Tour Guides

Meet our expert tour guides who bring Japan’s history, culture, and hidden gems to life with their local knowledge and passion.

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Akihiko Wakabayashi

Aki is a Tokyo native with a fascinating life story. At 64 years old, he brings a rich blend of experience, culture, and humor to his tours. Formerly a doctor of traditional Eastern medicine, he spent 35 years welcoming international medical professionals and showing them around Tokyo on their days off,  long before he officially became a guide.

He began guiding professionally in 2024 when his son launched See Jay Company, but even before that, Aki had already been offering volunteer tours for five years.

He speaks fluent English, thanks to 27 years of marriage to a witty New Yorker,  and has even lectured at prestigious institutions like Duke University School of Medicine. He’s also familiar with Jewish customs and has led several kosher tours for Israeli and American agencies.

He now lives in Tokyo with his 22-year-old son (CEO of See Jay Company) and his 88-year-old mother. His daughter lives in Haifa, Israel. Aki’s hobbies include walking Tokyo’s streets, listening to music, and dining at refined restaurants.

Tokyo is his playground, from hidden gems to famous spots, he knows them all by heart. He’s also confident guiding in Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, and Kyoto, places he’s known intimately since childhood.

Aki specializes in tours with a personal touch, peaceful gardens, retro shopping streets, spiritual corners of the city, and scenic rooftops. From Sanshiro Pond and the Maeda family garden to Atago Shrine and Tokyo Tower, every stop is filled with thoughtful stories and cultural insight. His relaxed, warm style and deep knowledge always leave guests inspired.

Yuki Sakurai

Hello! My name is Yuki. I’m half Japanese, half English, and I was born and raised in Tokyo, though I’ve also spent some time living in the UK. With 3 years of experience as a tour guide and a background as a Tokyo taxi driver, I know the streets of the city like the back of my hand.

I’m passionate about sumo wrestling and love spending time outdoors. My tours are all about giving guests an authentic feel of Tokyo, not just hitting tourist spots but exploring the hidden, lesser-known neighborhoods that make this city so special.

Whether you’re looking for something traditional or off the beaten path, I aim to show you the real Tokyo, with warmth, stories, and some local secrets along the way!

 

Kaori Sakiyama

Hi, I’m Kaori! Born and raised in Tokyo until the age of 18, I moved to the U.S. to attend university in West Virginia, then spent 9 years living in New York — I was even working on Wall Street during 9/11, a life-changing experience. After that, I lived in Mexico for 4 years, further adding to my global journey.

I’m a huge food lover — both cooking and eating! I know all the best Japanese spice combos, and I’m a pro at finding great street food that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
I also adore international cuisine, especially Indian curry, Peruvian ceviche, Mexican tacos, Turkish kebab, and spicy Sichuan dishes.

Outside of food, I’m also into 90s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal — so if you’re a music fan, we might just bond over our favorite bands too.

On tour, I love connecting through culture, conversation, and cuisine, showing guests not only the must-see sights of Tokyo, but also the hidden flavors and global vibes that make the city so dynamic.

 

Seichi Kobayashi

Hi! I’m Seiichi, 26 years old, and I’ve been working as a tour guide for 7 years. I’m fluent in Japanese and English, and I also speak intermediate Mandarin Chinese. I’m a passionate traveler — I’ve personally driven through all 47 prefectures of Japan, and I’ve visited 34 countries around the world.

My background is just as diverse: I’ve started businesses in food and engineering, worked as a chef at the Ritz-Carlton, and now I’m the head chef at a restaurant in Shinjuku. These experiences give me plenty of unique stories and insights to share with guests.

I always prioritize the guest’s point of view, making sure every tour is informative, enjoyable, and rich in cultural context. Whether we’re exploring Tokyo or venturing out to the countryside, I’m here to make your time in Japan unforgettable.

 

Elena Peruzzi

Elena started working as a guide in January 2025, but her connection with Japan goes way back. She graduated in Japanese Language, Culture and Society at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice and later deepened her studies by attending a Japanese language school for two years after moving to Japan.

She speaks Italian, English, and Japanese, and has a unique gift: she can memorize streets after walking them just once — she never gets lost and always knows the best shortcuts!

Passionate about walking tours, she prefers using trains to reach even distant locations, believing that “the journey is part of the experience.” Her tours are special because of her endless enthusiasm and genuine love for sharing the richness of Japanese culture.

