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How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide

How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide

How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide

Visiting a foreign city can be intimidating, especially one as huge as Tokyo. In our case, Tokyo was the first stop in what would be a 7 week stay In Japan. I’ll admit I was nervous about the unknown: how to get around, where to do grocery shopping or eat (as a local), how to work the vending machines and crazy toilets that Japan is known for. I had a million questions. So when I heard that you can get a free volunteer tour guide I thought it would be a great introduction to Japan.

We were to spend 7 hours with our guide and are so thankful for the fantastic experience. I’ll get to that. But first here are some things you need to know about Tokyo Free Guides as well as some tips on actually getting a guide (because of its popularity, only about 25% of applications are successful).

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Applying for a Guide

Their website: Tokyo Free Guides (there is an application form on the top right of the page)
Applying: When applying you will have to pick a date and time for the volunteer service. You will also have to indicate your interests (what you want to see or what you hope to gain from your tour).
Your obligations: Although the service is free, you are responsible for all costs associated with transport, food, museums etc.

See all the terms and conditions on the site, they’ve explained the process in a very simple and orderly fashion.

 


 

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Tips on getting your application for a guide accepted
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– Apply as early as possible. We applied a month prior to coming. TFG allows you to apply up to 2 months in advance.
– Choose a Saturday or Sunday – your chances are better on weekends as there is a bigger pool of guides (TFG has approximately 500 guides in all).
– Your chances of getting a guide are best if choosing English or Japanese as your language option.
– Write out a precise and well-thought out itinerary wish list on Page 3 of the application (entitled “Details of Visit”). In ours, we explained that we would be in Japan for 7 weeks and that we wanted an introduction on getting day-to-day things done in Tokyo: shopping, taking the subway, going to a local restaurant, etc. I had also requested a visit to the Harajuku district because Lissette wanted to see the Harajuku girls. I knew from research that Sunday was the best day to visit this area. The rest of the itinerary I left up to the guide.

 

Our guide in Tokyo. How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide
Our guide Naohmi “Nick” Sakurado in front of the Sensoji Temple.

 


 

 

After applying I waited. It took about 2 weeks until I received a reply from Tokyo Free Guides:

 

Dear Frank
Congratulations! A guide has been assigned to you as per your request. Please
confirm the details below.

[Date of your tour] October 23, 2016

[Your guide’s name] Naohmi Sakurado
——————
You will soon be contacted by your guide via email. Please be sure to respond
to the email from your guide within two days.

Thank you for using TOKYO FREE GUIDE. We wish you an enjoyable trip.
.


Later that same day I received an email from “Nick”

Hello Mr. Frank
I am Naohmi “Nick” Sakurado, a senior male member of the Tokyo Free Guide serving both of you as a volunteer guide on Oct.23, 2016.
Let me introduce myself briefly.
I am a retired businessman worked for one of the major Japanese banks for 30 years.
Working as a banker, I had a chance to live in U.S.A for several years and my eldest daughter was born in California.
My family consists of a wife, two daughters, one dog and four cats!
My hobby is taking photographs, listening to Jazz and classical music and travelling in the foreign countries.
During my tenure at the bank, I visited more than ten foreign countries, including Canada [Toronto and Montreal] on business.
I would be grateful if you could give me some information on your trip such as your arrival date, places to visit other than Tokyo.
On Oct. 23, I am happy to take you to Harajyuku, a hot area for young people interested in fashion and pop culture
I could meet you at the lobby of The Gate Hotel at 10.am.

If you have any question or request, please feel free to ask me.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Nick

 

How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide
Views of Nakamise Dori (a popular alley selling tourist souvenirs) and the Sensoji Temple (at the far end). Photo taken from the viewpoint at the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center.

 


 

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Meeting Nick 

We arrived in Tokyo on October 22nd. Early the next morning, Nick met us in the lobby of our hotel in the Asakusa district of the city. He was dressed in a business suit and we knew from the minute that we saw him that we would be in good hands. One of the first things he did was give us a rundown of our itinerary. It would include a tour of Asakusa, lunch at a local sushi restaurant, and subway ride across the city to the popular districts of Ginza, Harajuku, and Shibuya. He would also bring us to a local supermarket, introduce us to Bento boxes, as well as help us get an adaptor for our computer plug (a last minute request when we realized that one of our plugs had 3 prongs – Japanese outlets only have holes for 2 flat prongs).
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Asakusa District

Asakusa is a historical district with notable sites such as the Sensoji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple) and the Tokyo Skytree (the tallest tower in the World). Unlike most other parts of the city that we would see it is older and quieter, with low rise buildings (comparatively speaking – this is Tokyo) and Edo-style wooden houses. It’s the one place in the city where you can still get a traditional rickshaw ride. I’ll be writing more about this district in an upcoming post.

