Tokyo Free Guide
Tokyo Free Guide
5
City Tours • Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view

About
TOKYO FREE GUIDE, a nonprofit volunteer guiding service organization, was started in 2004 with the goal of helping overseas visitors experience Japanese culture and local customs. There are over 600 volunteer guide members who speak at least one language besides Japanese. (English, Spanish, Italian, French). Our guides are cheerful and helpful men and women, who are students, homemakers, retirees, office workers, etc. Most of them have lived and/or worked in or around Tokyo for a long time. Some of the guides may know everything about Japanese music, pop culture, anime, or the trendy shops, while others may have an extensive knowledge of Japanese food, history, culture, society, or religion. Our volunteer guides truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and cultures and sharing the fun of discovering Tokyo and its vicinity!
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(19 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
178 reviews
Excellent
173
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Don B
Berlin, Germany4 contributions
Nov 2019
My daughter and I had a wonderful day in Tokyo thanks to our fantastic guide Yoshihiro! There was a lot of email communication in advance to plan a perfect tour that exceeded our expectations by far. For example, I suggested a particular garden, but Yoshi thought it would be better to visit that garden in spring and made a different proposal. Furthermore, I mentioned that we would visit Tokyo Skytree on the first day of our stay and would like to visit Tokyo Tower on our guided tour. Yoshi suggested that we should visit Tokyo Tower at the end of the tour after dark, so that we could get an impression of Tokyo by night. And right he was!
On the date agreed, Yoshi picked us up at our hotel. After a short subway ride we explored a beautiful park, where we enjoyed a bowl of Matcha in a traditional teahouse.
Then, we watched Shinkansen trains at the impressive central station, where we later had excellent ramen in a Michelin-recommended yet inexpensive restaurant. Funnily enough, a well-known model from our hometown Berlin sat next to me and we had a nice conversation. Yoshi, tell the truth, you arranged that too!
Next stop was an iconic building from the seventies, Nakagin Capsule Tower. We were well surprised when Yoshi told us that there would be a guided tour inside the building in just a moment.We really enjoyed this rare opportunity to gain insight into the ideas of the future that people had 50 years ago.
Then we drove to Yanaka where we did some shopping and visited a magnificent shrine. The tour ended with the already mentioned visit of the Tokyo Tower.
My daughter and I often think back to this amazing tour with Yoshi, who not only has an excellent knowledge of Tokyo and Japanese culture in general, but is also fluent in English. But most importantly, he is a gentle soul. We hope to see you again, Yoshi!
On the date agreed, Yoshi picked us up at our hotel. After a short subway ride we explored a beautiful park, where we enjoyed a bowl of Matcha in a traditional teahouse.
Then, we watched Shinkansen trains at the impressive central station, where we later had excellent ramen in a Michelin-recommended yet inexpensive restaurant. Funnily enough, a well-known model from our hometown Berlin sat next to me and we had a nice conversation. Yoshi, tell the truth, you arranged that too!
Next stop was an iconic building from the seventies, Nakagin Capsule Tower. We were well surprised when Yoshi told us that there would be a guided tour inside the building in just a moment.We really enjoyed this rare opportunity to gain insight into the ideas of the future that people had 50 years ago.
Then we drove to Yanaka where we did some shopping and visited a magnificent shrine. The tour ended with the already mentioned visit of the Tokyo Tower.
My daughter and I often think back to this amazing tour with Yoshi, who not only has an excellent knowledge of Tokyo and Japanese culture in general, but is also fluent in English. But most importantly, he is a gentle soul. We hope to see you again, Yoshi!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the very descriptive comments about your tour with Yoshihiro. From your detailed itinerary others can know about the kind of tour our TFG volunteer guides can provide. We strive to tailor our tours to the unique interests and requests of all of our guests. It seems that you and your daughter traveled all over the city with Yoshi and had a wonderful day. Yes, a bird’s eye view of Tokyo at night can be very beautiful. We are so happy to know that you had a fulfilling tour. Please come back and visit us again.
