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Joined 2025
Hardy M.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English, French (Native), Japanese
Response Time
10 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Hardy M.
Being a former student and staff member of the University of Tokyo,
I have a natural ability to communicate with people from all corners of the world.
Regardless of whether you prefer to speak English, French, or Globish with me !
I have practiced Aikido, Iaido (Katana), and Kyudo (Bow) martial arts, and I have also worked on the restoration of Japanese armor. Therefore, I am well-versed in the art of war in ancient Japan.
But my passion for history goes further, and during my guided tours, I will share various anecdotes that will bring ancient Japan to life for you !
I'm also a huge fan of old Japanese video games, especially RPGs, so if you want a true otaku experience, follow me to Nakano Broadway and Akihabara!
If you're interested in arranging a tour that's tailored to your preferences, feel free to send me a message !
Important
I am unable to make bookings for customers (e.g. chartered taxi / accommodation....), but I can provide guidance and end my tour at a specific location upon request.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
The Edo period, when Tokyo became the capital, is often seen as the peak of Japanese art and culture! Temple architecture, woodworking, woodblock prints, porcelain... I will use traditional handicrafts to illustrate the history and lifestyle of the people of Tokyo. Who were the samurai? What difference with a Ninja? How were armors crafted? I am also going to teach you all you need to know about those fierce warriors in front of a large collection of authentic weapons & armors.
Once upon a time in Asakusa: Handicraft & Samurai
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Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
Dive into Japanese Otaku and Punk subcultures only 10 minutes away from Tokyo. Nakano Broadway is a cheaper and easier alternative to Akihabara for Anime, Manga, Figurine, and Video Games lovers. Thus, I highly recommend visiting Nakano Broadway first and then heading to Akihabara. Koenji is the hub of Punk, alternative rock, and Gothic subculture in Tokyo, and it has a lot of vintage clothing stores. Also, there are a lot of barbecue bars in the vicinity of the station.
Nakano & Koenji: Otaku & Punk Culture !
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Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall
Get the Tengu's protection with an easy forest trail just 1h from Tokyo! The temple devoted to those deities, is surrounded by centuries-old trees, home of flying squirrels and monkeys. With along the way waterfalls still in use by monks for meditation. Mt. Takao hiking is relatively easy and only requires comfortable shoes, and if the weather is favorable, Mt. Fuji can be seen at the submit! And in the old town, restaurants and snacks offer a different taste than the capital.
Mt. Takao: temples, monkeys & waterfall
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Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
Harajuku is like Japan; a place where ancestral traditions meet with modern society! On one side, Meiji Jingu, a tranquil century-old forest home of a majestic Imperial temple. On the other side, Takeshita Street, a vibrant and frantic place to be for young Japanese, known for its cosplay & Gothic shops. But also Omotesando, equivalent to Paris "Champs-Élysées", large avenue full of the most famous luxury brands shops.
Harajuku: Between a frantic street & tranquil forest!
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History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
Take a day to discover how the destiny of Tokyo & Japan was shaped by the Tokyo Bay! From Yokohama, the first industrial port, to boarding the Mikasa, once the flagship of the imperial Navy. Let me tell you the complex love story between the Japanese & the sea, with centuries-old and modern ships of the Japanese & American navies as a backdrop. Traveling along the Miura Peninsula coast, you will discover what most of Japan is really like: small towns nestled between mountains and rivers / sea.
History of Tokyo Bay: Battleships & Industrialization of Japan
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Akihabara: Hub of all Japanese pop culture!
Let me tell you the incredible story of Akihabara, the post-war electric town that became the Japanese capital for the otakus subculture: Anime, Manga, Video Games, and cosplay! Then, once you are more familiar with this labyrinth of a place, I will guide you to the best shops according to your preferences. And let's not forget to try an Akihabara specialty: Japanese Crêpes! PS: For true otaku, I recommend starting with my Nakano Broadway tour first!
Akihabara: Hub of all Japanese pop culture!
Reviews
Anjali V.
“Excellent customized tour”
We had an exceptional time with Hardy. We were traveling with three 18 years old boys and they had very specific interests. He created a specialized tour covering where we wanted to go. He even recommended some good places to eat. He could tell what they boys were intersted and when they were bored and pivoted easily.
Jason J.
“Great tour for our family of 4”
We flew in the night before and Hardy was able to keep us interested all day, including our two teenage boys. He was extremely knowledgeable on military matters and helped us understand the subway as well as guide us to hidden parts of the neighborhoods. We also had a delicious lunch at a stop he picked. Not only a good day, but taught us a lot we used the rest of our stay.
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Hardy M.
Thank you for your kind comment; I was delighted to see that the whole family enjoyed my visit, despite your fatigue in that first day. Please come in the autumn next time; you will discover a totally different Tokyo.
Marian S.
“Great day!”
Hardy was friendly and knowledgeable. He showed us around and knew where to find things we were interested in. He’s great!
Hardy M.
Thank you, Marian; it was a pleasure for me to show you around my neighborhood. Nakano & Koenji.
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Kaneo U.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you around my favorite spots in Kanagawa prefecture. I was born in Kanagawa. I spent my whole school life, including university, here in Kanagawa. I worked as a high school English teacher here for more than 40 years. I love Kanagawa so much. We have many interesting tourist spots, like Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima and Yokohama. I got my tour guide license in English in 2009. I am still an English teacher. To give an interesting and impressive lesson to young high school students, I’ve learnt and gathered many kinds of information. I also have a license to teach social studies, so I have a wide range of knowledge about Japanese culture and history. I’m sure to provide you an interesting tour.
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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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Yumi I.
I have lived in Tokyo for a long time, and I like Tokyo and really enjoy the life of Tokyo. I love eating, shopping and cooking, so Tokyo is one of most exciting places in Japan for me!! I think, not only for me and Japanese people, but also foreign tourists. I want to give you unforgettable memories in Japan. My top priority is to help you discover, enjoy, experience and feel Japanese culture, gourmet and life with the heart of Japanese hospitality. I’m interested in cross-cultural exchange. Let’s talk a lot about anything you want to know and try to do in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing you the tour.
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