Enjoy an experience.
You can picture yourself in Tokyo, enjoying an authentic experience—one that a typical tourist would miss out on.
The only problem with the picture in your head is making it happen. You don't speak Japanese, and you don't have local contacts in Tokyo to lead you in the right direction. And in your research, you've realized there is a plethora of shops and restaurants that don't cater to non-Japanese speaking clientele.
How can you enjoy Tokyo like a native?
Oh Tokyo! can help. Our guides are multi-lingual (Japanese and English) locals who are ready to lead you to your own unique experience. We don't offer large tours, so there's no cumbersome group to deal with. You won't be just another tourist in the crowd. You'll have your guide's undivided attention to share the local culture with you.
Meet Oh Tokyo!
Michael Tinio is the founder of Oh Tokyo. When Michael first traveled to Japan, he was already an experienced traveler. He thought surely he could navigate Tokyo without much difficulty and really experience the culture as it is. Instead, his experience was as it is for many: he got to see all the things, such as landmarks, the architecture, and so on, but he missed out on the people. The feeling of being truly immersed in the culture of the people of Japan was missing.
When Michael went to Tokyo again, he enlisted help from guide and friend, Joshua. His second trip to Tokyo was a vastly different experience than his previous visit. And from that, Oh Tokyo was born. Michael wants others to experience Tokyo and all of its rich cultural experiences by facilitating the same local experience.
Oh Tokyo provides travelers with a local guide who acts as a conduit to help you experience the culture as it is, not as it is offered to tourists.
Tour Guides
Are you ready to get a glimpse into living like a local? Our tour guides are experienced travelers who are locals to Tokyo. They'll take you travelers off the beaten path and allow you to partake in whatever aspects of Tokyo community life or culture you wish to experience, creating unforgettable relationships and memories.
Michael
Michael has been visiting Tokyo frequently since 2011. Michael and his wife, Maribeth, have been all over Tokyo with both Joshua and Marcy.
Michael has experienced both Tokyo's night-life and its family-friendly offerings. Traveling to Tokyo with a young child has shown Michael and Maribeth that Tokyo is a versatile city with a lot to offer anyone.
If you'll be traveling with an infant or young child, Michael can offer an experience that also accounts for things such as diaper-changing stations and nap times.
Michael is also a DJ based in Orange County, California, and an musical artist. He's an extrovert who enjoys talking with people and understanding who they are.
Joshua
Joshua is a long-time expat who has been living in Japan for over 20 years. During college, he went to Japan to study abroad. After he completed his degree, he decided to make Japan his permanent home. And he hasn't left since! He currently works a recruiter for an international firm.
Having known Joshua since high school, Michael reached out to Joshua for his 2012 trip and asked to show him around Tokyo like a local. Joshua took Michael and his wife on a tour that changed their perspective of Tokyo.
Among his list of notable people Joshua has acted as guide for is the director of 47 Ronin (starring Keanu Reeves). During the week of the Japanese premier of the movie, Joshua translated for the director during press tours, showed him Tokyo life, and guided him throughout his stay.
Marcy
Marcy was born and raised in Tokyo.
When it was time to choose a university, she chose to study in Los Angeles, California. She’s lived in the California for the past 20 years, traveling to Tokyo yearly. As of 2017, Marcy is a Tokyo resident once again.
As a Tokyo native, Marcy is familiar with all things Japanese. As a former resident of California, she is also familiar with all things California. This means she can offer a comfortable experience to her guests.
Based on your preferences, she will take you on the best tour to help you experience Tokyo in the way you'd most appreciate.
Marcy has been Michael's conversational Japanese teacher since 2015, and she is fluent in both Japanese and English.
Testimonials
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FAQs
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Book a Tour
Make your trip to Tokyo the experience of a lifetime. Book a tour with one of Oh Tokyo's guides. A deposit will hold your date with payment due when you meet your guide face-to-face. To start the process, contact Oh Tokyo.
What information will be needed:
- Your planned travel dates
- Preferences in experience (we'll guide you through the options)
- Number of people in your group
To provide you with the best experience and one-on-one attention, we limit the group size to 4 or fewer guests.
If you have children traveling with you, please let us know how many and their ages. We'll keep them in mind as we plan your itinerary.