 

traditional Asakusa, Tokyo
Newlyweds on a rickshaw at the zebra crossing across from the Sensoji Temple. Note the Tokyo Skytree to the right.

 

Nakamise Dori, Asakusa, Tokyo
Tourist stalls on Nakamise Dori. Note the ladies in front of us in kimonos: a popular thing among tourists is to rent out a kimono (there are many places to do this) and wear it for the day.

 

 

How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide
Nick showing me the Buddhist cleansing ritual that is performed before entering a temple.

 


 

 

 

eating sushi in Tokyo. How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide

eating sushi in Tokyo. How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide
lunch in a local sushi restaurant (right across the street from the Gate Hotel).

 


Related: detailed post on Asakusa and Ueno

 


 

 

The Tokyo Metro

After lunch, it was time to leave the Asakusa district to explore other parts of the city.

Have a look at the image below (click on it to see it in larger size). That’s the Tokyo metro system, one of the busiest in the world with 179 stations and 13 lines. As Nick would show us, it is actually quite easy to navigate. There are always attendants to help you with ticketing, there is always an information counter should you need directions, there are washrooms, elevators (and escalators). There are signs in English everywhere. It is incredibly orderly despite the huge number of people using it every day (almost 10 million people/day). It is a metro system unlike any that we’ve ever taken. We would, a few days later, even manage to cross the city, from Asakusa to Shinjuku (changing lines in the process) with all our baggage (again, because of elevators). It is incredible.
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tokyo subway. Map

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Ginza District

From Asakusa (top right corner of Metro map) we took the Ginza line (indicated in orange) to the Ginza district. This is a modern district of Tokyo, full of highrises containing high end department stores and boutiques. You’ll find flagship stores for many of the leading fashion houses here: Chanel, Louis Vuiton, Gucci and Dior. You’ll also see the flagship stores of Apple and Sony. Ginza is known as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world.

 

Ginza District. Free Tokyo guide
highrises of the the Ginza district.

 

Ginza District. Free Tokyo guide
Nick took us to Bic Camera to buy our adaptor (they sell much more than cameras – they had 9 floors of electronic devices of all kinds). They also had this halloween stand outside.

 


 

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Harajuku District

After exploring Ginza we got back in the metro and got off at Omotesandō station (you can get an all day metro pass for 600 Yen). Omotesandō is a large boulevard (again, with all kinds of high end stores) that leads to Takeshita Street (don’t worry if you do – there are public washrooms everywhere in Tokyo). It is famous for young, trendy stores where girls sometimes like to dress up in weird fashions. I’ll be honest – this part of the tour disappointed a bit because there’s really not much going on except for a whole bunch of stores selling cheap stuff and young people walking around in droves. And we didn’t see many Harajuku girls – except for these girls that we were exceptionally lucky to spot.

Harajuku District, Tokyo, Japan

Takeshita Street, Tokyo
Sign of Takeshita Street. Just in case you thought I was making that name up.

 


 

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Shibuya District

Shibuya, like Ginza, is another district full of highrises catered to shopping, dining and nightlife. What it is particularly known for however is the huge intersection right in front of Shibuya station’s Hachiko exit where thousands of pedestrians cross under a multitude of huge neon lights and giant video screens. The intersection was used for a scene in “Lost in Translation”. It is supposedly the world’s busiest intersection.

 

Shibuya District, Tokyo, Japan
Shibuya Crossing. A bit blurry…but by then the jetlag was starting to hit us so we probably just couldn’t tell the difference.

 

The Shibuya station is also well-known for its statue of Hachiko the dog. His story here.

 

Shibuya District, Tokyo, Japan. How to see Tokyo with a Free Volunteer Guide
Statue of Hachiko the dog along with an unknown cat who seemed to be really happy resting between his legs.

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How impressed are we?

