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
David R.
“Brilliant tour”
Hardy will design a tour just for you. Our tour began at the observation deck of the government building. This was a brilliant way to begin our first day in Tokyo. We explored Asakusa and the war museum, Yushukan Museum. Hardy is an encyclopedia of facts and local knowledge. If you're planning a guide to Tokyo then Hardy is your man. We thought recommend him.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much, it was a pleasure for me to have customers from Africa for once. I always adjust my itinerary accordingly to my customers, and it ended up that your accommodation was close to the government building, so I thought the view of Tokyo from above would be a good start indeed. The Yushukan War Museum is indeed very interesting, but it is necessary to have a guide well versed in history to avoid too much subjectivity.
Naima A.
“Une très belle journée”
Merci Hardy pour cette belle journée, toutes les petites anecdotes que vous nous avez partagées. Nous avons passé un excellent moment et la crèperie est vraiment un plus. Encore merci d'avoir partagé vos bonnes adresses avec nous.
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Hardy M.
Ce fut un vrai plaisir pour moi de vous faire découvrir Asakusa et son artisanat traditionnel ! Je suis content que la crêperie vous ait tant plu, soyez certain que je leur passerai le message :)
Naima A.
“découvertes surprenantes”
Merci infiniment Hardy pour cette visite adaptée aux ados qui m'accompagnaient et qui se sont régalés en votre compagnie.
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Hardy M.
Je suis vraiment content qu'ils aient autant apprécié le quartier des 'Otaku'. Votre carte m'a aussi fait extrêmement plaisir, je vais la garder dans ma boîte à souvenirs ;) Je vous souhaite à tous les 4 un très bon retour en France !
$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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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
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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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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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SUSHI making experience w/ TOYOSU shopping walk
Sushi making instructor takes you to TOYOSU central wholesale market. The tour is a combination activity which includes shopping at TOYOSU central wholesale market and sushi making experience. You will make hand shaped sushi using fish purchased on this tour. This will be one of your unforgetable experiences in Japan. All participants must be aged 13 or older. Price is same regardless paticipant's age.
SUSHI making experience w/ TOYOSU shopping walk
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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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