Joined 2024
Available Areas
Kanagawa, Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Yokohama
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
Today
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. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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1.Do not ask me about Mt. Fuji. The mountain is usually not visible, meaning you can not see it; if you don't understand what that means you need to google "Mt. Fuji visibility". You probably want to join a group bus tour which is not what I am offering.
2. Tours are rail based, full day tours are roughly 20,000 steps.
3. I do not make bookings on behalf of customers, the tours cover areas that not require advanced reservations.*
*I can take you to places you booked in advance or as a drop-off point to end as well.
4.I am no longer accommodating vegans/vegetarians for not following Japanese etiquette. When visiting a restaurant you must order 1 item per person, don't bring in your own food, non-meat options typically contain dashi (a fish based product) and substitutions are not an option.
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Dustin B.
“Overall a bad experience.”
First off the tour itself seems to just be shopping. 2nd even after asking to slow down he kept speeding off in crowds and leaving us behind. Finally he asked us to buy his lunch. Seems since we already paid for the tour we wasn't looking to spend more. We ended up telling him I was sick and needed to head back to the hotel early because it was more stressful trying to keep up with him rather than look for stuff ourselves. Overall I wouldn't recommend the tour.
Doug J.
“A wonderful and busy day with Grant”
It was a whirlwind tour of significant sites, fit to our preferences as older experienced travelers. The use of the Metro and Yamanote lines was really educational, and gave us a personal feel for the life here in Tokyo. He helped us secure train tickets at the huge Shinjuku station, which we really appreciated. A walk through Ueno park was educational, and lunch at a small food stand under the train tracks was a great experience. Well worth every yen!
Shawna L.
“Fun and knowledgeable guide!”
Grant was super helpful and packed an amazing amount of fun and info into our tour of Tokyo. He shared his amazing knowledge of Japanese culture and history, along with stops for street food and later on the perfect restaurant choice for my son and me, and some customized stops for our particular interests. He knows the train system incredibly well and taught us enough that we can take trains on our own with more confidence.