Charlie from Big Apple Greeters sent a message to TG office.  His family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“She took my wife and I on a very interesting walk and did a lot of pre work in helping us get ready for our 3 weeks trip to Japan by making many suggestions we have incorporated into our trip.  On our first day, in Tokyo she also helped us get off to a good start, before starting the walk, in assisting us get our J Pass, 3 days metro pass, a PASMO card as well as a SIM card.  Her making sure we understood how to use the metro and its various different lines was invaluable.”　(March 14, 2019)

 Anna from Australia sent a message to TG office.  Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Very easy process.  It was very useful that the Greeter organized the itinerary for the day.”　(January 16, 2020)

Stephane from France sent a message to TG office.  He had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Perfect service in terms of preparation and follow-up.  Lots of things to copy to improve greeter service in my area (France).  For donation could you please add a PayPal account?  I would be happy to reward greeter organization.”

(January 11, 2020)

Maria from Italy sent a message to TG office.  Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Everything was perfect and amazing. Masako was an excellent guide, so kind, sweet and amazing person. Thank you for this great experience.” (December 30, 2019)

Steven from United States sent a message to TG office.  His family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “Tokyo Greeters was very helpful in putting us in touch with Teizo. He introduced us to the subways and explained how to navigate the system using the letters and numbers of the stops. With this we were able to get all over the city with ease.”  (December 14, 2019)

Bonita from New Sealand sent a photo to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo. (November 11, 2019)

Maria from Switzerland sent a photo to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo. (October 30, 2019)

Jessica from Philippines sent a message to TG office.  Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “Kumi-san was very kind and attentive! She was also very prepared, giving us maps and some flyers with information about Asakusa and Tokyo. Kumi-san explained the rich history and culture of Japan through Asakusa. We enjoyed her company, strolling through the streets of Asakusa and we do hope to see her again!”  (October 17, 2019)

Rita from United States sent a message to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “Excellent service, we were greatly impressed.”  (October 14, 2019)

Jordi from Spain sent a photo to TG office.  He had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo. (September 16, 2019)

Justin from Canada sent a message to TG office.  He had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “After travelling a long distance and landing in a huge and unfamiliar city, having Natsuki as a guide for the first morning was so helpful and a great way to get a feel for the city (and how to navigate Tokyo's amazing public transportation infrastructure). Natsuki started by showing us the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and then showed us around the vibrant Shinjuki, Harajuku and Shibuya areas. She was very knowledgeable and so hospitable, and her English was excellent. We recommend Tokyo Greeters, and especially Natsuki, to anyone who wants to enhance their visit to the incredible city of Tokyo. Thank you Natsuki for providing a wonderful start to our holiday.”  (September 11, 2019)

International Greeter Day 2019 in Tokyo

Higo-Hosokawa Garden is located about 4km north west of the Imperial Palace and where the Kanda river meets the Sekiguchi plateau in Tokyo. The garden was originally constructed on a residential site for a retainer of the Tokugawa Shogun in the Edo period. It features a varied landscape with a forest on the slope and a pond drawing water from the stream.
Tokyo Greeters hosted an International Greeter Day 2019 event in and around the garden. Participants enjoyed a quiz competition at an old Japanese style house, and a walking tour in the neighborhood. It was a great way to meet local Greeters and have fun as well. (September 8, 2019)

Matteo from Italy sent a message to TG office.  He and his partner had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “Atsushi is a very friendly and polite guy. he stayed with us for the whole afternoon until the evening when we were very tired because of the great tour we did together.  The day after we received even a link with all the picture of us that he took when we were together.  I definitely suggest staying one day with Atsushi san :).”  (July 13, 2019)

Simona from Czech Republic sent a message to TG office.  She and her daughter had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “It was so nice to meet Atsushi, he was very patient with us and knew everything about the places were going, he knew all answers for our questions, he showed us places we didn’t know about before travelling, we are really happy :).”  (June 15, 2019)

Fabienne from France sent a message to TG office.  She and Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

 “It was our first day in Japan and he really took care of us. Helping also for the JR bookings. It was like meeting a friend in the city.”  (July 2, 2019)

Tokyo Greeters had a cherry blossom viewing party at Shinjuku Gyoen on April 7th.  Participants had a lunch after enjoying a game.

Alba from Spain sent a message to TG office.  Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Booking with Tokyo Greeters was the best decision we took. Kiyo was kind, charming and he prepared an excellent tour for us in Shibuya. He speaks perfect Spanish, so we didn't have any problem understanding him.  My boyfriend and I keep a great memory about him and his tour.”  (March 29, 2019)

Carmen from Spain sent a message to TG office.  Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Know the details of the culture with the help of the guide and the approach to local gastronomy.” (February 28, 2019)

Juan from Spain sent a message to TG office.  His group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Excellent, It makes the first contact with the city much easier, especially for tourists from other parts of the world with different customs.” (March 1, 2019)

 Kylie from Australia sent a message to TG office.  She and her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“We feel very lucky to have had Masumi spend three hours with us, sharing snippets of information about Japan and her culture in an entertaining and memorable way.” (January 9, 2019)