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spade459
Honolulu, HI5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Our guide Eiko corresponded with us by email prior to our visit and tailored our itinerary based upon these discussions..It was a perfect day with her as she was more like a friend when taking us around as opposed to a guide. We had great conversations about the different sites we visited as well as a delightful Japanese lunch. Tokyo free guides is a class organization and is highly recommended for any visitors to Tokyo.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your very positive comments and recommendation of TFG for future visitors to Tokyo. I know Eiko will be so pleased to know that you thought of her as a friend, and that you had a lovely time together. TFG is proud to host visitors such as you, and we hope you return again soon.
Written April 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Teresa C
4 contributions
Jan 2020
I love my day in Tokyo with Miwako Suzuki, I get to experienced and learned so much a lot Japanese culture and life style. We first went to Meiji Shrine, Miwako taught us how to pray and wash our hands, she also explained to us about the history of Meiji Shrine. Then we visit Omotesandō, Miwako explained various architects work and style, which I really enjoyed and show us unique spots. We had lunch at a really good Shabu Shabu place for a good lunch price. Lastly, we visit Yanaka, which it's also my favorite part of the trip, it was a quiet neighborhood and very different than other parts of Tokyo and we get to experienced the traditional tea ceremony. It was a bit on the pricier end, but the experience was well worth it. We get to make and try our the fresh dessert, which it was yummy and a unique taste. The tea ceremony was very interesting, relaxing and educational as a first timer. I felt fully immersed in how the tea ceremony connects with seasonal dessert and its setting. I can definitely see that it's a self reflecting opportunities to enjoy a cup of good quality green tea and chat with the owner.
Overall, I really enjoy my day with Miwako and would recommend TFG 100%
Overall, I really enjoy my day with Miwako and would recommend TFG 100%
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's always great to receive a 100% recommendation from our guests. It seems you had a great tour with Miwako experiencing various aspects of Japanese culture. We do hope that she consulted with you beforehand on the cost of participating in the tea ceremony, as our policy is to keep costs down while keeping enjoyment high. From your comments the tour was very special for you, and that is always our goal. Thank you for taking the time to write such a positive review, and please come back to Japan again.
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex
New York City, NY20 contributions
Mar 2023
After arriving in Tokyo having a tour from Yumiko (Yumi) was the best way to start off our vacation of a lifetime. Yumi greeted us in the lobby of the hotel and was so warm and welcoming. We used public transportation which was fun and also managed to tour Shibuya, Shinjuku and the gardens. My mum and I loved every second of it as well as learning all about the Japanese culture and traditions from Yumi. Our most memorable experience was getting lunch with Yumi - to sit down and learn about Yumi as a person as well as her family was such a special moment for us. I cannot recommend this tour enough to family and friends - if you're able to, ask for Yumi and you will not be disappointed.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It seems that Yumi was able to help you create many fond memories of your ‘vacation of a lifetime’. We at TFG are so happy to hear that. Thank you for your wonderful and sincere comments. Please come back again.
Written April 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
STEVENSNY
New York City, NY311 contributions
Dec 2022
This was a great experience to connect with a local in Tokyo who spent the day with me showing me around some of the wards of interest I wanted to see. Also took me through the subway line which would have been very confusing to do it alone. Maki was the perfect tour guide and we spent the day together enjoying the beautiful sites. I would 100% recommend this group and that you spend at least one day with one of their volunteers to explore Tokyo.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments and recommendation. Our volunteer guides are always happy to help you learn the local transportation system as well as show you your points of interest. Maki will be pleased to know that you think she was the ‘perfect tour guide.’ Please come back again to explore Tokyo.
Written April 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniuska L
Boynton Beach, FL1 contribution
Jan 2023
Mr. Hiroshi was very welcoming since we start emailing with him, we told him that my wife and I are photographers he gave us a lot of recommendations of places, he took us to the most wonderful places and he was very paciente with us, he even went with us to buy the bullet train ticket and show us where to get the train the next morning.
