Joined 2024
Grant A.
Available Areas
Kanagawa, Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Yokohama
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. 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.
Important
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Please read before reaching out. Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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Are the tours rail-based?
Yes—tours are primarily rail-based, especially within Tokyo. On the first day, I’ll help you learn the Tokyo rail system, assist with IC card setup, and explain how to navigate confidently.
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Can you book tickets for us?
I don’t handle advance reservations. Most people want to visit places like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli, or the Sumo Lunch in Tokyo. These must be booked separately on your own. I can include these as part of the tour day or drop you off there, but I can’t make bookings on your behalf due to liability issues and platform commission.
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What about Mt. Fuji?
Due to visibility issues and common misunderstandings about access and logistics, inquiries about Mt. Fuji often don’t lead to bookings. A group bus tour is usually the better option.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Ginza Line Tour
Ginza Line Tour
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Eastern Tokyo Tour: Taito, Chuo, and Minato
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Western Tokyo Tour: Shibuya and Shinjuku
Asakusa and Ueno, Taito Ward Half-Day Tour
Asakusa and Ueno, Taito Ward Half-Day Tour
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
Tokyo Anime Full-day Tour
Shinjuku Half-Day Tour
Shinjuku Half-Day Tour
Reviews
Colleen M.
“Great introduction to Tokyo”
Cannot recommend Grant enough! His passion and wealth of knowledge of the Japanese culture is astounding. He covered everything from history, religion, anime, pokemon, sake, shopping, transportation.
Marion B.
“Go with Grant- you won’t be sorry!”
Grant was the perfect guide for our first day in Tokyo. He was incredibly accommodating, insightful, and flexible—willing to adjust our plans as needed to make the most of our time. We covered a lot of ground on the east side of Tokyo and even stumbled upon an unexpected street festival, which made the experience even more memorable. I wouldn’t hesitate to book him again or recommend him to others.
Javier M.
“A MUST have guide.”
With the limited time I've spent with Grant it sure was a blast! Having Grant as a guide for a day taking me to the most popular technological and otaku filled place in Tokyo was wide opening. While Grant may look a bit intimidatingly awkward, hes quite professional in his touring and guiding skills. He taught me how to properly use Japan's shinkansen and train stations when traveling to other places besides Tokyo. If you are in the fence on having Grant as a guide in japan ill say go for it! Hes been living in japan as a foreign exchange student since high-school, as well as having traveled to all of Japan's prefectures! As a side note he taught me the history and manufacturing process of making Japanese whiskey and scotch, in which he is quite knowledgeable on.
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