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.
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?
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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
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
Rodrigo A.
“great guide with kids”
We had a fantastic experience with Hardy in Tokyo. He is extremely knowledgeable about the city and was especially great with our kids, which made a huge difference for our family. From the beginning, he understood exactly what we wanted to see and helped us plan our days so we could make the most of our time. He took us through so many different parts of Tokyo, including places and museums that were particularly interesting for the children, and shared lots of details and insights along the way. One of the things we appreciated most was how much he taught us about getting around Tokyo. He showed us how to use the trains and navigate the city confidently, and even on our last day he made sure we knew how to continue exploring on our own. We spent several days with Hardy, coordinating some activities with him and doing others independently, and the whole trip worked perfectly. By the end, we honestly felt like we had not left an inch of interesting Tokyo unseen! Hardy was knowledgeable, patient, flexible, excellent with children, and very attentive to what our family wanted to experience. He played a big part in making our time in Tokyo such a great trip. We highly recommend him, especially for families who want to really discover Tokyo rather than just visit the main tourist spots.
Sheila J.
“A Stress-free introduction to Tokyo”
We really enjoyed our tour with Hardy. It was the perfect intro for our first day in Tokyo. He was full of information and made our time at the Samurai museum, Senso-ji Temple, cat cafe, and hunt for Pokemon cards a stress-free day. Just what we were looking for!
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Hardy M.
Dear Sheila, thank you for your kind message ! I’m delighted you enjoyed your first day in Tokyo so much, but let’s stay humble: the cats played a big part in relieving your stress ;) The Joke aside, allow me to wish you a pleasant stay in Japan.
Anjali V.
“Excellent customized tour”
We had an exceptional time with Hardy. We were traveling with three 18 years old boys and they had very specific interests. He created a specialized tour covering where we wanted to go. He even recommended some good places to eat. He could tell what they boys were intersted and when they were bored and pivoted easily.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much for the kind feedback; I was delighted to see that my choices for this special tour were appreciated by everyone. As for the Hard Rock Cafe, I was very lucky that it happened to be on our way to Ueno Park :) I wish you to enjoy Kyoto as much as you liked Tokyo !
$201/ 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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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!
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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 Unique Experience Tours in Tokyo
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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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Visit “Your Name“ Movie locations at Shinjuku Area.
Walking around Shinjuku station and visit “Your Name”Tokyo movie locations in the Shinjuku Area and Yotsuya Area, also visiting the Tokyo metropolitan government office observatory.
Visit “Your Name“ Movie locations at Shinjuku Area.
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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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One-day Tokyo Tour In Your Own Way
There are actually many ways to enjoy Tokyo. On this tour, you can visit the places based entirely on the places you'd like to visit. Even if you don't have clear ideas on where to visit/what to do, I can tailor-make your original travel plan based on your interest so that you can spend your time in Tokyo as you've ever dreamed of.
One-day Tokyo Tour In Your Own Way
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