We can't thanks enough to Mr. Hiroshi and this organization to provide this services, we really enjoy Mr. Hiroshi company and we fall in love with Tokyo and Kyoto city.
Thank you again!
Dani & Eugenio Wilman
We can't thanks enough to Mr. Hiroshi and this organization to provide this services, we really enjoy Mr. Hiroshi company and we fall in love with Tokyo and Kyoto city.
Thank you again!
Dani & Eugenio Wilman
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Japan is often a dream come true for photographers, and Tokyo has so many sights and scenes to capture.
We are happy that Hiroshi was able to show you some of them, as well as help you to prepare for your trip to Kyoto. Thank you for your positive comments. Please come back to Tokyo again.
Written April 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura M
5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
First, we would like to appreciate your iniciative, Tokyo Free Guide was the best experience we could have had in Japan. It was our second day and it opened our eyes to this new adventure.
About our guide, Ken Shiotsuki, he was special, always kind, offering to walk us back to the hotel, talkative, giving us a lot of insights and anecdotes about Tokyo and it's culture.
The tour was catered to our preferences and budget, he was always open to update the route on the fly if we thought anything could have been inconvenient.
He impressed us in many ways, for example, he took us to a nice sake bae he liked and to a temple while a ceremony was ongoing.
He didn't leave any details unattended!
Ken treated us as if we were just family.
We wouldn't hesitate ok repeating the experience, because of Ken and because of your initiative.
About our guide, Ken Shiotsuki, he was special, always kind, offering to walk us back to the hotel, talkative, giving us a lot of insights and anecdotes about Tokyo and it's culture.
The tour was catered to our preferences and budget, he was always open to update the route on the fly if we thought anything could have been inconvenient.
He impressed us in many ways, for example, he took us to a nice sake bae he liked and to a temple while a ceremony was ongoing.
He didn't leave any details unattended!
Ken treated us as if we were just family.
We wouldn't hesitate ok repeating the experience, because of Ken and because of your initiative.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate the thoughtful comments about your guide Ken, and the service of TFG for our guests. Our initiative is based upon a sincere wish to help visitors really know and understand Tokyo and Japanese culture. We consider all of our guests to be friends and family, and really appreciate that you felt like one. Please come back to Japan and enjoy more of our hospitality.
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tzachix
Tel Aviv, Israel22 contributions
Nov 2019
It was our first day in Tokyo after spending 70 days in Japan. Ken contacted us and we discussed what our interests are. Ken made the plan for spending a full day with us - and what a plan. It turned out to be one of our best days in Tokyo. As we met Ken after visiting Japan for many weeks we had many questions just about ready to be asked. While we toured the city we got the replies to our many questions. We took the train, went to tourist attractions as an open air market and temples, we surveyed a supermarket very closely, went restaurant hopping and bar hopping and al in all had a perfect day with the perfect guide.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the very positive comments regarding your tour with Ken. Spending a day with a local guide can really enhance and broaden the experience of visiting Tokyo. It seems Ken was able to provide you with answers to your questions, as well as give you some insights and background information. We are very happy that you enjoyed your time with him, and had a “perfect day with the perfect guide."
Written March 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EMD family
1 contribution
Dec 2019
Our family had a wonderful experience spending the day with Mitsuru. He contacted us ahead of time and was very responsive to our interests and made great suggestions. He took the time to seek out a gluten-free ramen shop for me. He was easy to talk to and fun to get to know. Highly recommend this group.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for recommending TFG to others. We’re sure Mitsuru had a wonderful day with your family as well. There are many food choices in Tokyo, it just takes a local person to help you find what you want. Please come to Japan again, there is so much more to see and do.
Written January 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FoodieLuscious Adventures
Auckland Central, New Zealand144 contributions
Oct 2019
My husband and I felt so fortunate being able to book a Tokyo Free Guide over busy Rugby World Cup. We thought it would be completely booked out, however were lucky enough to be allocated Shiro - an English speaking rugby and extreme sports enthusiast : ) (being from New Zealand we have alot in common ; )
Before we even landed Shiro took the time to build a friendship with us via email and find out what our interests were so we could utilise our afternoon together in Tokyo well.
