Joined 2017
Toshi H.
Available Areas
Kanagawa, Saitama, Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Hakone, Yokohama
Languages
English
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
4 days ago
About Tour Guide Toshi H.
"If my tour is not available on your preferred date, no worries! Just send me a message and I might be able to open up a slot for you."
Hi, I am Toshi.
I love traveling! It gives me a chance to get to know how other people live, their culture, and discovering new places (usually off the beaten track). This is why as a guide, my goal is to give guests a real "local experience"--the kind that I like when I travel.
I've been a licensed tour guide since 2008. I've conducted tours for international guests from the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Mexico, Singapore, the Philippines, Italia and so on. In fact, I conducted 120 tours (one day tours and a-week long tours) in 2023.
I also speak a little Spanish (un poquito).
In my spare time, I give back to the community as a volunteer: tsunami clean-up activities, entertainment at evacuation camps, guide for foreign visitors in affected areas, and at various cultural events.
Let me show you "My Tokyo"! Enjoy the city like a local and maximize your time in Tokyo!
See you soon!
Important
Multiple-day bookings are encouraged. I might have greater flexibility in opening closed slots in this case. Let's talk about it. Send me a message! :‑)
MORE INFO:
= We use public transportation (train, subway, bus and/or taxi) in my tours as it's the best way to see the city.
= A custom tour = Please book at least SIX HOURS = 50,000JPY
= The meet-up time marks the official start of the tour.
= Hotel pick-ups = only in Central Tokyo, Yokohama, and a few hotels in Kawasaki.
= Four-hour tours available = Tokyo, Harajuku & Shibuya, Odaiba, Shinjuku, Ueno, Yokohama, and antique flea market. Please check out the corresponding tour pages.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
My Tokyo – the modern & the traditional (7hrs)
Ready for a Tokyo adventure? This is a wonderful blend of the old and new that Tokyo has to offer. It's the perfect one-day tour to see Tokyo's past, present, and future. There's something in it for everyone. (This is a fixed itinerary.) Asakusa (a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine and shopping streets), Odaiba(a 20-year old human-made island with futuristic buildings. Beautiful views of Tokyo skyline.)The Imperial Palace: former samurai castle. Shibuya : a good vantage point of the crossing.
Scenic Kamakura, 6 hours
Kamakura, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism, is a beautiful residential area dotted with zen temples. The Great Buddha is another highlight. The Pacific Ocean’s gentle breeze adds to the tranquil atmosphere. We’ll find the most suitable mix of destinations to match your interests and physical exertion level. (See the ITINERARY) A walking tour is good value for money (H1)! We’ll get to experience 5 temples and shrines! For a more leisurely pace, a bus and a taxi are best. See you in Kamakura!
Harajuku & Shibuya Half Day Walking Tour (4 hrs)
Harajuku is Kawaii Town! (Kawaii = cute) It's a mecca for those into kawaii culture, particularly young ladies. This includes popular sites: the Meiji Jingu Shrine (largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo), Takeshita Street for kawaii fashion, Omotesando for its unique shops and cafes, and Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection). These and many more await you on this tour! (Please note that we can modify the time and add destinations to the packaged itinerary below.)
Scenic Yokohama Walking Tour - 4 hours
Yokohama is a beautiful harbor city with mix of historical and modern buildings, and Chinatown with its genuine Chinese flavors .Excellent views and plenty of photo opps. It's just only 30 minutes away from Tokyo by train. Tour A is a walking tour with some options. Tour B (Sankeien Garden) is highly recommended if you're not going to either Kamakura or Kyoto. Additional options D, E , F, G & H are very unique, too. Combination of A & B (7 hours tour) is available. See you in Yokohama!
Haneda Layover Tour (30 mins train ride to Central Tokyo)
Feel free to send a message if you want to book this tour on another day. I may open up the slot for you. Scenic spots and good food are just 30 minutes away from Haneda Airport (HND). Perfect for all ages with a lot of photo opps. You have some choices - sample sushi at the historic Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, the hot spot called Shibuya (the Times Square of Japan), the Imperial Palace (outside only). [NO NARITA meet-up for this guide]
Reviews
“Tsukiji Market Morning Tour for Food Lovers”
Our group of five from the states recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Tsukiji Market Food Lovers tour with our fantastic guide, Toshi. This tour was an incredible journey through the heart of Tokyo's culinary and cultural heritage, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide or a more enriching experience. Our first stop was Uogashi, the bustling wholesale market where locals come to buy the freshest fish. The sheer variety and quality of seafood on display were astounding. We learned about the different types of fish and seafood, their origins, and how they are prepared. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, with the sights, sounds, and smells of the market creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Next, we visited the Namiyoke Shinto Shrine, a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the market. This shrine, dedicated to the gods of the sea and safe voyages, provided a peaceful contrast to the lively market. Toshi explained the significance of the shrine and its role in the lives of the local fishermen and market workers. Next stop, the Tsukiji Outer Market was a food lover's paradise. Here, we wandered through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to exotic fruits, pickles, and traditional Japanese snacks. Toshi guided us to some of the best vendors! We stopped for a quick lunch at Mawaru Sushi Zanmai, a renowned sushi restaurant. The sushi was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and we enjoyed a variety of nigiri, maki, and sashimi. Our final stop was the Tsukiji Honganji Buddhist Temple, a stunning architectural marvel with its unique Indian-inspired design. Toshi shared the history of the temple and its significance in the local community. Overall, the tour was an unforgettable experience. Toshi's expertise, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor made the tour truly special. If you're a food lover visiting Tokyo, this tour is an absolute must. Thank you, Toshi, for an amazing tour!
Toshi H.
(128 reviews)Arigato, Brian! I also had a wonderful time with you. I'm so glad we were able to see so much of Tsukiji in just 3 hours! You tried a variety of foods and drinks. Did you make Japanese soup at home? You can try to see a tuna auction in Toyosu Market next time. It will be another interesting experience. Please come back as Tokyo has more local food you must try. See you again soon!
Neha M.
Customized tour (two days, 12 hours in total)
Customized
“Great tour”
Toshi spent 12 hours with us and did a wonderful job orienting us to Tokyo. We changed our itinerary and she was very flexible. We really enjoyed our time with her
Toshi H.
(128 reviews)Thank you very much for your wonderful review, Neha. I am truly delighted to hear that you had a positive experience exploring Tokyo together. I appreciate your kind words about my flexibility in accommodating your itinerary changes. Hope to see you again.
“Shinjuku, Cherry Blossoms, and Shopping!”
If you're looking for a customized tour, reach out to Toshi. She was flexible, organized, and very pleasant company. I had a day to myself in Tokyo while my husband was at a conference. I booked a custom tour with Toshi, and am so glad that I did! Our trip was at the tail end of cherry blossom season, so weren't seeing very many blossoms near our hotel. Toshi took me to the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden where there were other varieties in full bloom. It was beautiful! I'm an artist and had scouted out a couple of art supply stores before our trip. Toshi advised which ones would be feasible to visit during our timeframe, and then offered suggestions of other things we could do/see in the area near the shops. We saw some 'hidden gems', including a local Shinto shrine, Godzilla, and Omoide Yokocho. Toshi was constantly sharing information about the area and its history as we explored. She made sure I was comfortable, filled the role of interpreter, and ensured I had a great day. Thank you, Toshi!
Toshi H.
(128 reviews)Arigato, Annie! I also had a wonderful time with you. So glad that we managed to hit the places you wanted to visit - shopping, cherry blossoms and sightseeing. Please come back here in late November to see the fall foliage. I'm sure it will give you a lot of inspiration for your paintings. Hope to see you again.
