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Joined 2018
Kumiko K.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Yokohama
Languages
English
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Kumiko K.
My name is Kumiko.
I used to live in New York and London and worked for US companies for many years. Based on my experience, I recognize that Japan is a fascinating country, but at the same time, it is unique in many ways. Tokyo, as the capital of Japan, is a unique and diverse mix of cutting-edge technology, traditional culture, and Western influences.
As an art lover, I am happy to show you many galleries in Tokyo. I received a Certificate of Art Business Masterclass from Christie's.
As a guide, I'd like to explain to my guests about Japanese culture as well as background and introduce popular places and food. I think most visitors coming to Japan are hoping both to enjoy themselves and also have a meaningful encounter with a different culture.
I am looking forward to helping you explore my city and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Explore Old and Modern Tokyo One Day Tour
The tour can be customized according to your preferences. You can select 3 or 4 places to visit for the tour. My recommendations in Tokyo are Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nihonbashi, Ueno, Harajuku, Shibuya, Kagurazaka and Daikanyama. If you like art, I'm happy to shows you some beautiful museums like Nezu Museum and other contemporary art museums in Tokyo.
Explore Old and Modern Tokyo One Day Tour
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Tokyo Art & Culture Tour - Nakameguro Area
Discover Japanese fine art works at galleries in some of Tokyo's vibrant and trendy areas, Daikanyama, Nakameguro and Denenchofu. You can appreciate modern and contemporary art works and enjoy shopping at unique shops along the Meguro River and visit an awesome gallery in a Japanese-style house in Denenchofu.
Tokyo Art & Culture Tour - Nakameguro Area
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Tokyo "Essential" Half-Day Tour
I will escort you to Tsukiji Outer Market to see the lively atmosphere in the fish market. You can enjoy walking around the market and try some Japanese food. Then we walk to Hamarikyu Garden, the Japanese stroll garden with a 350-year history. Japanese sweets and tea are served at the tea house. After the garden, we go to Hibiya Okuroji, a unique underpass facility hidden JR railroad. There are eating, drinking, fashion, miscellaneous goods.
Tokyo "Essential" Half-Day Tour
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Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya Tour
We will first visit Meiji Shrine, a sanctuary in the middle of the city away from the hustle and bustle. Then we'll move on to Harajuku / Omotesando, one of the liveliest and most sophisticated shopping district in Tokyo. In this area, you can see many example of Tokyo's finest modern architecture. After that, we will walk through the Cat Street, a trendy area and I will guide you to the Shibuya.
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya Tour
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Tokyo Gallery Hopping - HARAJUKU, AOYAMA
Discover Japanese fine artworks at galleries in some of Tokyo's most vibrant and trendy areas, Omotesando, Aoyama, and Shibuya. You can appreciate Japanese-style paintings and contemporary artworks or crafts and stunning architectural buildings on Omotesando avenue and in Aoyama.
Tokyo Gallery Hopping - HARAJUKU, AOYAMA
Reviews
David M.
“Pleasant Day”
We only had a few hours off the cruise ship to see a few highlights of Tokyo. So we engaged Kumiko to give us a whirl wind tour. She was punctual, accommodating and very knowledgeable. She guided us to the Meiji Shrine and the Shibuya crossing. We had time for a coffee break before she guided us back to Yokohama. She answered all our questions with insight. All in all, we really enjoyed a pleasant non-stressful day. Thank you Kumiko.
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Kumiko K.
Dear David and Marie, Thank you so much for your kind feedback. It was only a few hours, but I was really happy to see you both all the way. I feel I should have shown you more in Yokohama or any other interesting places in Tokyo. Please enjoy your stay in Japan and come back! With best regards, Kumiko Kawai
Paul K.
“A great day around Tokyo with Kumiko ”
Kumiko met us at our hotel and helped us with travel and tickets , she is very fluent in English and we had a great tour taking in Temples, Gardens and even a boat trip We would definitely recommend Kumiko for your Tokyo tour and with help to give you confidence in the cities transport. Maybe in the future we will see some your art at the Summer exhibition. Paul and Sue.
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Kumiko K.
Dear Paul and Sue, Thank you so much for your kind words, but you’re giving me too much credit. I really enjoyed the time together. Additionally, you learned everything quickly, thanks to your thorough preparation over the past two years. I liked your friendly, kind, and warm vibe, which made me feel very comfortable being with you. Hope you enjoy every moment of your stay in Japan. Yes, see you at the Royal Academy, Summer Exhibition next time. With best regards, Kumiko Kawai
Bruce S.
“Highest Rating”
Kumiko's knowledge, intelligence and kindness were greatly appreciated. A wonderful tour, anyone would be fortunate to have heras a guide.
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Kumiko K.
Dear Bruce S, Thanks very much for your excellent feedback. I am so glad you liked the tour, because I was worried about how I could satisfy the guests when the galleries we originally planned to visit were closed on Monday. Please enjoy staying in Japan and come back! With best regards, Kumiko Kawai
Other Popular Tour Guides in Tokyo
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Koichiro Y.
Hello! I’m Koichiro. Please call me “Yamasan”. It derives from my family name and my friends call me so. I worked for a machinery company as a project manager and engineer for mechanical and electrical construction projects both domestic and overseas for over 35 years. I recall my first overseas project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when I was 26, and the second was in Singapore. I visited many countries for surveys, meetings, commissioning, project handing over, and so on. In 2014 at the age of 60, I decided to retire from the company and live the expected further 30 years of life with a new career and experiences. I, then, studied translation and guide interpretation. I passed the national examination for licensed guides (English) in 2015 and registered with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in February 2016. Until now, I have been guiding many beautiful guests mainly to popular sightseeing spots such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, Omote-Sando, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree, and also cultural experiences of Origami making, Furoshiki wrapping, and Sushi cooking. I am happy that I can freely arrange a customized tour together with you, or can propose my tours to you. I want to show you some parts of daily Tokyo life and introduce you to Bunkyo City which is located in the heart of Tokyo, just north of Chiyoda City where the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station are. The city is Tokyo’s typical residential and academic area where I was born, grew up, and live a happy life now. Now, we can tour around the world but have not yet overcome COVID-19 completely. Recently, the number of passengers wearing masks on public transportation in Tokyo reduced to some 25% but we should mind about it still. Please carry your mask to wear it where or when necessary (December 2024, Yamasan).
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Yoshi S.
Hello, I'm Yoshi!! I started my second career as a tour guide after retiring from the Japanese computer company I had worked for about 40 years. I was born in Asakusa and grew up in down town in Tokyo. I’m married with two daughters and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. I've experienced guiding international visitors in Tokyo and other famous sightseeing spots as a guide for several years. I will be so happy to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. Look forward to joining my tour!!
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Grant A.
Important note: I am currently not able to take new customers after the end of March, 2026. My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history. I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood. If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider: One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights. Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience. Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests. For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations. Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours) Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
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