Kathy from Australia sent a message to TG office.  She and her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“We had an excellent experience and really enjoyed Teizo's gentle and informative tour.” (January 10, 2019)

Tania from Canada sent a message to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Kumiko was a great guide. I really felt the hospitality and warm welcome, and I also learned a lot about Japanese culture and everyday life in Japan.” (December 11, 2018)

Han from Argentina sent a message to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Michiko was so nice.　　Thank you for setting it up.” (December 20, 2018)

Lisa from Taiwan sent a message to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Thank you, Tokyo Greeter, for providing this amazing service to foreigner tourists. And special thanks to Saki, she was a nice guider showing me many remarkable places with beautiful view. She is a friendly, open-minded person, you can chat with her about many types’ topic. Thanks again.” (December 8, 2018)

Reuve from Israel sent a message to TG office.  His family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“We had a wonderful time, we loved the idea of TG and I consider to be a volunteer myself in Israel at the same concept.” (December 12, 2018)

Kevin from Australia sent a message to TG office.  He had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Haru was a wonderful guide. We walked miles and saw lots of interesting places. She communicated really well and gave me a great insight to Japanese people. She devoted 5 hours of her time as well as her travelling time to me and I am very grateful for her assistance. I gained an excellent orientation of the areas we visited and using the subway system.” (December 2, 2018)

MARIA from Spain sent a message to TG office.  Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“It was great have an insight view from a local and share with us the Japanese culture: the traditional and the current one. We enjoy every minute with Kenichi and the potato sweets. Thank you so much for this experience. Gladly grateful.” (October 11, 2018)

Gina from United States sent a message to TG office.  Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Yoshi is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed meeting him” (November 18, 2018)

Amelie from France sent a message to TG office.  Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“TG was easy to use on internet and the exchange with our TG was amazing, Yuka share not only time but all her knowledge and generosity with us. We are really thankfully for this incredible experience and sharing moment with Yuka and Japan.” (October 26, 2018)

Ana from United States sent a message to TG office.  Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Teizo was excellent, very friendly.” (October 20, 2018)

Ahuva from Israel sent a message to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Very good service, very well organized.” (October 1, 2018)

Inbar from Israel sent a photo to TG office.  Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.  (September 23, 2018)

Giuseppe from Italy sent a message to TG office.  His group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“I like so much this service. This was 2nd time I visit Tokyo but the 1st experience with TG. Very satisfied. thank you very much.” (August 21, 2018)

Marcelo from Argentina sent a message to TG office.  His group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“It is a great service. Japanese culture is very different from occidental culture, so it is very important to meet a local as soon as you can and talk a few hours with him.” (August 4, 2018)

Nadal from Switzerland sent a message to TG office.  She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Très bon accueil.” (July 26, 2018)

Benoit from France sent a message to TG office.  He and his family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“A very good day for all our family, even the children have been very interested about Japanese usage and traditions explained by our greeter. We also share a lunch in a typical Japanese workers restaurant, great experience.” (July 4, 2018)

Kevan from Australia sent a message to TG office.  He and his family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Junko was very friendly and accommodating. She did her best to make us feel welcome and to ensure that our Tokyo experience was a memorable one. She even went the extra mile to ensure that we were on the correct train etc for our return to our hotel.” (May 22, 2018)

Mr. Laurent BOURDETTE from France sent a message to TG office.  He and his family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

" The service from TG was very efficient, we indicated our dates a few weeks before our arrival and actually we were put in touch with a greeter that allowed us to have a great day.
Thank's a lot to Kentaro our greeter at Tokyo Greeters."  (April 28, 2018)

Mr. Mário Francisco Santos from Portugal sent a message to TG office.  He and his family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"Akemi Saegusa was undoubtedly a person who made us one day in Tokyo almost magical!
From the choice of places to visit to the explanation of Japanese culture, everything was spectacular!
We were very grateful to her and to your organization that made it easier for us to stay in Japan that we loved and plan to return soon.
Thank you"  (April 25, 2018)

Today’s photo is from our greeter Kyoko.

 She had a tour with Thanit and his family from Thailand . (April 26, 2018)

Today’s photo is from our greeter Ushio.

 He had a tour with Collette and her family from Australia. (April 15, 2018)

Today’s photo is from Greeter Mr. Yamada.

 He had a tour with Mr. George Beckwith and family from United States. (February 25, 2018)

Mr. Alfonso Scirocco from Belgium sent a message to TG office. He and his family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“It was quick and efficient.” (February 10, 2018)

Mr. Reginald Elmer Pembleton from Canada sent a message to TG office. He and his family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“We really appreciated the gentleness and helpfulness.” (September 13, 2017)

Ms. Mary Magellan Coghlan from Australia sent a message to TG office. She and her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“It is a fantastic way to have an introduction to Japan. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and generous with her time! This was our first visit to Japan and having Sue, our guide has provided a positive start to our holiday! Would highly recommend.” (September 5, 2017)

Ms. Carolyn Kaye Bragg from United States sent a message to TG office. She and her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Efficient and responsive to my inquiry.  Akemi shared her knowledge about the various shrines of the park.  She also shared stories of the neighborhood from her visits to her grandmother’s home.”  (November 12, 2017)

Ms. Rosaleen M Stewart from Australia sent a message to TG office. Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"Our greeter guided us (80 year old mother and four 50ish children) on our first morning in Tokyo. We would not have been able to navigate the train system without her. To head away from the crowds and to a quieter area was lovely. She was just delightful; we could not have asked for a kinder or more knowledgeable guide." (October 11, 2017)

Ms. Susana Aguilar Huerta from Mexico sent a message to TG office. Her group had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"We were in the middle of a typhoon, so we just walked a littler but an we enjoyed a cup of coffee and a dessert at Sisheido.