I’ve covered the broad strokes of what we visited that day. But besides the actual tourist “sights”, having Nick as company was invaluable. He showed us around on the subway, he took us through a supermarket and pointed out some of the basic staples used in Japanese cuisine, he helped us find an adaptor in a huge department store (we would never have managed to find it on our own). He guided us through an incredibly busy city, sticking his arm up in the air whenever we lost him through the crowds. But most importantly, he spent 7 hours with us, talking and exchanging ideas on Japanese and Western culture. We left him feeling that we knew someone in Tokyo and that the city was not that intimidating after all. A day with Nick and we felt that we had landed on our feet.

We were also left incredibly impressed by Tokyo Free Guide and the individuals like Nick who would give up their free time to show tourists around. We’ve never seen anything like this anywhere we’ve gone. And it hasn’t only been in Tokyo – over the past week we’ve seen other Free volunteer guide services in the towns of Matsumoto and Kanazawa. It says a lot about the Japanese. I can’t tell you just how impressed we are overall with their hospitality and helpfulness. They are incredible.

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We wholeheartedly recommend Tokyo Free Guide.

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Related links

Tokyo Free Guide: website
Tokyo Free Guide: facebook page


If you can’t get a free tour, I recommend some of the tours below

 

 


 

 

Related: The Best things to Do and See in Kyoto

Related: Dogs we’ve met on our travels…and the most dog-loving countries!

Related: Signs in Japan: The funny, strange or just unusual

 


Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.

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Filed Under: ASIA, JAPAN, REVIEWS

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mark

    November 17, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Hilarious, I know exactly what you are talking about, they should keep up 🙂 . I’m going to cut and paste your message and send it to Kirsty in case she hasn’t seen it. I can tell you now, I know exactly what her reaction with be!!!

    Reply
  2. Mark

    November 17, 2016 at 10:04 am

    You can’t complain about a service like that, in fact there is very little to complain about in Japan generally (are you coping OK, I know I struggled when we visited because I had nothing to complain about 🙂 ). We were offered a free guide at Matsumoto castle but the lovely lady said it would take about three hours to look around the castle and I’m not that into castles and so politely declined!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 17, 2016 at 10:26 am

      You’re right, nothing to complain about in Japan. Except maybe costs. But you’re from the UK so everything is cheap for you 🙂

      3 hours! Oh boy. We did Matsumoto in an hour and that was enough. We did the Uffizi in Florence in about an hour many years ago when we got really sick of the crowds. Sometimes people get to us. Then we do the “express tour” where I do my long strides and Lissette tags along in a semi trot…You know what I’m talking about 🙂

      Reply
      • Kirsty

        November 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm

        Haha! I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about … Semi trot! Yep, that’s me! Sometimes I barely have time to absorb my surroundings, I am ‘trotting’ so fast to keep up! 😉

        Reply
        • Frank (bbqboy)

          November 17, 2016 at 1:04 pm

          Poor you Kirsty. I totally understand. I’m 5’11 with long legs, Lissette is 5’2 with short legs. I sometimes grab her hand when we have to get somewhere fast and she complains she feels like she’s being dragged down the street by her mother all over again…

          Reply
  3. Barry

    November 16, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    A free tour sounds like the perfect way to see Japan. I’ve come across a couple of websites offering guided tours but it’s the first time I knew there were also free ones. On my first visit to Japan I used CouchSurfing so was lucky enough to have my host show me around Osaka. It’s always interesting to meet new people and hear about their life stories. The tour guide looks like a nice guy.

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 16, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks Barry. I think getting shown around by a local is the greatest thing. I’d even suggest that Airbnb owners (we usually stay in Airbnb apartments) offer that to their guests – even if I had to pay something, getting shown around the neighborhood when first arriving somewhere is really helpful.
      Yes, Nick was great and if applying for a guide I would ask for him. His English was fantastic which I know is not always the case.

      Reply
  4. Anita

    November 14, 2016 at 10:19 am

    OMG the crowds are overwhelming! What a glorious, intimidating and amazing city and having a guide to show you some of the work-arounds and answer your questions about the day-to-day basics had to have been invaluable. There’s such a vast difference between visiting a city as a tourist (with a hotel concierge to answer the myriad of “how to” questions) and trying to find a grocery store, ATM or even how to get around on your own. And I could go on and on about the subway and the complex labyrinth you pictured! 🙂 Coming from the US we are always confused when we try to navigate our way through a new maze of public transportation. P.S. Love the cat calmly watching the crowds between Hachiko’s legs!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 14, 2016 at 10:39 am

      Thank you Anita! Asia can be scary because of the language factor. But the Japanese have done a wonderful job with the signs and personal help. In much of the world you can go into a subway system and there are no people working there anymore, just a bunch of ticket machines that you have to figure out on your own. It’s one of my biggest stresses. In Japan there are ALWAYS people there to help you. It’s what has surprised us most. It has actually been super easy. Never would have thought…
      Yes, that subway map scary I admit 🙂

      Reply
  5. Terry

    November 14, 2016 at 2:55 am

    Your article makes me want to experience everything at Tokyo. I actually love this place and wish to go to there. Glad to hear your sharing! It is useful for me to begin a trip.

