🏮SHINJUKU🏮„Lichter und Dunkelheit“ (nur für ERWACHSENE) – Tokyo Gov Bldg, Piss Alleys, Host Club St.

Almost half of the tour we were standing in line to the Tokyo government observatory to get up or down. We had 5 min on top. This is a bit of waste of time as could have done that on our own if we arrived to the building by end of tour. So the actual tour started 1 hour later. The tour guide talked a lot about his experience as an expat and a bit about Japanese culture. We went by the main places which was the best part. Now some remarks: after the tour booking we were advised in a message to give at least 2000 yen per person. A red flag as it is not the initial purpose of free walking tour. We of course always pay generously but the ask is a bit weird. In addition the guide was asking questions to which people answered and he said a lot of times: wrong that is not correct. And as well enforcing his opinion if you shared some other views. Most jokes came from the crowd actually.

I know dark side of Japan

Before booking a tour I recommend you check there is a local Japanese running it. It does undermine the experience having an expat running the tour.

Ethan took us to great spots and was knowledgeable. However he was very critical of the Japanese culture and gave biased opinions on their customs and beliefs. He insisted he was just giving us "the other side of Japan" and that he "loves Japan" but in reality it came off as offensive.

Eravamo un gruppo di 27 persone. Ogni 10 minuti il guru si fermava a contarci per controllare che fossimo tutti, perdita di tempo. Quando si fermava per spiegazioni non si sentiva bene perché essendo tanti era impossibile stare vicino a lui.