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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
2 days ago
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
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Julie S.
“An Unforgettable Tokyo Experience with a Fantastic Guide!”
Booking Marciel Hardy through GoWithGuide was the best decision I made for my trip to Tokyo! From the moment we met, Hardy effortlessly guided me through Tokyo's dense web of trains and subways, helping me seamlessly navigate the crowds to drop off my luggage at my hotel. What truly sets Hardy apart is his dedication and thoughtfulness. On our first day, a few tightly timed stops meant we narrowly missed the closing times for the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu. Without missing a beat, Hardy took full accountability and kindly offered to take me back to the Imperial Palace on Sunday as a personal apology. He even generously treated me to lunch that day! His ability to pivot and make sure I didn't miss out on anything important showed what a consummate professional he is. Thanks to his wonderful planning, I got to experience everything from the ancient beauty of Senso-ji Temple to a spectacular Ukiyo-e art exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum, ending with a fun souvenir shopping trip in Akihabara. Hardy is knowledgeable, reliable, highly adaptable, and incredibly kind. If you are looking for a guide who truly cares about making your time in Tokyo magical and stress-free, I cannot recommend Hardy enough! Thank you for an amazing trip!
Amina S.
“Une magnifique expérience à Tokyo”
Nous avons passé un excellent moment avec notre guide à Tokyo ! La visite était très agréable, bien organisée et enrichissante. Notre guide était sympathique, professionnel et patient. Grâce à ses explications, nous avons pu découvrir les lieux emblématiques de Tokyo et en apprendre davantage sur la culture japonaise. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié sa gentillesse et sa disponibilité tout au long de la visite. Une très belle expérience que nous recommandons vivement à tous ceux qui souhaitent découvrir Tokyo ! Merci pour cette magnifique journée.
Janet C.
“Temples, Samurai and Anime - a day of wonder in Tokyo with Hardy”
Hardy was the perfect tour guide! He is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. In addition to taking us on a fantastic walking tour of Asakusa and Akihabara, Hardy introduced us to some local cuisine and gave us some pointers for using the trains. We could not more highly recommend Hardy as your walking tour guide. We loved spending the day with you Harry. From Andrew, Janet and Charlotte.
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Hardy M.
Thank you very much for the photos ! I also had a wonderful day in your company :D I wish you all the best for the rest of your stay in Japan, and a bit of luck in catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the bullet train. And I’m still jealous of Charlotte’s seal bag, it’s just too cute! I also want one now ;)
Other Popular Tour Guides in Tokyo
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Kenji K.
Hello, I was born in 1956 in Hiroshima and have lived in Tokyo for over 40 years. I have a license of “National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter”. I love outdoor activities, especially fishing and golf. I have been to CANADA for 6 months as a bank trainee and have worked for 5 years in the US at the age of my 30s. It is my pleasure to show you around in Japan. As you know, there are four seasons in Japan and you can enjoy the nature of each season. Especially in spring time, cherry blossoms in full bloom welcome you. Japan is a safe country, meals are very delicious, and you can explore Japanese great history at the spiritual places of shrines and temples. Please contact me. You are assured to have an enjoyable and memorial trip. I'm looking forward to having wonderful time with you. See you!
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Masahiro N.
Hallo zusammen! Ich heiße Masahiro, aber meine Freunde nennen mich Masa. Nach meinem Studium in Tokio habe ich von 2006 bis 2013 in Wien gelebt. 2013 bin ich endgültig nach Japan zurückgekehrt. Während meiner Zeit in Wien habe ich die deutschsprachige Welt und ihre Kultur sehr intensiv kennengelernt. Heute möchte ich eine Brücke zwischen dem deutschsprachigen Raum und Japan sein – und genau deshalb arbeite ich als Reiseleiter. Ich habe das Gefühl, dass diese Aufgabe meine Lebensaufgabe geworden ist. Für mich ist ein Guide so etwas wie ein privater Diplomat. Er verbindet Menschen aus verschiedenen Ländern und Kulturen und hilft ihnen, einander besser zu verstehen. Ich habe bereits Erfahrung darin, meine Gäste durch viele verschiedene Orte in Japan zu führen, unter anderem durch: • Tokio • Kamakura( Kanagawa) • die Region um den Fuji • Kawagoe(Saitama) • Nikko(Tochigi) • Karuizawa (Nagano) • Kanazawa(Ishikawa) • Kyoto • Osaka • Kobe • Himeji • Nagasaki …und natürlich gibt es noch viele weitere Orte zu entdecken! Ich wohne heute in der Nähe von Tokio. Deshalb sind Touren in Tokio und der Umgebung für mich besonders gut machbar. Eine Reise macht das Leben bunt! Lassen Sie Ihren Alltagsstress hinter sich und genießen Sie entspannte Momente, neue Entdeckungen und interessante Begegnungen – vielleicht sogar den einen oder anderen kleinen Kulturschock. Ich freue mich sehr darauf, Sie auf Ihrer Reise durch Japan zu begleiten! Bis bald in Japan!
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Kaori S.
Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively. I love travel both international and domestic. I myself love travel freely. That's how I love helping individual travelers like you. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love and sharing my seasonal favorites. I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request. ・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY ・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY ・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour I often spend multiple days with the same group to accommodate itinerary for multi days by including my seasonal favorites. I often do Mt.Fuji or Hakone tour. In many cases, the locations are mixed up between Mt.Fuji Five Lakes area and Hakone area, which are not the same place. Please refer to the map I uploaded on gallery to check the sites you are interested in. Also my blogs will help your understanding both areas - "The location difference of Mt.Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes) and Hakone". As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. But more than that, I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!
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