Tokyo Free Guide
Tokyo Free Guide
5
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!
Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
279 reviews
Excellent
272
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Steve R
Tel Aviv, Israel160 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Recently I visited Japan for the first time, the first week I spend in Tokyo. I used this Tokyo free guide service three times and Tokyo Greeters service once. This is a volunteer service - the guides are Japanese people, some retired and some not but all united by an interest in visitors and a readiness to show them around. The guides are not professionals and the level of English varies. The bottom line is that all our guides were excellent and very patient and from each one we learnt something different about Japanese culture and customs.
Some of them took me to places that weren't on my to-do list at all but were really interesting and special, some took me to the more famous places I asked to see but gave me more of an insiders feel or spin on them. All of them consulted with me on what I would like to see and gave me suggestions, and all of them were very considerate as regards mobility, bathroom breaks etc. There is no fee but you are expected to pay guides fares and to invite them to a meal at the end as a gesture of thanks for their time.
So thank you Masayuki for helping me get my IC card and showing me Shinjuku including the Tokyo Government Building, Hanazono-jinja Shrine, Golden-Gai and a memorable lunch in the government workers canteen in the Metropolitan building.
Thank you Eriko for showing me Yanaka and Nezu which were not in my original plan but were wonderfully authentic - I also learnt about the Japanese love for sweet potatoes not to mention those cute sweets we bought from the guy we saw making them. We hung out a bit in a local coffee shop which was also interesting.
Thank you Yoshiko for showing as Shinjuku and no less importantly helping Miri find the cosmetics she wanted at a drug store. The temple was interesting of course but I most enjoyed our Tempura lunch and conversation about women in Japan at San Sada.
Thank you Hideki for meeting us at that most iconic of Tokyo meet up stops, Hachiko statue (the dog). We saw crazy Takeshita Street and Omotesando and somewhere along the way the quite and peacefull Meiji Jingu Shrine and we discovered with you a "Japanese western" restaurant. We learnt a lot about Japanese history, family seals and much else.
Some of them took me to places that weren't on my to-do list at all but were really interesting and special, some took me to the more famous places I asked to see but gave me more of an insiders feel or spin on them. All of them consulted with me on what I would like to see and gave me suggestions, and all of them were very considerate as regards mobility, bathroom breaks etc. There is no fee but you are expected to pay guides fares and to invite them to a meal at the end as a gesture of thanks for their time.
So thank you Masayuki for helping me get my IC card and showing me Shinjuku including the Tokyo Government Building, Hanazono-jinja Shrine, Golden-Gai and a memorable lunch in the government workers canteen in the Metropolitan building.
Thank you Eriko for showing me Yanaka and Nezu which were not in my original plan but were wonderfully authentic - I also learnt about the Japanese love for sweet potatoes not to mention those cute sweets we bought from the guy we saw making them. We hung out a bit in a local coffee shop which was also interesting.
Thank you Yoshiko for showing as Shinjuku and no less importantly helping Miri find the cosmetics she wanted at a drug store. The temple was interesting of course but I most enjoyed our Tempura lunch and conversation about women in Japan at San Sada.
Thank you Hideki for meeting us at that most iconic of Tokyo meet up stops, Hachiko statue (the dog). We saw crazy Takeshita Street and Omotesando and somewhere along the way the quite and peacefull Meiji Jingu Shrine and we discovered with you a "Japanese western" restaurant. We learnt a lot about Japanese history, family seals and much else.
Written February 1, 2025
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.
Relax13496828271
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Our guide, Mitsuyo, really crafted a route that was highly tailored to my family’s interest, and shared many interesting facts about Japan. We were very appreciative of the effort she took to plan our walking route and her thoughtfulness on making sure that all the transportation was well timed. We highly recommend Tokyo Free Guide for anyone lucky enough to be matched.
Written July 11, 2024
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 future international guests. It seems your guide, Mitsuyo, planned a detailed tour that met your interests and expectations. We are happy to know you had a ‘real gem of an experience’ with her.
Please come back again.
Written July 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sian Pearson
Barnsley, UK77 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We had contact from our guide before we set off for Japan and he found out our interests and made a perfect itinerary for us. It was our 2nd full day in Japan and our guide, Takumi, took us to a shrine and a temple and showed us how to do the ceremonial washing. We were nervous about not following the cultural conventions and being offensive but this made us feel much more comfortable. He told us lots of things about Tokyo itself and what it is like to live there
We went for lunch at a smaller restaurant off the beaten track which was delicious. After this we went to Tokyo Tower.
I would highly recommend getting a guide in Tokyo, they are so friendly and helpful. We were honoured that Takumi took a day out of work to show us round his home city
We went for lunch at a smaller restaurant off the beaten track which was delicious. After this we went to Tokyo Tower.
