besuchen wir alte Japanische Kulturgüter, um die Geschichte und Kultur Japans kennenzulernen. Zu den Kulturgütern gehören Meiji-Schrein, dem Kaiser Meiji gewidmet wird und den kaiseriche Garten umgeben von Wassergraben, und den Tempel der Altstadt-Asakusa, mit der Andenkenläden gesäumten Gasse. Außerdem besuchen wir Yanaka, eine Gasse mit alten Geschäften und den Ueno Park mit der Statue vom "Last Samurai", einem Buddhistischen Tempel, und dem Tosyogu Schrein, wo drei Schoguns gewidmet werden.
Alte Japanische Kulturgüter besuchen
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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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Timeless Tokyo: One-Day Walking Tour Through Ueno & Yanaka’s Hidden Gems
Step into Tokyo's timeless allure on our exclusive Ueno and Yanaka tour, where vibrant culture and nostalgic charm intertwine to reveal the city's hidden treasures. On this tour, you can catch a glimpse of real life in Tokyo. We'll head into the neighborhoods with more calm and less hustle and bustle.
Timeless Tokyo: One-Day Walking Tour Through Ueno & Yanaka’s Hidden Gems
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