Tomoko H.
Available Areas
Kanagawa, Saitama, Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Mount Fuji
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
About Tour Guide Tomoko H.
Hi everyone! Hearty welcome to Japan.
I’m Tomoko.
I am an English-speaking licensed tour guide, and a registered nurse as well.
“Fun Discovering Experience Walking like a Local!” – F-D-E-W-L!
That’s what I suggest.
【Experiences】
My work history is as follows.
1) high school teacher ---12 years
2) nurse--8 years + 2 years as operational manager for Kamakura city vaccination team (during COVID period)
3) tourism related jobs such as tour conducting, guiding, and backyard supporting---10 years
As a tour conductor, I’ve visited about 20 foreign countries (possibly yours?) as well as countless number of towns and villages in Japan.
I’ve enjoyed these jobs while being a mother.
Through these experiences with lots of people from different backgrounds, I've found it a great pleasure to share the joy of learning and experiencing something new!
【Guiding Areas】
<Basic> Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko, and other neighboring areas from Tokyo
I’m a specialist in Tokyo and Kamakura as I have lived and enjoyed walking a lot in those cities for decades. To be honest, even after all my years here, I still enjoy exploring like a tourist as Tokyo is such an enormous city with great diversity and is constantly changing.
Kamakura is a historical small city with nice beaches and hills and lots of hidden spots of beauty. Almost every time I go out, I feel I’m still making new discoveries. That’s why I cannot stop exploring.
I would take you to some neighboring areas like Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko, and Mt. Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchiko), etc.
<Based on Requests > *if my transportation & accommodation are covered
Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagano(Nagano city, Snow Monkey park, Kisoji trail, etc.), Hida (Takayama, Shirakawa-go), Kanazawa, Oita, Yamagata, Akita, etc.
My original family is from Nagoya, so I know their culture and even their language(dialect) well. Later in my life, I have lived in Oita, Kyushu(far south west of Tokyo) for nearly 10 years and traveled a lot in Kyushu. I love traveling Tohoku, the northern Japan area, too. I’ve planned and enjoyed visiting many of those local areas in the north, too. So, I could share those experiences with you even while having tours in Tokyo or online.
【Personality and others】
- I love meeting people, listening and talking to them.
- I'm friendly and caring, I hope:)
- I love nature and enjoy hiking and skiing.
- I love seasonal flowers and good local food.
- You will see a lot about Japanese culture, nature, and lifestyle with me.
What has made you decide to come to Japan, by the way? Is it its scenic beauties, exotic culture, history, food, anime, or what else? Is it your business that has brought (or will bring) you here? Let me have a clue and customize your tour. I will make the best tour suggestion for you.
Why don’t you contact me now? I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you! Arigato-gozaimas!
Tours
One Day Customized Tour in Tokyo
Recommended for those who want to make the best of your limited days in Tokyo! First, choose 1 or 2 places from the selection list in ‘Highlights,’ and let me know your requests. Then I will suggest the best itinerary especially for you. If you are thinking of touring around other areas starting from Tokyo or ending at Tokyo, I could assist your planning as a tour guide+consultant. Feel free to contact me.
Hakone Highlights - One Day Excursion from Tokyo
One-day fun excursion to Hakone from Tokyo. Hakone is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo. This tour covers the highlights of Hakone. You will enjoy its natural beauties, spectacular views of volcanic activity, a lovely museum with great masterpieces, historical sites, and fun vehicle rides. If weather permits, the view of Mt. Fuji is gorgeous! Fun excursion for both adults and children.
Kamakura Highlights with Local Expert - from Tokyo
One day fun excursion to Kamakura, a small, coastal city just one hour south of Tokyo. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments as well as beautiful beach and forestry hills. Refer to this model plan, and I will customize your tour based on your tastes and requests. Count on me, Kamakura specialist!
Kamakura Day Hike with Local Expert
Kamakura is a small, quiet, lovely town, one hour south of Tokyo. It was Japan's political center around the 13th century. This tour is especially recommended for nature lovers who seek a day-escape from busy Tokyo. It covers many hidden spots never visited in a large group tour. You will visit some famous spots like the Great Buddha as well. Kamakura is my hometown when I spent half of my life and I still often visitt to see my family. I'm sure you can enjoy the area just like locals do.
Historical Exploring in Ueno (half day)
Concise Japanese history tour. Recommended especially for those who like to overview Japan’s history and art at the start and the end of your trip. Focusing on the early modern era in Ueno Park, we survey the entire history at Japanese Gallery in Tokyo National Museum. It’s not in a lecture style, but in relaxed, interactive way. Why don’t you share its real treasures with me, an Ueno local?
Asakusa (half day)
A half-day tour to Tokyo’s must-visit area, Asakuksa. Asakusa is not just the iconic Kaminarimon gate with the huge red lantern, but it's also full of interesting spots and cultural attractions. You will be amazed to see so many things packed into one place. Short, but fully enjoyable tour.
Reviews
Rachel F.