I would highly recommend getting a guide in Tokyo, they are so friendly and helpful. We were honoured that Takumi took a day out of work to show us round his home city
Written June 3, 2024
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 recommendation of Tokyo Free Guide and the positive comments about your guide, Takumi. Our volunteer guides can help to enhance the experience of visiting Tokyo by providing local recommendations and cultural insights into everyday life. Please come back again.
Written June 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ha V
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Solo
I had a very pleasant trip to Kamakura, the ancient capital alongside Nara and Kyoto. The vibe here was tranquil and secluded, distinct from the bustle of Tokyo's city center. My tour guide, Mr. Shintaro Sawada is very knowledgeable and well-prepared for this trip. He patiently explained to me a lot of information about the sightseeings’ history, Japanese culture, and also the difference between Shintoism and Buddhism. I had a delightful matcha experience, savoring the local delicacy Shinrasu-don, and indulging in a refreshing matcha ice cream at the majestic Great Buddha. Thank you very much Mr. Shintaro for a warmly welcoming trip which makes my journey in Japan unforgettable. If you want to book a trip with local tour guide who can speak English/Spanish/Chinese, I highly recommend Mr. Shintaro.
鎌倉是日本古都之一,與奈良和京都並列。這裡的氛圍十分幽靜,與東京市中心的繁忙截然不同,且離中心僅一個小時的火車就可以到達,非常適合安排一日遊的行程。我的導遊澤田慎太郎先生經驗豐富,充分準備這次旅行的相關資訊,並且耐心向我解釋了許多關於景點歷史、日本文化以及神道教與佛教之間的差異。此外,我品嚐了美味的抹茶,享用當地美食「Shinrasu-don」,並在雄偉的大佛景點品嚐了抹茶冰淇淋。非常感謝慎太郎先生的熱情款待,讓我擁有難忘的鎌倉之旅。
鎌倉是日本古都之一,與奈良和京都並列。這裡的氛圍十分幽靜,與東京市中心的繁忙截然不同,且離中心僅一個小時的火車就可以到達,非常適合安排一日遊的行程。我的導遊澤田慎太郎先生經驗豐富,充分準備這次旅行的相關資訊,並且耐心向我解釋了許多關於景點歷史、日本文化以及神道教與佛教之間的差異。此外,我品嚐了美味的抹茶,享用當地美食「Shinrasu-don」,並在雄偉的大佛景點品嚐了抹茶冰淇淋。非常感謝慎太郎先生的熱情款待,讓我擁有難忘的鎌倉之旅。
Written October 12, 2024
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 the positive comments regarding your tour with Shintaro. We are happy to know he gave you a warm welcome and provided background information and insights on various aspects of Japanese culture. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.
Written November 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hilda r
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
December 30, 2024 , with Shintaro-san We visited Sensoō-ji temple in Asakusa, Nakamise dori, had lunch at a great restaurant specializing in Tenpura in the surrounding area
In the afternoon we went to Yanaka , we walked in the area , visiting the Nezu temple .
It was a beautiful day and a sharing experience with a very kind and helpful person!!
We all had a great time together and I want to thank Shintaro -san and Tokyo free guide service very much for giving us this chance
Arigatou gozaimasu
In the afternoon we went to Yanaka , we walked in the area , visiting the Nezu temple .
It was a beautiful day and a sharing experience with a very kind and helpful person!!
We all had a great time together and I want to thank Shintaro -san and Tokyo free guide service very much for giving us this chance
Arigatou gozaimasu
Automatically translated
Written February 7, 2025
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.
Tabby
Metro Manila, Philippines482 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Our guide was Haruko Ota, and she was punctual, hospitable,a nd very knowledgeable about Tokyo. We enjoyed hearing about the customs and meaning behind the symbolisms that we encounter. She even went the extra mile taking us to nearby places that were not originally part of our requested itinerary, including a visit to a lovely viewing deck. She even gave us an assortment of delicious senbei with haikus at the bottom of the packaging.
Thank you very much for touring us and giving as an overview of the Japanese culture!
Thank you very much for touring us and giving as an overview of the Japanese culture!
Written November 14, 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 for the positive comments regarding your tour with Haruko Ota. Seeing Tokyo with a local guide adds new dimensions to the experience, and we are happy to know you also learned about Japanese culture along the way. Please come back again.
Written November 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fernanda V
La Plata, Argentina10 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Exploring Tokyo with Aiko through Tokyo Free Guide was an absolutely wonderful experience. Aiko’s warmth, knowledge, and passion for sharing her city’s culture made this tour truly unforgettable. Thanks to her guidance, we discovered hidden gems and local spots in Tokyo that we would have never found on our own.
