Joined 2019
Haruo T.
Available Areas
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Yokohama (Living)
Languages
English
Response Time
17 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Haruo T.
I live in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. I have a license to teach in high schools and was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language in the University of Birmingham. Until 2015 I had been teaching English at public high schools in Kanagawa for 37 years. During that time, I had some experience of guiding students from overseas through sister-school relationship around Tokyo and Kanagawa. Therefore, I had good command of English with the TOEIC score of 935.
As for a tour guide experience I earned the certificate of National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter in English and since then I have guided tourists to the popular sites around Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura and Yokosuka. My guiding focuses on introducing not only Japanese historical and cultural backgrounds but also giving tourists some tips to travel Japan only by themselves, such as how to use trains and subways, find good restaurants, reserve tickets, buy survenier, and speak basic Japanese. In addition, my tour includes opportunities to experience Japanese culture like Zen meditation, ninja performance, visiting anime's location sites based on tourists' request. Besides, by means of my hobbies of writing English Haiku and Waka (traditional Japanese poems) and performing Rakugo (traditional Japanese funny story telling) in English, I can surely entertain tourists during the tour.
My moto as a tour guide is let the tourists have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan with my profound, intelligible and interestiog guiding.
Important
I have changed the day when I am available.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Tokyo: First Day on Your Trip to Japan
This tour is for the tourists who have just arrived in Japan and would like to explore Tokyo on the first day of your trip. See the typical major sites like Meijijingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Wholesale Market, Imperial Palace and Asakusa, while travelling across the city from the west to the east. Also learn about some tips for strolling Tokyo by yourselves, such as transportation, reservation, dinning and shopping, unique tourist sites and so on, according to your requests and interests.
Kamakura & Yokosuka: History of War and Peace Tour
This tour takes you to historical sites on wars and peace. In the morning, explore Kamakura to visit the sites related to the battles of samurais to learn about battles in the middle age. After lunch at Komachidori Street, move to the city of Yokosuka to visit Yokosuka Navel Port and Memorial Battleship Mikasa to know about the wars in the modern era. If you want to take the tour of either Kamakura or Yokosuka, it is possible to change the itinerary.
Yokohama Shore Excursion
This is a one-day shore excursion for those who visit Yokohama port during your cruise overseas. During the limited time see the must-see sites and experience some attractions of your interest. Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan with a population of about 3.8 million. It is the first port which opened to the world after a long seclusion policy by the last Samurai government (Tokugawa Shogunate). Enjoy both historical sites and newly developed seafront center.
Kamakura & Enoshima: It's Shownan Time!
This tour takes you to Kamakura, the first Samurai capital, and Enoshima, which is a sandbar island on Japanese Long Beach called Shownan. You visit Hachimangu Shrine and Great Buddha to learn about the history and culture of Kamakura Shogunate (Samurai Government). On the latter half of the tour, you enjoy exploring the picturesque and religious island, Enoshima, which is now a popular, and attractive tour site. After you leave Japan, you will never forget this wonderful moment.
Magical History Tour in First Samurai Capital
This 4-hour tour takes you to four major and popular tourist sites in Kamakura. Visit Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine to learn about Shintoism, (Japanese indigenous religion), and the culture and history of Kamakura Shogunate, (the first samurai government). Stroll Komachidori Street to enjoy foods and drinks as well as shopping. At Kotokuin Temple, see the great statue of Amida Buddha, and at Hasedera Temple, see the statue of eleven-headed Kannon to know more about Buddhism and it's statues.
Reviews
Teresa B.
“Great Day With Haruo ”
We had a wonderful day with Haruo in Tokyo! He was incredibly patient and flexible, especially when we had to change our original plans due to the rain. He was very open and eager to learn more about our culture, and at the same time, we could ask him anything about Japanese traditions, culture, and daily life. It was a truly enriching experience — thank you, Haruo! He’s not only the best tour guide, but also the ultimate videographer when it comes to making you look like a celebrity while crossing Shibuya Crossing!
Haruo T.
I appreciate your kind and heartwarming words. I had a great time with the tourists who were so interested in our culture and history. Especially the questions you asked me were so interesting that they induced more deep and profound explanations. Also thank you your patience and cooperation for bad weather and crowdedness. At the end of the tour I felt like strolling around Tokyo with my friends. Take care and keep in touch.
Robert B.
“A Very Full and Fun Day! ”
Haruo and I had a wonderful day exploring the beauty and history of Kamakura, and then after a quick train trip, we did a tour of Yokosuka's naval history and reviewed the American and Japanese fleets. Haruo is a superb guide with an excellent understanding and explanation of the rich history of Kamakura and Yokosuka. A very fun companion and superb English speaker, you will very much enjoy your day with him.
Haruo T.
Hi, Robert. I can’t thank you enough for your kind words. Since you have learned a lot about the culture and history of Japan, I enjoyed talking about various aspects, like history, literature, religion and so on with you. Also I appreciated your sympathy and support on my injury. I’m sure you’ll have a great time at photo session. Best wishes Haruo Takagi
Pranav K.
“An amazing guide for an amazing start of our Japan Trip!”
As a first-time user of this service and traveler to Japan, I wholeheartedly recommend it to all foreigners visiting Japan for the first time. Haruo was exceptional in the lead-up to my arrival, promptly answering my questions and providing a clear itinerary while remaining flexible. His proficiency in English was impressive, and he offered insightful explanations about both the historical and modern aspects of Japan. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our tour and would gladly book him again. One tip I would suggest is to ensure you have good walking skills for any Tokyo tour! Haruo was an excellent choice for our first day in Tokyo. Given that we were mentally exhausted from a long flight the previous day, having a tour with Haruo to navigate the intricacies of shrines and subway systems was incredibly beneficial. We visited many major sites, learning a wealth of historical information, and he was more than willing to adjust our itinerary based on our interests. He is a fantastic guide, and I highly recommend his services! Thank you very much, Haruo-san.
Haruo T.
Dear Pranav You are really one of the amazing guests I’ve ever guided. Thank you for your kind words and generosity. The tour with you will be an unforgettable memory in my life. Please take care of yourselves and I wish you a Merry Christmas. Haruo
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Seigo U.
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