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Joined 2024
Grant A.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Kanagawa, Yokohama
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Grant A.
Important note: I am currently not able to take new customers after the end of March, 2026.
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.
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.
Important
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.
5. Only contact me if you are the participant in the tour. Do not resell my services.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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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.
Ginza Line Tour
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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.
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
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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.
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
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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!
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
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Asakusa and Ueno, Taito Ward Half-Day Tour
Experience Tokyo's highlights in my half-day tour. Begin at Kaminarimon, the gate to Sensoji Temple. Wander Nakamise-dori's historic stalls. Marvel at Sensoji and its towering pagoda. Next, ascend the Tokyo Skytree, offering stunning city views. Conclude at Tokyo Skytree Town, where you can explore shops, dine, and visit the Pokémon Center.
Asakusa and Ueno, Taito Ward Half-Day Tour
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Kanagawa Full Day Tour
The Kamakura Course covers the Great Buddha and major historical sites in the Kamakura area. Additionally, you can choose one of three side trips to Enoshima, Yokohama, or Odawara.
Kanagawa Full Day Tour
Reviews
Jorge M.
“Great experience!”
We had a great time with Grant. He is very knowledgeable in Japan history, language, and culture which enriches the experience when visiting the historic sites. We had delicious sushi lunch in Ueno and he was flexible with small itinerary changes we requested. Highly recommended!
Michelle T.
“You can't go wrong with Grant! ”
Grant was an excellent tour guide. He gave us a very comprehensive introduction to Tokyo history, getting around, and things to do. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Japanese culture. He customized the tour based on our interests and ensured we saw everything we wanted to see. He even helped us at a pharmacy communicate with the staff.
Corinne G.
“Anime and Pokemon heaven”
Grant was an amazing guide. We described the things that were important to us and he took us to places we never would have found on our own. We had a really wonderful day.
Other Popular Tour Guides in Tokyo
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Ayami M.
Hallo alle meine Gäste! Vielen lieben Dank, dass Sie meine Profilseite besuchen! Ich heiße Ayami. Ich bin in Osaka geboren, aber in Yokohama aufgewachsen. Ich habe in Tokyo studiert, deswegen kenne ich mich gut auch in dieser Gegend aus. An der Uni habe ich Germanistik studiert. Mein erstes Mal in Deutschland war 2012, als ich Studentin war, und damals habe ich einen Monat in München einen Deutschkurs gemacht. Da habe ich viel erlebt und erfahrt und war total begeistert für die deutsche Kultur, Sitten, einfach alles, natürlich Leute auch :) Nach dem Studium bin ich nach Deutschland (München und Augsburg) geflogen, um richtig Deutsch zu lernen. In den Schulzeiten habe ich viele Erfahrungen in der Gastronomie gesammelt. In Deutschland habe ich als Kellnerin in einem japanischen Restaurant und Japanischlehrerin gearbeitet. Aktuell bin ich auch private Japanischlehrerin (ich habe auch einen Vertrag mit der amerikanischen Marine) und gelegentlich Reiseführerin. Mein Hobbies sind Reisen, Lesen, Kochen, etwas Süßes backen usw. Ich würde Sie sehr gerne Tokyo bzw Yokohama oder Kamakura und Yokosuka zeigen :)
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Yoshi S.
Hello, I'm Yoshi!! I started my second career as a tour guide after retiring from the Japanese computer company I had worked for about 40 years. I was born in Asakusa and grew up in down town in Tokyo. I’m married with two daughters and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. I've experienced guiding international visitors in Tokyo and other famous sightseeing spots as a guide for several years. I will be so happy to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. Look forward to joining my tour!!
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Tak Y.
Hi, my name is Tak. I have seen travelers. And, I found they got tired of typical sightseeing spots, like crowded temples and shrines. There must be spots fit to your feeling and interests, more in Japan. Then, I’d like to propose. Why don’t you start unique and original tour, only your hearts bring to yourselves? . I had guided Pokemon tour Ghost story tour Inari Shrines tour Live house tour Bento (lunchbox) tour Textile tour Papermaking tour I’ll search the site you want to see and create your unique itinerary. First, could you give your message about things you want to do and see in Japan? Let’s make great time you can’t never forget. Thank you so much. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. I live in SHITAMACHI, Tokyo, or old residential town near ASAKUSA and UENO. My hobby is strolling and I walk about this area almost every day. I know even the smallest path, big and small museums, workshops of artisans, an impressive view of gigantic tree, a beer bar in an impressive old house, unique souvenir shops, cats living in Yanaka and many, many other attractive spots in this area. You can expect a day that nobody read in guide books. So! I hope you name me as the navigator of your fantastic memory-making-tour!!!! I’m 61-year-old and I still love rock’n roll music. If you want to enjoy live music in Tokyo, I can also arrange the location and occasion according to your mood and boom.
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