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Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
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Joined 2025
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.
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.
Your own Stamp Seal (inkan) Fabrication
You may have heard that stamp seals are being used by Japanese to sign official documents. But are you aware you can get one personalized with your name easily?
You can have your name written in either Latin or Japanese alphabets, so if you are interested, please let me know in advance!
Fabrication cost 2500JPY~13USD/EUR and it will be fabricated while we visit Nakano.
Lunch Break
I am familiar with an old couple's restaurant where they prepare your meal in a fry pan right in front of you. Not only do they have top-notch ramen noodles, but they also offer delicious grilled rice and gyozas.
If you're looking for something else, Nakano is full of restaurants of any kind.
Lunch is about 1000JPY~5USD/EUR per person.
Nakano Broadway
Despite being similar to Akihabara, Nakano Broadway shops are situated in a covered alley and often have lower prices.
Although it's smaller than Akihabara, it's just as labyrinthine and can be difficult to navigate if you're not familiar with its layout.
Give me your preferences in advance and I'll save you a lot of walking :)
Going To Koenji
Koenji: Punk, Rock & Gothic
Koenji is one of Tokyo's most popular counterculture neighborhoods,
where you can find many vintage, punk, and gothic clothing!
As we walk and see the shops, I can tell you more about the anti-establishment revolution in the 60s/70s in Japan.
Koenji's Barbecue Bars
In Koenji, there are many barbecue bars that can be found on a street under the train tracks, a typical view of Japanese after work life.
If you're interested, we can go to one of those bars that are almost exclusively crowded by locals.
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, 860JPY ≈ 6USD/EUR p.p.
Lunch and drinks for you and the guide 1000JPY ≈ 7USD/EUR p.p.
Diner and drinks for you and the guide 3000JPY ≈ 20USD/EUR p.p.
(Opt.) personalized seal at your name, 2500JPY ≈ 16USD/EUR p.p.
Tour Important Information
* This tour can be customized to your likings.
* 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.
Kind and always mindful of your pace, I work with everyone from large families to solo travelers.
My guided tours are suitable for everyone, even the youngest.
Given my interest in various subjects (from Japanese history to Manga & RPGs culture),
reach me if you need to add a personal touches for your stay in Tokyo !
Versed in Martial Arts: Aikido, Iaido (Katana), and Kyudo (Bow),
I also worked on the restoration of Japanese armors in the past.
Alumni of the University of Tokyo, I speak English, French, and Japanese.
Reviews
Tony G.
“Chopsticks and eel”
We had a great day out with Hardy. The weather wasn’t very cooperative but that didn’t detract from the experience. The little soy sauce brewery was very interesting, and making our own chopsticks was a highlight. We really enjoyed the grilled eel restaurant for lunch with a few cold beers. Many thanks to Hardy for getting us back to our hotel, despite the thousands of people trying to get to the Tokyo fireworks at the same time.
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Hardy M.
I was very happy to introduce you to a soy sauce brewery running since the edo period in Kawagoe, just the smell alone is something entirely different. It was a wonderful excursion, but for future reference, please be aware that Ariake is located somewhat outside of Tokyo, making it not the most convenient place to stay in a hotel ;)
Maya I.
“Tokyo en français ”
J'étais ravi d'avoir l'opportunité de découvrir des quartiers de Tokyo inconnus pour moi en compagnie d'un jeune homme aussi érudit et agréable.
Hardy M.
Merci ; j’ai été tout aussi ravi de pouvoir vous faire découvrir des quartiers de Tokyo moins connus du grand public. Bien à vous.
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Julie S.
“An Unforgettable Tokyo Experience with a Fantastic Guide!”
Booking Marciel Hardy through GoWithGuide was the best decision I made for my trip to Tokyo! From the moment we met, Hardy effortlessly guided me through Tokyo's dense web of trains and subways, helping me seamlessly navigate the crowds to drop off my luggage at my hotel. What truly sets Hardy apart is his dedication and thoughtfulness. On our first day, a few tightly timed stops meant we narrowly missed the closing times for the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu. Without missing a beat, Hardy took full accountability and kindly offered to take me back to the Imperial Palace on Sunday as a personal apology. He even generously treated me to lunch that day! His ability to pivot and make sure I didn't miss out on anything important showed what a consummate professional he is. Thanks to his wonderful planning, I got to experience everything from the ancient beauty of Senso-ji Temple to a spectacular Ukiyo-e art exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum, ending with a fun souvenir shopping trip in Akihabara. Hardy is knowledgeable, reliable, highly adaptable, and incredibly kind. If you are looking for a guide who truly cares about making your time in Tokyo magical and stress-free, I cannot recommend Hardy enough! Thank you for an amazing trip!
$203/ 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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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 Unique Experience Tours in Tokyo
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Jazz kissa crawl: quiet listening + conversations
Join me for an evening of deep grooves as we move around Tokyo, exploring a few of the city's storied jazz kissas in a vinyl-inspired take on a pub crawl. Jazz kissas are intimate listening bars built around carefully curated records and high-quality sound systems, and have been an integral part of Tokyo's jazz culture since the post-war era. Each is its own world, shaped by the owner's tastes and philosophy. By visiting a small selection, you'll experience their different expressions.
Jazz kissa crawl: quiet listening + conversations
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Experience a Tea Ceremony & Japanese Garden
In this tour, we visit the beautiful Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, created in 1629. As you stroll around the central pond, you can enjoy landscapes inspired by rivers, mountains, countryside and the sea. Afterwards, we move to the place for where you can experience tea ceremony, where a tea master prepares matcha in a refined, ritualized manner. You’ll savor Japanese sweets, learn about the history and philosophy of tea ceremony, and even try making tea yourself.
Experience a Tea Ceremony & Japanese Garden
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Shinjuku Kabukicho , Omoide Yokocho and Golden gai !!!Bar Hopping Tour
Let's embark on a tour around Memory Lane in Shinjuku, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai, experiencing the essence of Japanese culture through the tradition of 'hashigo sake' - hopping from one drinking spot to another!
Shinjuku Kabukicho , Omoide Yokocho and Golden gai !!!Bar Hopping Tour
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Explore Tokyo with a Local - Tour & Travel Support
If you need a help with a local Japanese, this service would be great for you. I can help you translate and show you around hidden places in Tokyo. In this tour, I can accompany with you to do anything you want, from Anime shopping to a bar hopping. Literally anything!
Explore Tokyo with a Local - Tour & Travel Support
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