Saitama, Tokyo (Living)
English (Native), Japanese
0 days on average
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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! : )
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.
I really appreciated Ed's willingness to discuss subtle cultural differences between Japan and US visitors. He had many insights into language use, norms and food that I have not figured out through visiting my Japanese relatives. Ed was also willing to help me track down an aunt I had lost touch with in Kawasaki - a town he was to that familiar with. We found my aunt - which was super sweet, but also hidden delights of Kawasaki: a neighborhood onsen, the tofu delivery guy on his bike, the local food shop that my aunt orders food from. Such a great day and Ed rocked being a guide and participant! I look forward to coming back for more cultural lessons - and looking for my other relatives.
What a bizarre, funny, interesting littel adventure we had! Such a memorable day. I can't believe we tracked down your Aunt and had tea with her! Thank you so much for being brave enough to do something a bit different with me. I'll send you the videos of our meeting. Ed
We are so happy that we found Ed who shared two amazing days with us around this huge city. A wonderful personalised tour that took in everything we needed to see with good coffee and food on the way. We totally recommend Ed and he hasn’t seen the last of us! 11 out of 10! Rina and Gary Cutler
Gary & Rina, thank you for being amazing guests. I had such a great time with you guys. And I'll see you in Australia ; )
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
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
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
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 : )