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Tokyo Private Tour - Koenji, Barbecue under the tracks
Koenji, Barbecue under the tracks
Tokyo Private Tour - Nakano Broadway
Nakano Broadway
Tokyo Private Tour - Nakano Sun Plaza - Legendary Concert Hall
Nakano Sun Plaza - Legendary Concert Hall
Tokyo Private Tour - Koenji Shopping Street
Koenji Shopping Street
Tokyo Private Tour - Bar used by locals after a long day of work
Bar used by locals after a long day of work
Tokyo Private Tour - Anime & Manga sketches on sale
Anime & Manga sketches on sale

Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !

Unique Experience
Tokyo Tour Guide - Hardy M.

Joined 2025

Hardy M.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Tokyo
English, French (Native), Japanese
8 hrs 30 mins
Private tour (only you and Hardy M.)
Up to 8 people

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!

10:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel

- Upon request, we can arrange another meeting point in Tokyo.

11:30 AM

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.

12:00 PM

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.

01:00 PM

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 :)

04:30 PM

Going To Koenji

05:00 PM

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.

06:30 PM

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

What‘s included

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

What‘s not included

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
Tokyo Tour Guide - Hardy M.

Joined 2025

Hardy M.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

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.

Michelle G.

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 :)

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

Milton R.

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 !

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.

Patricia M.

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.

Want to Personalize?

$195/ per group

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