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Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
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Joined 2025
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.
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.
Harajuku - Takeshita Street
We will take a stroll down one of the most popular street among young people in Japan.
Lunch Break
We'll take a short detour to have lunch in a less crowded location.
But it's entirely up to you to decide on the restaurant.
Omotesando - Luxury Brands Avenue
We can also walk a little through Ometetsando if you are interested.
Meiji Jingu - Imperial Temple hidden in a century-old forest.
Meiji Jingu is a large sacred forest surrounding a temple in honor of the late emperor Meiji. An authentic outdoor excursion, situated in the heart of Tokyo.
An ideal place to recharge during your trip.
On the way to Shinjuku
We will go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, whose design was inspired by the Paris "Notre-Dame" cathedral.
Metropolitan Tower - A 360° view of Tokyo !
Let's take the elevator to the 45th floor of the tower. From there, all of Tokyo can be seen, and even far beyond when the weather is good.
We can adjust the time accordingly to suit your preference for seeing Tokyo during the day or at night. In truth, both perspectives are fantastic !
Shinjuku at Night & Restaurants
If you're still feeling energetic, we can also explore Shinjuku at night together and have dinner at a fine restaurant before returning to your hotel.
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
Help you in your seach for a souvenir
Pick up and Drop off at your hotel
Train fee for you and the guide, 150JPY ≈ 1USD/EUR p.p.
Lunch and drinks for you and the guide 1000JPY ≈ 7USD/EUR p.p.
(Opt.) Diner and drinks for you and the guide 1500JPY ≈ 10USD/EUR p.p.
Tour Important Information
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies
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
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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.
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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 :)
Milton R.
“Harajuku between a frantic street and tranquil forest”
I am very impressed by his knowledge and patience He really guided us a wonderful time and my daughter and i had very enlightened trip He teach history of the temple and the shops and ate a wonderful meal Thank for a wonderful experience that i will treasure for the rest my life Thank we are really grateful
Hardy M.
Thank you for your kind words, I really enjoyed this tour with you too... and for once the weather was nice :) Plus I agree with you about the restaurant, it was the best Gyukatsu I ever ate !
Patricia M.
“My favorite guide”
Hardy was my favorite guide of the seven different guides we used during our two week stay in Japan. He is educated and knowledgeable and gave just the right amount of memorable and interesting information. He is fluent in English and French as well as Japanese. Very courteous and flexible, truly a pleasure to work with. As requested, he gave a half day tour of the Tokyo National Museum and a small museum of traditional crafts along with a visit to an artisan’s workshop where I was able to buy a special gift. He also had recently done a hiking tour and an anime focused tour for other guests and could have easily done a food tour. Really can tailor the tour for whatever interests and sites you wish. Higher recommended. Note it took a day for him to reply but he responded in detail and showed up exactly as agreed.
Hardy M.
Thank you very much for your kind words, I am very touched ! It was my pleasure to introduce you to the ancient craft of Edo/Tokyo. Let me thank you in return too, as I discovered a new wonderful silver shop during our tour together. I am certain that many people will enjoy visiting it as much as you did. Wishing you the best for your remaining stay in Japan and a safe return to the west coast.
$195/ 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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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
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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