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
Janet C.
“Temples, Samurai and Anime - a day of wonder in Tokyo with Hardy”
Hardy was the perfect tour guide! He is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. In addition to taking us on a fantastic walking tour of Asakusa and Akihabara, Hardy introduced us to some local cuisine and gave us some pointers for using the trains. We could not more highly recommend Hardy as your walking tour guide. We loved spending the day with you Harry. From Andrew, Janet and Charlotte.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much for the photos ! I also had a wonderful day in your company :D I wish you all the best for the rest of your stay in Japan, and a bit of luck in catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the bullet train. And I’m still jealous of Charlotte’s seal bag, it’s just too cute! I also want one now ;)
Nick B.
“Excellent, interesting and informative guide that made our trip exceptional.”
Hardy was the perfect guide for our time in Narita and Tokyo. His suggestions were great and made our trip memorable. He was extremely helpful when the ATM at the 7-11 didn’t give the Japanese Yen purchased. He solved this issue quickly and we carried on. He asked about our interests and individualized the itinerary. He’s easy going and his English is excellent. We highly recommend for a stress free holiday in Tokyo.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much; I also really enjoyed the time we spent together. I hope you won't run into any more issues with an ATM; to be honest, it was the first time I’d ever used an ATM’s emergency phone, and I was just as relieved as you were to be able to resolve the situation quickly :) I wish you all the best for the rest of your journey in Japan !
Todor Z.
“Fantastic first day in Japan ”
We had an incredible time on the Special Harajuku & Lucky Cat Temple Tour with Hardy M. The 9-hour tour was well-paced, engaging, and packed with wonderful sights in Tokyo. Hardy was a fantastic guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and very attentive to our group. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a unique and memorable tour experience!
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Hardy M.
Thank you for those kind words, It was a pleasure to show you the Lucky Cat Temple! Unfortunately, people tend to avoid it because it’s off the beaten path, I would really love to be able to bring more people there ! So, if anyone wishes to see the "lucky cat temple", please message me ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
$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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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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Shinjuku Kabukicho , Omoide Yokocho and Golden gai !!!Bar Hopping Tour
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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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Experience a Tea Ceremony & Japanese Garden
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Experience a Tea Ceremony & Japanese Garden
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Jazz kissa crawl: quiet listening + conversations
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Jazz kissa crawl: quiet listening + conversations
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