Derek V.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
7 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Derek V.
Hello everybody! My name is Derek. I'm an American living in Tokyo. I have lived here for a long time and can speak Japanese. I also have a unique insight into "Otaku" culture here in Tokyo. Specifically, I can help you enjoy such things as the best maid cafes in Tokyo, Idol live events, music events (including taking you to the craziest venue with the craziest and most insane live events in all of Japan, and maybe even the world), and more. If you like anime, videogames, and manga, I can show you some of the best places in Akihabara, Shibuya, and Shinjuku to have a great time doing something that isn't your normal kind of tour that you see a lot of expats doing here in Tokyo. I won't take you to traditional tourists spots, but more "off the beaten path" and unusual places. I guarantee what I am offering to show you in Tokyo, NOBODY else is going to show you.
Important
I am usually really flexible with my schedule of availability, but I can best serve you during the week while you are here on your vacation or business trip. But don't hesitate to ask me to help you experience the sub-culture of Tokyo any day of the week!
Derek V. Japan Tour Reviews
Thai T.
The OTAKU TOUR: see idols, maid cafes, anime shops + more
“Thumbs up, get him a beer”
Met up with Derek to explore Akihabara, good bloke. Sign him up if you have a few hours spare , though make sure to get him a curry at the maid cafe haha.
Derek V.
(3 reviews)Really had a great time with Thai. He taught me a lot about what he does for a living. I mean, it was really fascinating. Also, we just were able to talk nonstop about so many things and it was like hanging out with somebody I knew forever. Really, really awesome dude and I hope we get a chance to do it again sometime! Seriously had actual fun on this tour. Thank you so much!
Anderson C.
The OTAKU TOUR: see idols, maid cafes, anime shops + more
“A fascinating walk through the vibrant otaku world of of Akihabara”
Derek's Akihabara tour was a fascinating walk through the vibrant otaku world of of Akihabara. He's not only a charismatic person, but also an idol industry worker and anime lover, so his firsthand insights added a layer of authenticity that enriched the experience. We had time to navigate through the streets and various shops of Akihabara and found some shops that otherwise I'd have a hard time finding on my own. Due to that, I was able to return on a later date and do all my shopping quickly and quite efficiently. He took me to a maid cafe, a place where I don't I'd ever go in my own, and it was actually quite an unique experience as the maids are very polite and really seem to put their heart into their jobs. Also, even if I am not an idol/maid fan, I enjoyed seeing the maids performing the live music and how the other regular costumers in the cafe loved and supported them. In retrospect and now that I am back home, I kind of regret not taking up on his offer of going to an idol show after the tour, maybe next time. His tour schedule is also highly customizable, and Derek was able to accommodate my wish of visiting a couple of retro-gaming stores. He even took a short detour to help me find some medicine I was looking for in the drugstore. All in all, I recommend his tour to anyone who wants to get their feet wet in Akihabara. Moreover, if you are into maid and idol culture, I don't think you would find a better guide.
Derek V.
(3 reviews)It was an absolute joy to meet Anderson and show him around Akihabara. He was interesting to talk to as well, as he has a pretty cool life. I was happy he could come to Japan and take time out of his busy schedule to see this amazing country and what it has to offer on the more otaku side of things. Just a truly awesome human being and I hope if he ever comes back, I can be his tour guide again. My experience with him is exactly the reason why I signed up to do this sort of tour guide stuff. It was really fun!! And his kind words are truly humbling to me. I'm grateful!
Tom G.
The OTAKU TOUR: see idols, maid cafes, anime shops + more
“Highly recommended ”
Derek provided an excellent Akihabara experience that most won’t be able to see by themselves.
Derek V.
(3 reviews)Thank you so much! I think it was a real, honest to goodness pleasure meeting Tom and getting to know him as we toured Akiba and the surrounding areas. Really fun guy and super nice as well... I would easily take him anywhere he wanted to go in Japan again! A 5/5 customer!!!!