Gulay

The Whimsical Historian

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  • I live in Tokyo
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 10 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Gulay

I am Gulay, I have been working as a professional guide since 2008, and studied Tourism Guidance at University. For 12 years I was a top-rated guide at the monuments in Istanbul. Then I moved to Spain (specifically Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) for a year and worked as a volunteer and mentor in at the European Voluntary Service.

Eventually, my interest in Japanese culture led me to Tokyo

5 years ago, and I love how I live and breathe Japanese history in this city. Drawing on my knowledge of archaeology and medieval history, I will bring to your attention the whimsical, the fantastic, and the obscure hiding around the corner.

I enjoy nothing more than sharing all that I have learned with others who are eager to explore this city with a cosmopolitan vibe and unique way of living.

Join me on my guided tours of Tokyo and fall in love with its unique lifestyle and culture, just as I have.

  • I live in Tokyo
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 10 hours

My Tokyo in pictures

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Let's explore Tokyo together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Tokyo on a private & personalized tour for you.

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Reviews

Melinda
10 September 2025
Gulay's tour was exactly what we needed! This was my first trip to Japan, along with my 10 year old son, and I was unsure about many things, from food to how to use the metro. Gulay met us at the hotel and answered all of my questions while also showing us some really great places. She customized our tour based on interests, really considering what my son would like, and was also flexible knowing that we were dealing with jet lag. I had booked this tour for our first day in Japan and I couldn't be more grateful for the introduction Gulay provided about the culture, the areas around Tokyo and how to navigate getting around. I highly recommend, especially for first time visitors to Japan!Amazing Introduction to Tokyo
Wes
8 September 2025
Gulay had an infectious vibrancy from start to finish! She brought great enthusiasm, had interesting historical accounts, showed us hidden spots we would not have otherwise found, suggested some great eating places. An excellent intro to Tokyo! Tokyo kickstart with Gulay
Laura
1 September 2025
It was wonderful to spend an afternoon with Gulay in Asaksura. She tailored our adventure to everything I asked about in advance and was very considerate to accommodating with this Japan summer heat. Thoughtful and personal first day must.
Kelly
31 August 2025
Gulay was one of thd best guides we have had. So friendly , informative,helpful and was such a pleasure. Thank you for your kindness and information you shared with us.Top Tour
Sara
28 August 2025
We had the absolute best time! Gulay was excellent and treated us like family. She’s knowledgeable, friendly, funny and helpful. She showed us a great variety of different things and even gave us additional information and suggestions of things to explore. We highly recommend her. An amazing and fantastic experience!
Dominique
19 August 2025
We started our trip to Tokyo with a tour from Gulay, and she gave us so many helpful hints about everything from the train system to the history of the area. Even though we had to book the excursion a little last minute, she was very flexible to find a time that worked for us and show us sites we were interested in. I would highly recommend any travelers to book with her!Knowledgeable, Flexible, and Fun!
Diana
18 August 2025
From my first interaction with Gulay, I found her to be knowledgable and friendly. She asked what I wanted my experience to be and game me all that and more. She is fun, extremely knowledgeable, warm and friendly. The few hours we spent with her were really amazing. She took us to less traveled places that only a local would know. She taught us about the culture , habits and idiosyncrasies of the locals. She was so helpful in recommending places to visit and restaurants. Had the best day. Guide withe a difference
Callie
16 August 2025
Highly recommend this tour - Gulay was great showing us the area and providing information about the city while also tailoring it to my five year old. She made sure to bring coins for the toy machines. She also showed us how to get the welcome suica card and buy our train tickets to Nagano. Thanks Gulay!Perfect start to Tokyo
Azar
12 August 2025
Gulay was a calm welcome to Tokyo for my family and I. She curated a tour that was family friendly while continuing to accommodate our family needs as we went through the day. She was also quite knowledgeable. We highly recommend her. Great experience
Roderick
3 August 2025
Great tour! Interesting spots and route, diverse and tailored to the participants. Great knowledgable and energetic guid

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