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 14, 2016 at 10:03 am

      Thank you Terry, glad it helps. Lots more posts on Japan coming up 🙂

      Reply
  6. Patti

    November 10, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    I’d like to be in Japan right now. Actually, I’d like to be pretty much anywhere outside of the United States right now. I am s-l-o-w-l-y coming out of the shell shock and now I’m just incredibly angry which I find somewhat empowering.

    BUT, I digress. I love the idea of a free guide. We’ve taken free walking tours which we find extremely helpful, especially when you’re new to a city and trying to get an over view of where things are and how to navigate. The Washington, DC Metro is color-coded and I find that extremely helpful when trying to navigate. I’m looking forward to following your adventures through Japan. Navigating the crowds seems as if it would be overwhelming as I don’t usually enjoy trying to find my way through dense crowds. Definitely enjoying your photos.

    What do you think Bill Murray whispered to Scarlett Johansson in the final scene?

    Reply
  7. Suze - Luxury Columnist

    November 10, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    This sounds like an amazing experience, meeting a local and having him show you his favourite sights. I experienced this in New York with the Big Apple Greeters and they have a similar thing in Brussels so if I go back I’d definitely ask one of them to show me around

    Reply
  8. Kemkem

    November 10, 2016 at 7:11 am

    We miss Tokyo! I never knew about the free guide. Very cool. I have to say l was intimidated by the thought of finding our way around there, but found it quite easy to navigate with everyone being so helpful, from the cops to just people just passing by and seeing our confused looks..haha! Thanks for the love on Hachiko. I think those Harajuku girls went elsewhere because everyone is looking for them now.. 🙂

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 10, 2016 at 7:20 am

      You’re right Kemkem. Everyone very helpful and there are information booths and English language signs everywhere. Even if you get lost you won’t be lost for long. Wonderful organization.
      Did you ever go to a Maid cafe? Lissette wants to go, we want to see anything that is “crazy” in Tokyo (BTW, the Robot Restaurant is amazing).

      Reply
  9. Jack

    November 10, 2016 at 4:08 am

    Very helpful post. Asian countries can be intimidating with the language factor. This is a fantastic concept. We’re thinking of going to Japan and I WILL look into this when planning our trip. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 10, 2016 at 4:11 am

      I thought so as well. I think Japan is actually the best organized country for tourism that we’ve come across to date. And you might be intimidated before coming but you’d be surprised by how easy it is once here. Just great.

      Reply
  10. nRon

    November 9, 2016 at 5:27 am

    Cool idea! Maybe we all should consider doing something of the sort, I love to learn and meet new people and I live walking distance from Disneyland?
    cheers!
    ron;)

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 9, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Actually it kind of inspired me too – maybe when I’m no longer travelling and want to meet & help out younger travellers. I can see how fun it would be.
      Disneyland? Go for it…hope you like ferris wheel, roller coasters and Disney characters 😉 How about guides through Nana Plaza instead 😉

      Reply
  11. Lucija

    November 8, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    Tokyo Free Guide—what a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  12. Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

    November 8, 2016 at 10:55 am

    wow! and it’s free? great service indeed:)

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 8, 2016 at 10:59 am

      Yes! What’s great is that these volunteers do it because they want to meet foreigners and show them around…so it comes from the heart and isn’t just a job. That people would do this is what impresses me the most.

      Reply
  13. Joanna

    November 8, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Hi Frank and Lis, lovely photos! Tokyo is part of our bucket list.
    Thanks for sharing helpful tips, we’ll surely keep this in mind when we visit Japan 🙂

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      November 8, 2016 at 10:14 am

      Thanks Joanna!

      Reply

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Hi! We are Frank & Lissette from Canada. We sold our home in 2014 and have been travelling the world ever since.

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