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Joined 2019
Takahiro I.
Available Areas
Chiba (Living), Kamakura, Tokyo
Languages
English
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Takahiro I.
I grew up in the UK, and have lived more than ten years in the UK and USA on overseas assignments.
While I lived abroad, I started to realize how shallow my knowledge on Japanese culture, beliefs, history and food was for a Japanese resident, whenever I tried to respond to the questions my foreign friends had about Japan. For the last 20 years I’ve been doing a lot of domestic travel visiting areas that I’ve never been before, and studying history and culture, as well as enjoying Sake from all parts of Japan.
From 2015, I intensified my studies of Japan, and in 2017, successfully received government certification as a qualified guide on Japan.
Thinking it would help my studies as well as be beneficial for visitors to Japan, I opened a website titled “Rediscovering Japan” in 2016 to record my travels and share my experience with travelers to Japan. To date I have covered 25 of the 47 prefectures in Japan.
I have found that rather than just visiting tourist spots at random, it is much more interesting if you have a clear theme of the places you are going to. I hope you'll enjoy the visits with me to rediscover Japan!
Important
I do not do coach tours.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Exploring the spirit of the samurai in Kamakura (7-hour excursion from central Tokyo)
Samurais emerged from lower ranking nobles given the task of policing and defending the east, the Kanto region in particular. They gradually gained power, leading to their establishing the first military government in Kamakura in the late 12th century. Around the same time, Zen was imported and taken to by the samurais. Explore the spirit of the samurai and Zen in Kamakura.
Exploring the spirit of the samurai in Kamakura (7-hour excursion from central Tokyo)
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The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)
Sumida and Koto area was part of the eastern peripheral of old Edo with many second houses of feudal lords which typically had splendid Japanese gardens. Visit and stroll two gardens that have been retained to this day. Also included are visits to a memorial park related to the Kanto Earthquake of 1923, a historic Buddhist temple related to Sumo and the Fukagawa Edo Museum.
The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)
Reviews
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Simon W.
“Excellent taste of Japan on my first trip, thank you Tom.”
I had Takahiro as a guide for my first trip to Tokyo and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. We visited Asakusa and explored the Temple and Shinto shrine with Tom (as he asked me to call him) explaining the fascinating details as we went. He was very knowledgable in all areas and his English is impeccable, having worked and lived in UK in his younger years. I never felt rushed and Tom's flexibility and patience was appreciated as I browsed the stalls to find souvenirs to take home. We took the river boat to Yasuda Park and the Sumo Arena and had a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens. Tom helped with every aspect of the trip (subway navigation especially) and it was a lovely first taste of the history of Tokyo and it has definitely made me want to come back again. Thanks so much Tom, we will see you again on our next visit.
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Takahiro I.
Thank you Simon for your kind review. I'm glad that you enjoyed your first and short trip to Japan. Japan has so much to offer to visitors to Japan. History starting from the Jomon people from 14000 B.C. to modern times, religious and cultural heritage, architecture, gardens to name a few. I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan in the near future. Thanks again for having me as your guide.
Nadine G.
“Extremely friendly tour guide with a lot of enthusiasm and great knowledge”
Takahiro showed temples and shrines in Tokyo and taught us interesting things about Japanese culture. It was great being with him as he is super flexible, friendly and enthusiastic to show us around. He has great knowledge and very good English. Thank you Takahiro for this great day!
Takahiro I.
Dear Nadine, Thank you for taking a moment to write this review. I really enjoyed being with you and your family. I sincerely hope that you are enjoying the rest of your tour and wish you and your family all the best. Kind regards Takahiro
Elizabeth C.
“Perfect start to our visit”
From the moment we contacted Tom he offered us support and advice which continued even after the guided tour. The tour was tailored to our interests and Tom surpassed our expectations. He even gave us written notes containing travel tips for us to use during our stay. Tom's knowledge and love for his country made this extra special, and we feel like we made a friend. We cannot recommend Tom highly enough.
Takahiro I.
Thank you so much for your kind review. I'm so glad I was able to help give a good start to your first visit to Japan. Although there were some hectic moments like catching the boat at the last minute, I think we managed to cover a lot of ground on your first day in Japan. I wish you a most enjoyable and memorable stay in Japan, and hope you will revisit Japan, giving me the opportunity to see you again either as a guide or friend.
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Keiichiro I.
Hello everyone, and welcome to North Kanto area, the land where tradition meets tranquility! I am Keiichiro Izawa, your dedicated tour guide for today's adventure through this culturally rich and naturally stunning prefecture. Born and raised right here in Ibaraki, I have developed a deep connection to its history, heritage, and hidden gems. With a background as an English teacher and translator, I'm here to ensure that every step of our journey is not just informative, but also enjoyable. One of my passions lies in exploring historical sites such as shrines, temples, and castles, where the echoes of the past resonate through time. But don't worry, our exploration won't be limited to just the ancient wonders. I'm also a nature enthusiast, drawn to the majestic mountains and serene beaches that adorn our landscape. And what's a trip without savoring the flavors of the local cuisine? I'll be your culinary guide, leading you to the best-hidden eateries where you can indulge in authentic dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. So buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of North Kanto. Let's embark on a journey filled with history, nature, and delicious discoveries!
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Mutoh T.
I’m mutoh, licensed tour guide. I’ve been working at Tokyo for more than 30 years, and started this tour guide job.I love traveling, music, food, and drinking. As for traveling, I’ve been to 38 countries so far and I think I know what tourist wants to do. I really hope to help you to enjoy your once in a life time event. Anyway I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan!
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Etsu I.
Hello! I’m Etsu, your friendly local guide in Tokyo. I specialize in bar-hopping tours, taking you to lively izakaya bars and hidden food stalls to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors. If you love delicious street food, healthy Japanese dishes, or sake tasting, you’ll be in the right hands. I also guide visitors to famous landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Skytree, and for anime fans, I’m happy to show you around anime-related museums and shops. To make your trip smooth and stress-free, I can meet you at your hotel, escort you on the subway, and bring you back safely—so you can relax and enjoy the journey. We can also create a custom plan: for example, sampling local food and drinks, visiting historic shrines, and experiencing Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife all in one memorable tour. If you’re curious about Japanese food culture, healthy eating, or simply want to explore Tokyo in a fun and authentic way, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to welcoming you!
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