 

Daniel Isaac Shaw

Daniel is originally from California and has been living in Japan for the past five years. A native English speaker with fluency in Hebrew and near N2-level Japanese, he’s now based in Tokyo, where he guides tours around the city and in Tsukiji.

Although he only started guiding about two months ago, he’s already had the chance to lead part of a tour in Akihabara — one of his favorite areas — thanks to his strong local knowledge. He brings a fresh, friendly energy to every tour, aiming to make guests feel comfortable and engaged throughout the experience.

Currently, Daniel is studying game programming at HAL Tokyo, with plans to join the Japanese game industry. He also holds an associate degree in computer science, which makes him a go-to person for any tech-related tourist issues.

His path to Japan was unexpected — originally planning to stay in the U.S., the pandemic changed everything. After his mother moved to Japan, she brought him over during COVID, and what began as a temporary stay turned into a new home. Since then, he’s completed high school and college online and dedicated himself to learning the Japanese language and culture.

Daniel’s tours are all about connection — he’s not just guiding but creating space for conversations, questions, and laughs. His approachable style makes him a favorite among first-time visitors to Japan.

Marcelo Moreno

Hi, I’m Marcelo, but everyone calls me Maru! I’m originally from San Diego, California, and I’ve been living in Japan for over a decade — currently based in the Kansai region, guiding in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe.

I came to Japan driven by a deep love for video games, anime, and Japanese art. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in the culture and now enjoy sharing it — from delicious Japanese food to the quirky cultural differences that make this country so unique.

I speak English (native), Spanish (native), and Japanese, and love helping visitors discover not just the famous sights, but also the cultural flavor and local experiences that create truly unforgettable memories.

Vinicius Reino

Hi! My name is Vinicius Reino. I’m a 24-year-old Brazilian with Portuguese heritage, and I’ve been living in Japan for the past 4 years. I’ve always been surrounded by international friends and cultures, which helped me develop a strong ability to adapt — and I love bringing that flexibility into my tours.

I’ve worked as a guide in Brazil, and now I’ve been guiding in Japan for about 6 months. With university getting less intense, I found the perfect time to return to this job I love. I’m passionate about geography — I was the top of my class in school and have a great sense of direction (I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been lost!).

I’m fluent in Portuguese (my native language), English, and Japanese. I’m also very outgoing, humorous, and love making people smile. Guiding allows me to share my joy, help others feel at ease, and show the best of each place with a light heart and good vibes.

Victor Balsan

Victor is a French native who has called Japan home for the past 23 years. From a young age, he was captivated by Japanese culture and dreamed of living here, a dream he turned into reality and never looked back.

After years of exploring Japan as a passionate learner of its history, religion, and pop culture, Victor decided to share his knowledge with others. He has been a professional guide for a year and a half, specializing in walking tours around Tokyo. Guests love how he brings hidden corners of the city to life with personal stories and cultural insights. One unforgettable moment for him was guiding a group through Meiji Jingu Shrine and witnessing a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony a magical experience that left a lasting impression on everyone.

Victor speaks fluent English and Japanese in addition to his native French, allowing him to connect with a wide variety of travelers. He holds a master’s degree focused on Japanese history and culture, where he studied Princess Mononoke and its Shinto themes in depth, blending academic expertise with a guide’s storytelling touch.

When he isn’t guiding, Victor is often found exploring Tokyo’s vibrant music scene, discovering quirky street food stalls, or diving into the world of manga and anime. His personal passions often flow into his tours, creating an experience that feels both authentic and fun.

Tokyo is Victor’s stage, from lively neighborhoods and cozy eateries to historical landmarks and pop culture hotspots; he loves weaving together the city’s traditional and modern sides. His warm, approachable style ensures guests leave not only with new knowledge, but also with unforgettable memories of Japan.

Suzana Togawa

 

My name is Suzana Togawa. You can call me Suzie.

I am from Brazil and I’ve been living in Japan for 15 years. 

My grandparents and my father are Japanese, so I’ve always wanted to come to Japan to know more about my roots. 

I speak Portuguese, English, Japanese and a little Spanish.

I guide tourists in Japan for more than two years. I love what I do, I’m a natural storyteller and teacher, which makes me enjoy every bit of my work. 

Japan’s history is so vast and the culture is so unique. I’m grateful to be able to share with you all.

My hobbies are reading books, listening to music and singing.