This was actually my second time using Tokyo Free Guide, with my first experience being 8 years ago—and it was just as amazing back then! I wholeheartedly recommend Tokyo Free Guide to anyone visiting this incredible city.
Many thanks for the amazing experiences.
This was actually my second time using Tokyo Free Guide, with my first experience being 8 years ago—and it was just as amazing back then! I wholeheartedly recommend Tokyo Free Guide to anyone visiting this incredible city.
Many thanks for the amazing experiences.
Written November 23, 2024
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 using Tokyo Free Guide for the second time and for wholeheartedly recommending us to others. I’m sure Aiko is so happy to know you had an unforgettable experience on your tour with her. Tokyo has many hidden gems and local spots of interest, and we are glad to know you were able to share some of them together. Please come back to Tokyo again. TFG is waiting for you.
Written November 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EpcotPhil
Celebration, FL47 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Fantastic service with local folks who truly love their city. Yumiko was fantastic with great English and seemingly endless knowledge of Tokyo. We took transit to Tokyo Sky Tree, explored Senso-Ji Temple and learned about the differences between Buddhism and Shintoism, and capped off our day with lunch in a local soba restaurant with about 10 other locals. TFG and Yumiko made it a very special experience! Would recommend and do again!
Written June 24, 2024
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 are happy to know you had a very special experience on your tour of Tokyo with Yumiko. We strive to show our guests both the local sights and the major attractions as they have requested. Thank you for the very positive comments and please come back again.
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mason S
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
We put in our guide application as early as we could, and we recieved notice that someone would be our guide, right before we boarded the plane to Japan. This kind of threw off our plan for that day, but it was SO WORTH IT. Oh my gosh, our guide Maki was incredible. She worked with us on arranging sights to visit, took us to a lunch spot we wouldn't have found on our own, and even helped us find a local home improvement store to find a specific souvenir for a friend back home. We were with our guide from 1030am to nearly 5pm and saw so many things!
Maki had an excellent understanding of the trains and subway system so we could get between sites efficiently. We saw so much that day and it is one of our favorite parts of the trip. If you can get a free guide, it is so so worth it.
Maki had an excellent understanding of the trains and subway system so we could get between sites efficiently. We saw so much that day and it is one of our favorite parts of the trip. If you can get a free guide, it is so so worth it.
Written October 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.
Thank you for the great review of your TFG tour with Maki. I am sure she is so happy to hear that your day with her was "so worth it." Our volunteer guides can help make a tour of Tokyo a memorable experience and it seems yours was just that. Please come back again.
Written November 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alessio F
Aci Castello, Italy48 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Superlative experience!
We had the pleasure of having your guide, Shintaro, a kind and loving person, with an obvious passion and love for his country, your traditions and respect for things and people, which distinguishes you and makes you unique, as does your service. In my opinion, the winning factor is to have had a spontaneous guide, that is, one who does it with passion, and only this makes everything more familiar and pleasant.
A sincere thank you to Shintaro Sawada and his precious life teachings, also for our children. Excellent service, truly appreciated.
I will definitely recommend it!
Alessio, Elda, Costanza e Vittoria.
We had the pleasure of having your guide, Shintaro, a kind and loving person, with an obvious passion and love for his country, your traditions and respect for things and people, which distinguishes you and makes you unique, as does your service. In my opinion, the winning factor is to have had a spontaneous guide, that is, one who does it with passion, and only this makes everything more familiar and pleasant.
A sincere thank you to Shintaro Sawada and his precious life teachings, also for our children. Excellent service, truly appreciated.
I will definitely recommend it!
Alessio, Elda, Costanza e Vittoria.
Written October 17, 2024
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 thoughtful comments regarding your tour with Shintaro. We are happy to know he made such a positive impression on your family and helped to make your experience of Tokyo more familiar and pleasant. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.
Written November 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How can I book for TFG? Anyone can tell me?
Written October 16, 2019
Google it. This program won’t let me send the url.
Written October 17, 2019
How can i book a free guide
Written September 19, 2019
Hola! Quisiera saber cuánto tiempo antes hay que reservar! Gracias por responder.
Written July 7, 2019
Tokyo Free Guide
Tokyo, Japan
You can request a guide up to two months in advance of your intended tour date.
Written July 9, 2019
Non riesco a compilare il modulo on line, si blocca nell'inserimento delle date del viaggio.
Written May 7, 2019
Bagawath H
Rosny-sous-Bois, France
excuser, moi comment trouve un guide gratuit de quelle façon, on le paye quad même ou comment, merci
Written October 25, 2018
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.
Written December 16, 2018
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!
Written August 10, 2018
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.
Written May 8, 2018
What is the an acceptable tip for the Free Guides (assuming they did a thorough job)?
Written May 22, 2017
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 :)
Written May 22, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.