We were thankful that Shiro very kindly met us at our accommodation (we were still tired after a 10 hour night flight landing that morning) and taught us how to navigate the underground which was invaluable throughout our visit.
It was like seeing an old friend! Shiro's English was superb, he took an interest in our home country and gave us an insight into his world.
Our afternoon together was an incredible start to our holiday. Shiro thoughtfully took us to some of the less touristy sights as well as lunch at a restaurant which we had the best udon ever and coffee at an out of the way historic cafe. We really felt like locals : )
We had such a memorable afternoon and look forward to hosting Shiro in New Zealand one day : )
Before we even landed Shiro took the time to build a friendship with us via email and find out what our interests were so we could utilise our afternoon together in Tokyo well.
We were thankful that Shiro very kindly met us at our accommodation (we were still tired after a 10 hour night flight landing that morning) and taught us how to navigate the underground which was invaluable throughout our visit.
It was like seeing an old friend! Shiro's English was superb, he took an interest in our home country and gave us an insight into his world.
Our afternoon together was an incredible start to our holiday. Shiro thoughtfully took us to some of the less touristy sights as well as lunch at a restaurant which we had the best udon ever and coffee at an out of the way historic cafe. We really felt like locals : )
We had such a memorable afternoon and look forward to hosting Shiro in New Zealand one day : )
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great comments about Shiro and the TFG volunteer guide service. I’m sure he is so happy to know that the afternoon you and your husband spent with him was like hanging out with an old friend. I enjoyed looking at the photos that you posted. As the three of you are rugby fans, it must have been quite special talking about the sport and the World Cup tournament. Spending time with a local person in a big city like Tokyo can really make the experience much more meaningful. All of us at TFG hope you come back to Japan again.
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sutendy w
Jakarta, Indonesia68 contributions
How can I book for TFG? Anyone can tell me?
2014Loulou1967
Quebec, Canada14 contributions
Their website tokyofreeguide
maria m
San Jose Department, Uruguay14 contributions
Hola! Quisiera saber cuánto tiempo antes hay que reservar! Gracias por responder.
Tokyo Free Guide
Tokyo, Japan
You can request a guide up to two months in advance of your intended tour date.
FradaTorino
Torino8 contributions
Non riesco a compilare il modulo on line, si blocca nell'inserimento delle date del viaggio.
Bagawath H
Rosny-sous-Bois, France
excuser, moi comment trouve un guide gratuit de quelle façon, on le paye quad même ou comment, merci
PCM199
Sydney, Australia801 contributions
S'il vous plaît aller sur le site Free Guide website, et réservez le guide. Il n'y a aucun frais pour cela, sauf que vous devez supporter les frais de voyage et les frais d'entrée pour le guide.
Quali sono le lingue parlate dalle guide?
claudia988
Giaveno, Italy50 contributions
Dipende dalla guida, sono tutti volontari. Si compila il form di richiesta indicando le lingue che si parlano (io avevo messo italiano e inglese) e viene proposta una guida che le parli. Sicuramente ce n'è più d'una che parla italiano perché è una lingua molto apprezzata dai giapponesi, ma richiedendola in inglese ci sono più possibilità di trovarne una libera!
vitasaskvile
belgrade
can I use TFG for several days, not only for one day?
Tokyo Free Guide
Tokyo, Japan
Yes, you can request not only one day guiding service but also two or more days. However you may not use TFG guides even for one day. Because TFG had more than 13,000 days guiding requests in 2017, which is almost four times of their capacity.
Merrily302
New Orleans, LA83 contributions
What is the an acceptable tip for the Free Guides (assuming they did a thorough job)?
Claire P
Montreal, Canada17 contributions
Generally speaking, Japanese don't accept tips... a good lunch and think about some gift you can bring that is typical from your homeland... they appreaciate that :)