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wow~ lucky ^_^"

Sounds very nice. How long were you planning on offering this? I haven't got any possibilities to go to Japan for several years, but I'd love to take an Awesome Tour (tm) while I'm there.

As for preferences, tours are great for experiencing essentials and learning things from guides, but I need time to explore on my own as well in order to feel that I've gotten the most out of a trip.

Sounds damn interesting... specialy the contacts with IT people and work for me haha, since thats what i aim for. ;)

Though so far i mostly had always someone to show me around... but the real deal about job contacts or such usualy wont come from that.

I think your packages hold something for everybody... great idea.
Drop more info please when you make that job connection stuff reality. ^^v

I prefer touring on my own since I can take my time to explore various places without being rushed to the next spot.

Me and my friends initially had planned to go to several places while we were in Japan last month, but in the end we ended up removing a few destinations from our list as we weren't as organized. Still, it was rather fun and it encouraged me to save up so that I can go back to Japan again and visit the places that I didn't get a chance to visit before.

A tour around figurine companies and anime production studios would definitely rock though! That's something I'm willing to pay money for.

The tour Package is a great idea. I personally like the photo and night sky tour. An Otaku tour would be nice too, but I think I can get my fair share of otaku joy when I head off to akihabara. :) unless you have something special in store for the Otaku tour goodie bag *cough* GSC wonfes goodies *cough* .

Tour packages are great, especially if you're not too good at Japanese. But in a way it's good to travel alone too so that you're not confined to where only the tour goes and have a fair amount of time for yourself to sightsee. A good mixture of both would be cool imo. Like maybe alternating days between tour & free time.

yay!!! Eurythmics

anyway im an independent sortof guy - love the sense of being in the unknown sometimes espically in a place like tokyo... though package tours always do the job more comprehensively i must admit.

Haha no one can afford things like night-time skydiving tour.
If it's just a hypothetical vacation package I would suggest something like visit to an onsen or some other taste of Japanese Traditional Culture.

Nice packages Danny =o
I'd say yes to all except no.3, though it may be a possibility short term, would like to live there for 2-3months sometime. Not to sure about no.2, sky diving at any time would be a no, lol~

I thought she looked more like a Haruka in #22963, but then she looks more like Mirai in #22964 xD; Either ways, she's very cute~

that's a good idea. the otaku tour sounds like its going to be a big hit.

Sounds like a great idea. If I ever get the chance to go to Japan a tour package would be wonderful for my first visit there.
If I can I'd like to experience all of the different tour packages that you have to offer. Of course I would also like to spend some time exploring on my own as well.

Tour packages are a great idea, Danny. I personally like to explore by myself, but tours are a nice way to get to know a city that you are unfamiliar with.

Been to Japan twice now and prefer travelling without a tour guide as you get to go wherever you want, and you can spend 6 hours in Manadrake if you want to!

*However*, I think someone who can organise idol photo sessions/signing sessions for tourists would probably be onto a good thing! Organising photographic trips to the less Westerner friendly skyscraper observatories would be nice as well - I had real trouble finding the Sunshine 60 observatory entrance due to lack of signage reading abilities. Similarly the Carrot Tower was a bit baffling.

Nice idea, Danny! I'm looking forward on idol photoshoot, and anime production studios package ^_^

i have never been overseas my entire life, but i personally think that tour packages are really more of an hindrance to one's experience in a foreign country. I am of the opinion that trips are better relished when one takes the time to do some research. there's nothing more gratifying than enjoying the fruits of a painstakingly planned out trip as opposed to a tour package.

It's analogous to going on a really boring school trip to a zoo or some god forsaken stamp museum. Man those were some really really boring school trips. I stress the adjective BORING.

Woah seems really interesting. Photo and Otaku tours (idol photo sessions and visit figure makers) sounds great ^^
Would definitely enjoy such program :)

i went to japan last april on my own - making out research and stuff. got around tokyo for like 6 days (3 1/2 days were spent in akiba though) and it ended up costing me a lot.

tour packages are pretty good as long as there's dedicated days for akiba, shibuya and event stuff.

