Joined 2024
Grant A.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide Grant A.
Hello! 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. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
Important
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Ginza Line Tour
Explore Tokyo’s top sights on this adaptable Ginza Line tour with the 600 yen Metro day pass. Visit Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, then enjoy Ueno’s street food scene. Discover Ginza’s luxury vibe, including a whiskey experience, and dive into Shibuya with its famous Crossing, anime shops, and Nintendo Store. The tour blends highlights like Ueno food, Ginza whiskey, and Shibuya anime tours, offering flexibility to match your interests.
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
The Tokyo anime tour covers anime across four iconic districts! Start in Akihabara, the electric heart of otaku culture, then head to Ikebukuro's Sunshine City for an array of anime shops. Discover rare gems at Nakano Broadway, a treasure trove of vintage collectibles. Finally, unleash your inner otaku in Shibuya with must-visit stops like the One Piece Store, Nintendo Store, Mandarake, and Animate. Experience the best anime attractions Tokyo has to offer on this unforgettable journey!
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Explore Eastern Tokyo with our tour, beginning at Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, leading to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori. Stroll along the Sumida River to admire the Asahi Beer Building. Relax in Ueno Park, delve into Akihabara’s tech scene, and visit Tsukiji Outer Market. Experience traditional Japan at Hamarikyu Park and Zojoji Temple, where you can see Tokyo Tower in the distance. The tour is optimized by proximity, ensuring a smooth and efficient exploration of this vibrant part of Tokyo.
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Start in Shinjuku's Kabukicho, known for its vibrant nightlife and New Kabukicho Tower. Head to Harajuku's Takeshita Street for trendy shopping. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine for a serene cultural experience. In Shibuya, explore Shibuya Parco's Nintendo Store and Pokemon Center, and visit the Parco Rooftop for city views. End with a stroll through Miyashita Park, enjoying its recreational facilities and green spaces.
Kamakura and Yokohama Day Trip
Start with Kamakura's awe-inspiring Daibutsu and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Then, explore the natural beauty of Enoshima Island. Finish the day with the modern allure of Yokohama's Minato Mirai waterfront district and the flavors of Chinatown. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity awaits!
Off the Beaten Path: Utsunomiya Full Day Tour
Discover Utsunomiya, where delicious gyoza await! Begin in central Utsunomiya with a stroll down Orion Dori, the vibrant shopping street. Stop at Kirasse to taste a variety of gyoza or try local favorites Minmin and Masashi on Gyoza Street. Visit the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins, then explore the Marugame Stone Church and the revered Futaarayama Shrine. Tour the awe-inspiring Oya Stone Mine and marvel at the Giant Kannon statue.
Reviews
Joshua C.
“Good times ahead”
Grant was very kind and catered to all needs when they arose. Adapted schedule accordingly to time and had many good tips and advice.
Dan C.
“The best tour guide we ever had!”
So I’m a 69-year-old guy and my wife and I went out with Grant today. We met in the lobby, I told him my likes and dislikes such as not liking temples, not loving crowds, etc. So I think initially he was perplexed as to what we were going to do For the eight hours. But he figured it out and we just had a fabulous time —walked 8.2 miles and. almost 23,000 steps and that was a plus. But the best thing about Grant is he is an absolute treasure trove of information. My wife called him an encyclopedia. He is an historian, and if you want to know anything about Japan history, he pretty much knows it. And if you want to find out about Japan in the 1400s or whenever and the wars that they were in and the politics he is your man. There was one question that he could not answer (which I don’t remember what that was about, but I don’t think it had anything to do with history). We had gone out with a Japanese native guide two days ago. And to that guides detriment, the weather was bad we couldn’t do a lot. But that other guy, even though that guy sounded good on his video, he wasn’t remotely as good. We had a very enjoyable time. The first guide on a 1 to 5 (With one being the lowest and five being the highest) scale. And I would give that other guy a 2 ascompared to Grant who is a 5 for sure. If you’re lucky enough to get hom, you’re very lucky and don’t be shy about asking him questions, particularly about history, or anything about Japan. He loves both and he knows a ton about both.
Jay R.
“What an incredible time with Grant!”
We couldn't reccomend Grant A. higher as a knowledgeable, entertaining and engaging guide. He and our son Grant hit it off on subjects like Pokemon and Anime but I enjoyed learning about the language and culture. He had increidble reccomendations for eating during and outside of our day with him, even for other cities we were visiting. Don't limit him to just Tokyo but consider him for other cities on your trip as he has lived in country so long, is beyond fluent in language and culture and has led many tours around the beautiful country. He books up quick and is often booked every day so reach out to him and don't delay as you won't be dissapointed. Look forward to booking again on our next trip.
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