Ed J.
Available Areas
Saitama, Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
--
Tour Categories
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.
Backstreet Shrines, Secret Garden! & Traditional Shopping Street 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. Finish the tour in Sugamo - a traditional shopping street on the old Nakasendo pilgrim road. Come and join me : )
One Day - Asakusa / Ueno / Yanaka / Akihabara (8 hours)
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. Explore Ameyoko Market In Ueno, then relax in the peaceful Yanaka district. Finish the tour with the city feel in Akihabara. A long term resident of Japan and speaker of Japanese I’ll explain some of the mysteries that first time visitors often face.
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.
Kawagoe - Old Edo Era Time Slip
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.
Yanaka - Old Tokyo Backstreet Walking Tour
Yanaka is a quaint old town where traditional buildings dating back to the Edo period still remain. Here you can find local food stands, clothing stores, supermarkets, tea shops, sweet shops and cafes or restaurants. There are also many other great spots to visit including historical shrines, and cozy cafes! It is a lot quiter than other areas, and has many temples dotted around the area. Famous for it's cats, how many can you spot on our walk through the neighbourhood!
Ed J. Japan Tour Reviews
“A hidden gem ”
If I could I would give Ed a 5 + rating he is the hidden gem In Japan we had an excellent day made happy memories with Ed he thought of everything that we would need and we learnt not only about the history but how navigate the train system he gave us a unique experience the old and new Japan and a few more tips along the way friendly and easy to get on with just give Ed your personal interest which he can factor into into your tour
Ed J.
(6 reviews)It was an absolute pleasure showing you guys around Tokyo. My highlight was chatting to the wise, senior lady in Asakusa. We were so lucky having her pose for a photo with us in front of the Gold Mikoshi shrines at Asakusa Shrine. And, also the ice-cream in Yanaka was super delicious : ) Have a safe trip. Ed
“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
Ed J.
(6 reviews)Happy that you had a good time. We 'struck gold' with the Ramen shop. Definately a highlight for me. Also, getting to see Sensoji temple in the evening as they were closing up the huge doors was quite an unique experience. Hope Canada is treating you well! Hope to see you again on your next Japan trip : )
“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!
Ed J.
(6 reviews)Thanks Sue. I had a great time with you and Rick. You were both amazing and patient as we worked our way around the city. I hope you had a great Japan adventure with your family. Looking forward to the next time : ) And thanks for the awesome review. I appreciate it. Ed