I would love to meet him again soon.  He was very kind."  (October 20, 2017)

Ms. Li He from Australia sent a message to TG office. Her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

“Wonderful! I especially enjoy her local views about things, which are different from what we heard from tourists but are exactly what we want to know.” (October 10, 2017)

The International Greeters Day event was held in Yanaka, an old town area of Tokyo. Yanaka is still largely residential with narrow lanes, small houses,  and unique art galleries, shops and restaurants. It has a genuine historical feeling and is famous for its large concentration of temples which have been in the area for over 400 years.

About 20 participants gathered in an old historical home, and after a brief introduction and group photo, set out in 2-4 member teams to locate various landmarks and hidden gems of architecture and local interest. Each team was given a handout with 66 photos and a time limit of 90 minutes to find them.  

Upon returning to the starting point, all the teams were eager to share their finds and talk about what they saw.

 It was a truly fun and memorable event which was enjoyed by all.

Kristina and Karsten from Switzerland visited a local town Zoshigaya and were honored to the 200,000 visitor of its tourist information office. The news was covered in a local paper. They really enjoyed the tour by Tokyo Greeters.

Ms. Marilyn Astle from Canada sent a message to TG office. She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"Akemi is an excellent ambassador for her city and her country. I have enjoyed Greeter walks in other countries and am very glad I was able to also do one in Tokyo. This is a wonderful service. Thank you." (April 7, 2017)

Mr. Lotfi Tellab from France sent a message to TG office.  He had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"Just want to sincerely thank you and thank the Tokyo Greeters program for the beautiful tour you offered me on Saturday 15th!   It amazing to visit the meiji shrine, harajuku et shinjuku metropolitan government with you!   I loved your energy and All those information and history facts you precious.  It was a great moment.  Arigato gozaimasu, Minori san and All Tokyo Greeters crew. " (April 15, 2017)

Ms. Diane Lorraine Neumann who is a greeter in Brisbane Australia sent a message to TG office. She and her family had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"Akemi was prompt and very friendly and knowledgable" (March 17, 2017)

Ms. Catherine Lang from Australia sent a message to TG office. She had a tour with a greeter in Tokyo.

"I really enjoyed our visit to the Shinto Shrine (Meiji?) Akemi explained the history as well as the significance of the various buildings. I also liked that she took me on the train to get there. It gave me enough confidence to venture out alone by myself the following day. Thank you for providing this excellent service to new tourists." (February 21, 2017)

Ms. Penelope Lennon from Australia sent a message and a photo. Her family had a tour with a member of Tokyo Greeters.

“We loved our tour with Hiroko. She took us the Sensoji Temple and helped our children to purchase their stamp books and get their first temple stamp! We walked and chatted and had a beautiful lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant. What an amazing service this is! So, perfect for our first day in Tokyo.” (December 15, 2016)

Mr.Matthias Claus and Ms.Daniela Plietsch sent a comment and a photo. They spent time in Tokyo with Ms.Chie Akai Sugimoto a greeter of TG.

"Chie was very kind and the perfect greeter!" (July 31, 2016)

Ms.Hannah Sardar from UK sent a message and a photo. She had a tour with Ms. Masumi Sugiura a greeter of TG.

"Suegy was outstanding. Being welcomed to a country that I have never visited made both me and my partner feel safe and allowed us to really get the best out of our 2 week trip to Japan. Suegy was knowledgeable, told us about the history, culture, faux pas of the country and generally gave us a great beginning to our trip."  (May 2, 2016)

Tokyo Greeter held an event on September 10th to celebrate one-year anniversary and joined the world-wide activities of the Global Greeter Network in celebrating International Greeter Day. 26 people participated the event including 2 visitors. After 5 greeters presented their volunteer activities in this last one year, the participants were divided into 4 teams and enjoyed a game. They had searched for specific locations in Harajuku, Omotesando and Meiji-jingu area by using photos provided as a clue, and get points according to the difficulty of finding each. (September 10,2016)

TG received feedback from Mr. Bruce Edwards. They had a tour with Ms. Haruko Yano a greeter of TG.

"Haruko was very informative and very friendly in her manner. We loved the greet and are very keen to come back to Tokyo and Japan to see more of your wonderful country.
Haruko is a lovely person and we continue to correspond with her." (August 28, 2016)

Shawna and her daughter made an excursion to Todoroki Valley with Kentaro. They walked along green towpath, a perfect spot to feel refreshing in the hot summer day, (June 19. 2016)