Ed J.
Available Areas
Saitama, Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Ed J.
Long term Tokyo resident I have been exploring the backstreets of Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 15 years. I can speak and read Japanese, so I am in a unique position to offer you an insight as to what makes things tick! I love history, culture and particularly old downtown tokyo areas away from the neon signs and crowds of people. Let me help you find a more interesting and real Tokyo for you! : )
Important
I am flexible with dates and times and areas to explore. I can arrange an interesting itinerary for you or you can give me ideas as to what you would like to see and do.
Tours
Tokyo: Off the beaten path! Guide from the UK
Visit the historic area of Asakusa, the bustling Ueno, or discover the traditional backstreets of Tokyo away from the main tourist hotspots. Get 'off the beaten path' and away from the crowds. Visit the lesser known places and take your time to enjoy the city at your own pace! Relaxed and laid back I have lived in Japan for over 15 years and can help you make the most of your time in Japan with advice for the City and your travel plans in Japan.
Tokyo Secret Garden Walk - from Ikebukuro (3 hours)
A 2 - 3 hour walk away from the tourist routes along the meandering backstreets to Tokyo's best kept secret Japanese garden. No tourists will know about this spot so we can have it all to ourselves! We will go through side-streets and old shops and past some significant hidden temples and shrines. Come and join me : )
Asakusa half day tour with UK guide
Discover the secrets of Asakusa. Uncover hidden details that a casual visitor might miss and get a deeper insight into Japanese culture and the history of this area. Join me as we indulge in some street food, history and culture of Tokyo’s old cultural centre. A long term resident of Japan and speaker of Japanese I’ll explain some of the mysteries that first time visitors often face.
Ningyocho - Shrine stamp tour of the 7 lucky gods. Super fun!
Visit the seven shrines dedicated to the 7 lucky gods and collect the stamps! Unlike the touristy streets of Asakusa, this area has a more authentic atmosphere and is the perfect place to experience Tokyo’s shitamachi (old downtown where the common people lived in the Edo period). We recommend skipping breakfast so you can try all the delicious food that this area has to offer. Shop around for handmade souvenirs and traditional crafts, and watch skilled craftsmen at work in their stores.
Sugamo old town - The Grannie's Harajuku!
Dubbed 'The Harajuku for Grannies' famous for it's shopping street and shrine that cures illnesses and ailments. Located in the central Tokyo area, Sugamo is not often visited by tourists. We will stop by the many shops that sell traditional Japanese snacks, green tea, seaweed and other various curiosities. We can also visit the famous 'Red Pants' shop and maybe even meet the local mascot 'Sugamon'.
Kawagoe - Old Edo Era Time Slip (From Tokyo)
Experience the feel of old Japan only 30 minutes north of Tokyo. Famed for it's Edo period vibe, this nostalgic town is lined with many old Edo period buildings and is a great one day trip from Tokyo. Experience a different side of the city! Snacks and traditional crafts shops line the streets and you can feel the old nostalgia of a by-gone era. Popular with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy Kawagoe with an experienced local guide from the UK.
Ed J. Japan Tour Reviews
“Nice Guy, Decent experience”
Ed was great at communication and booking. He was flexible as our plans changed a bit a and we made a few changes to our day including meeting location and time, and Ed just worked with it. He took us to some great local eats and we had a great experience. One location was a local ramen shop and another a local coffee house. We didn't give 5 stars as Ed wasn't a take charge type and we spent a bit of time just discussing what to do next. I think that might be because our timing and the location changed so Ed wasn't really prepared for all that. I think you will have a great time either way! Enjoy
“Fantastic Guide”
Ed, our tour guide in Tokyo, provided an exceptional experience that exceeded our expectations. He expertly guided us through shrines, temples, and lesser-known spots, catering to our desire for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. His assistance with navigating the subway system was invaluable, ensuring seamless transportation throughout our journey. What truly stood out was the door-to-door service, as he picked us up from the lobby of our Airbnb and dropped us off there, offering convenience and peace of mind. Overall, Ed's knowledge, professionalism, and personalized approach made our Tokyo exploration unforgettable. Highly recommended!
“Tokyo day One”
Unfortunately, this was the only day the weather wasn't good rained all day in Tokyo, despite this Ed managed to be flexible in navigating us around and remaining flexible. He was the only guide we used who wasn't of Japanese heritage. This was no hinderance whatsoever very interesting discussing with him his time in Japan and being married to a Japanese lady, great fun nothing was too much trouble for Ed