Joined 2023
Tim D.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
About Tour Guide Tim D.
I came to Japan in 1998, intending to stay a few months, but enjoying Japan, I never left. I was intrigued by the history, culture, language, and food. And the fascination and excitement of exploring and learning new things about Japan still exists with me today. The variety and choices of things to do and places to go can be overwhelming. I can offer you suggestions and a unique perspective on Japan. I can share local knowledge about things often missed. Fluent in Japanese with a master's degree in Japanese Studies and living in Japan for over 20 years, I can be your guide.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Tokyo Backstreets Walk & Eat Night Tour
A trip to Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to Shinjuku and Shibuya, two of Japan's most unique places. See and experience the big city and walk backstreet lantern-lit hidden gem alleyways of Tokyo. Enjoy Japanese soul food, have a chat, and share a drink with a local. Customization of eating and drinking locations is possible on this tour, as well as exploring other areas. Put your smartphone map away. I'll be your guide.
Shinjuku Kabukicho & Golden Gai Night Tour
A trip to Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to Shinjuku, home to Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and the Golden Gai, some of Japan's most unique places. Enjoy Japanese soul food and soak in the atmosphere and neon lights in Japan's liveliest district! See and experience hidden gems that otherwise would not have been known without a guide. Customization of eating and drinking locations is possible on this tour, as well as exploring other areas.
Tokyo in a Day: Iconic Landmarks and Cultural Gems Tour
Experience the best of Tokyo in a single day with this comprehensive tour, blending tradition and modernity. Start at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood, then explore upscale shopping in Ginza. Visit historic Asakusa and the iconic Senso-ji Temple. After a traditional lunch, dive into the lively Ameyokocho market. Conclude in Akihabara, the famous electronics and anime district. This tour provides a perfect snapshot of Tokyo's diverse attractions.
Tokyo in a Day: Modern and Traditional Gems Tour
Experience the perfect blend of Tokyo's modern energy and traditional charm on this one-day tour. From serene shrines and beautiful gardens to bustling shopping streets and entertainment districts, this itinerary is designed to showcase the diverse facets of Japan's vibrant capital city.
Tokyo Welcome Package: Airport Pick-Up, Hotel Drop-Off, Guided Neighborhood Tour, and Dining
Welcome to Tokyo! Your adventure in Japan begins the moment you arrive at the airport. Enjoy a seamless transition from the hustle and bustle of the airport to the tranquility of your hotel, followed by a personalized tour of Tokyo's iconic neighborhoods and a delightful dining experience.
Tokyo Local Adventure: Hidden Streets, Sushi, and Culture
Escape the crowds and step off the beaten path to explore Tokyo like a local! This immersive walking tour takes you through charming backstreets, where history, culture, and cuisine come together. Savor expertly crafted sushi at a hidden gem, experience the tranquility of a local Buddhist temple, and enjoy the warm hospitality of a traditional Japanese coffee shop. Along the way, discover unique shops and soak in the authentic atmosphere of a neighborhood untouched by the usual tourist crowds.
Reviews
Mike lodge O.
“Great Time with TIM- This tour is a must!”
This was our second trip to Japan, and we were looking for something more local and off the typical tourist path—Tim’s tour delivered exactly that. From the cozy neighborhood sushi spot to the charming sake shop and retro coffee house, every stop felt like a hidden gem. Tim was an excellent guide—friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. The temple visit at the end was peaceful and beautiful, and it was refreshing to explore without the usual crowds. If you want to experience a more authentic side of Tokyo, this tour is a must!
Aida A.
“A cherry blossom filled day in Tokyo”
Tim has been a wonderful guide. This is our first time in Tokyo—our first time in Asia, in fact—and it was the perfect introduction. We saw and learned so much on our first day, yet the pace was relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable. Tim’s ease and fluency in both languages made it effortless to navigate the city and connect with the local culture.
Tim D.
Thanks so much, Aida. I’m really glad I could be part of your first Tokyo (and Asia) experience. I loved showing you around and helping you connect with the local culture. Hope the rest of your trip is just as enjoyable!
Chris S.
“Backstreet walk and eat tour after a full day tour”
I previously rated my experience but it deserves another mention. The weather in Tokyo was terrible so Tim suggested we wait 24 hrs and combine our tours. After a full day my wife was tired but Tim was still excited to show me the backstreets of Tokyo. After a brief rest the two of us headed out to his favorite bars and he really showed me a great time. I had my first eel, sake, and shaved fish on bamboo shoots and it was delicious. We wandered through the neon lights and backstreets of Tokyo as Tim described the culture and took me places I probably would have missed on my own. It was a fascinating look beyond the typical tourist areas as we saw hundreds of small, intimate bars and gathering places with no more than 5-6 seats. I felt privileged to be able to experience this and I can’t say enough about Tim’s knowledge and experience. Since we both spoke English as our native language he was able to explain everything in great detail. It was truly a memorable night and at the end we swapped coins to remember our journey. I think Tim went above and beyond what I would have expected from a regular guide.
Tim D.
Thanks so much for the awesome review! I’m glad we could make the most of your time in Tokyo and explore the backstreets. It was a lot of fun chatting along the way, and the coin swap was a perfect way to end the night. Hope to see you both in Japan again!
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Hiroshi S.
Hello, I'm Hiroshi. I am a National Government Licensed Tour Guide Interpreter in English. I have got a master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the U.S. I have been living in a city of Fujisawa, which is the city next to Kamakura, for more than 20 years, and also lived in Kamakura for more than 10 years. So far, I have visited almost all the temples and shrines in Kamakura. So I am sure I can offer you a pleasant trip to the historical city, Kamakura. In addition to Kamakura, I can also guide Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Nikko, etc. because I have visited many places in Kanto area. For example, in Tokyo I can show you around the sightseeing spots such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, etc. I like baseball and used to play baseball, but now enjoy watching professional baseball games. And I like watching Rakugo, Japanese traditional story-telling performance. Of course, I also like travelling very much, and am interested in Japanese culture and history. So I would like to show you Japanese tradition and culture. Let’s enjoy a trip in Japan together. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