“ Five stars aren't enough for Tomoko! ”
Our family is about to board our flight back to the US but we couldn't wait to submit our highest review for Tomoko, our exceptional guide! We were lucky enough to have her give us three full days of private touring in Tokyo. Tomoko is fluent in English, having earned degrees abroad, but has lived in Japan her whole life so that she has the perfect balance of eastern and western sensibilities. Her knowledge of Tokyo's history, culture, religion, art and architecture are only matched by the unbelievable enthusiasm she brings to sharing it. Whether she was taking us through historical sites (like the Imperial Palace; the Meiji Jingu Shrine or Sensoji Temple ), to can't miss attractions (like Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya crossing, Tsukiji or Ueno Park), to interesting museums (like Team Lab Borderless) or to different parts of the city (like the Yanaka Nezu District or Harajuko) or to the best spots for lunch and matcha ice cream - she was not only educating us but bringing her special joy to every moment! She was exceptional from our very first email communication- answering all of our questions; reserving tickets in advance; and offering tips and updates before we even arrived. Thanks to Tomoko, our experience in Tokyo was something we will remember forever. We are extraordinarily grateful to her and now consider her a friend with whom we will keep in touch. We have been fortunate to travel the world and guides don't come any finer than Tomoko! Infinite stars!!!!
Tomoko H.
Thank you for your brilliant review, Rachel! Just as you felt, I was confident from our preliminary message exchanges that I would have a wonderful time sharing with you and your family. When I first met your son Julius at the hotel, I was very happy to see how much he was looking forward to the trip. I was surprised and pleased by his enthusiasm as he asked me many questions and tried to get an overview of Japanese history. I really appreciate and enjoyed the three days before and after your stay in Kansai. Your research, enthusiasm and networking skills are excellent. I also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the culture of your family community. I am honored to be added as one of your friends and I definitely look forward to seeing you again. Arigato-gozaimashita. Matane, Rachel, Stephen, and Julius! -Tomoko:)
Naomi F.
“ Our perfect guide for our fist day in tokyo ”
We were so lucky to have Tomoko introduce our family to Tokyo. She met us at our rental apartment and showed us how to navigate the train system and took us the various destinations around Tokyo. She shared her knowledge of each area and made sure we took pictures to memorialize our adventures.
Tomoko H.
Thank you for your prompt review with positive comments, Naomi. I really enjoyed sharing time with you, three-generation family. I was surprised to see your mother walking smiling and not showing any fatigue despite the heat and jet lag. Also, I enjoyed chatting with her in Japanese. Sincerely hoping you all will have a great time during your further stay in Japan. - Tomoko
Amit T.
“ Fantastic and one of the best guides ”
As soon as we met Tomoko she almost became family and it was so comfortable to talk to her and figure out things. We spend the whole day with her and she was really good. She had everything figured out. Even though it was raining and weather was bad, she made sure we all saw everything and had a great time. Thank you Tomoko again…..
Tomoko H.
Thank you, Amit, for such a lovely review. After enjoying Owakudani, we had many challenges that day, including the breakdown of the ropeway and rain at Kawaguchiko, but our desire to enjoy ourselves prevailed! Conversation with your lovely smart girl was a real pleasure, and the constant kind smile of your wife also made the trip even more enjoyable. Thank you again for finding me out and working with me. My best regards to you, Seher, and Meera!- Tomoko
Tisha T.
“ Excellent Kamakura/Enoshima tour with Tomoko ”
We met as strangers but left as family! From our first contact to touring with Tomoko, she was accommodating, flexible, informative, and ready to answer our many questions. She put together a great itinerary with our special requests for our personalized tour. She was very attentive to our wants and needs. Upon arrival at our hotel, we were warmly welcomed and instantly became friends. Tomoko is an excellent English speaking tour guide who taught us about the culture and history of Kamakura/Enoshima. She is warm, friendly, patient, engaging, and well-organized. We accomplished a lot in our one-day walking tour going to 2 temples and 1 shrine in Kamakura and 1 shrine on Enoshima Island. She recommended the perfect places to shop for omiyage/snacks. Lunch on Enoshima Island was AMAZING! Due to the hot humid weather and crowds during hydrangea season, she adjusted our itinerary to make it a more enjoyable day. Tomoko is also a great photographer/videographer and knows the best spots to take wonderful pictures/videos. At the end of our day, she recommended returning back on the train in the green car-reserved seats. It was a great suggestion! Even though we did not want the day to end, it was nice to relax and take a nap in comfort after a fabulous day of sightseeing. We highly recommend booking a tour with Tomoko! Tomoko-Thank you again! You’re a remarkable tour guide. You’ve become a cherished friend and part of our ohana (family) during our travels. The laughter, shared stories, and the sense of adventure you infused into our private tour created bonds that will linger in our memories for a lifetime. Your dedication to your craft and the genuine connections we made during this unforgettable adventure made it an exceptional tour. We feel so very fortunate to have met you, and we look forward to crossing paths again in the near future in Japan & in Hawaii. Aloha ‘Oe (Farewell) A Hui Hou Kakou- (Until we meet again)! Tisha, Keith, Robyn, Milton
Tomoko H.
Wow! Thank you so much, Tisha, for taking your time to write such a grand descriptive review for me. I was very motivated because you did a lot of research beforehand about my hometown, Kamakura, and each of you made individual requests. It was a very satisfying day for me, too, especially because at the end we were able to complete our dragon mission on Enoshima! We had to walk to Sasuke Inari in a sweat because we couldn't catch a cab, we were surrounded by groups of students here and there, and there were times when what was supposed to be a foodie tour almost became a fasting tour, but that made the late lunch at Enoshima even more delicious! Mahalo for the wonderful souvenirs and lots of smiles from Hawaii. I am also very much looking forward to seeing you all again, Tisha, Keith, Robyn, and Milton. またね、Matane! (See you soon!) - Tomoko