Joined 2024
Available Areas
Kanagawa, Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Yokohama
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
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!
Farah A.
“Excellent Ginza Line Tour with Grant A. ”
Grant was an excellent guide, fluent in both English and Japanese (the four of us taking the tour knew no Japanese). We took the "Ginza Line Tour" with him and really enjoyed the day. He was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and indispensable in leading us to and through the train stations and all the interesting places on the tour. He adjusted the schedule to our liking, skipping some places and adding others along the Ginza Line. We still have great memories of the day. Thanks, Grant! Very highly recommended!
Christin M.
“Great 1/2 Day Tour ”
Grant went above and beyond on our tour. There was an actual Gale happening in Tokyo and that didn’t stop him from touring us around and providing so much information and excellent recommendations. 10/10
Colin G.
“Grant A. Our Guide in Tokyo August 2025”
Grant spent the day with my wife and I taking us around the west side of central Tokyo. Alrhough I had lived in Tokyo for a year over 35 years ago the coty has changed tremendously. Grant was careful to explain where, why and how so that we were comfortable moving around the city going forward. Grant’s knowledge of the history of the country and significant details from Japan’s history that live on in the present made the day very interesting for us. I would highly recommend Grant to anyone. Thanks