Fantastic travel deals by tying up with HIS to offer us these detailed tour packages!

Personally I prefer to follow my own planned itinerary as I don't enjoy window shopping & rushing through the tourism places.

Visiting partners from the ACG fields in Japan will be a great experience!

Thanks for the efforts, Danny ^_^

if tour packages were anything like you suggested then I think most people would go with that. ^^ But if its just a normal tour package like everywhere else then I would opt to just go around myself.

I like the idea of a Japanese tour package, because I would love to visit Japan, but I can't speak or read a word of the language so for me it would be a great opportunity to have a tour.

I like tour ideas 1, 2 and 4. 3 is a great idea too, but since I would never want to live in Japan, it wouldn't interest me personally.

I don't think I'd pay for a tour package - it's cheaper from the UK to arrange your own flights/accomodation through stuff like expedia than to pay for some huge tour.

However, I think a tour that's bookable for time while you're in Japan is better - kinda like Johnnie Hillwalker in Kyoto or the bloke with the Geishas in Kyoto or similar.

Wanting to move out there, I'd definitely be interested in option 3, but options 1-4 are all interesting and definitely things that would make me part with cash ^^

I'd vote for number 3, since I'm planning to move to Japan in 2010.

Well, I'm going to Japan during December, I did go look for tour packages, but all of them are just visiting famous places. The package tours are cheap and everything, but I like to have some free time to roam around as well. I don't like being on a tight schedule.

I like the sound of number 4, doing otaku related stuff. Wished this sorta tour package mentioned here is already available. Would love to try it out when I visit.

3 and 4 sound nice...if I manage to take up the offer then this would be my first trip overseas...

She's Cute!!!!

I usually don't like the ideas of guided tours unless there's a language barrier. In a country where you have no idea how to speak their language, having a tour guide who can take care of you is always best.

The only package Danny listed that I think would be worth the money is the Otaku subculture tour. The reason is that if you can get the chance to visit a studio or figure-making company, that would be worth your time because it's not something you can do on your own. With the other packages, you can pretty much do those on your own, as long as you have a guidebook.

So if the Otaku package ever becomes offered, sign me up.

Oh, and perhaps you can include the idol photography session on the Otaku subculture package. I think it fits that category more.

Be still my beating heart, for I have not the money for such a visit =(

Sucks to be broke and on unemployment. Sucks even more to be broke and deciding to go back to school in a few months to work on a bachelors degree. Oh debt, how I love thee so.

Are we talking only guided Tours or a complete planned Japantrip by those HIS friends of yours?
I prefer to plan my trips myself so that i can customize it to my timetable/liking so im not a really big fan of travel packages.If were talking about guided tours...Sounds awesome!
Even though i DONT plan of living in Japan the Japanese Life tour sounds pretty damn interesting.Im always interested in the real life of the citizens of a country and not the marketed one that is in peoples heads.
The Otaku tour is as expected also very appealing^^
That sounds like a great service your offering there! I wonder where youll take that time from tough.Your such a busy man and still offer more and more.

What for a price tag could we estimate for such a tour?
I dont think ill be able to do my Japantrip in the next year but ill keep my eye on this.Im interested in the feedback

yeah nice idea ^.^ indeed.....but I won't be able to go to Japan anytime soon( not at least I finished my studies T.T). Hope this thing will still be available in even after a few years ^.^

A lovely article from you again, Danny-san ^-^
I like the idea of tour packages, whether they are orientated towards Otaku culture or traditional Japan, it is an idea that would work. sadly, I may only have the chance to go to Japan in future but, if this opportunity is available then I most certainly would love to experience it. There is so much that can be learned by someone as great as yourself m(_ _)m

Wow, its a good idea, I prefer a otaku and Tokyo night tour, first, I wanna meet some idol, and second, fly around Tokyo... The others proposals, I can do it alone...
But, first of all, I really wanna meet Danny and Hector!!!!!!!!! Just take a photo with you its gonna make me happy ^^

This is an awesome idea Danny, but would you be able to fit it in your work schedule?

Prefer free n easy:
1. Freedom to choose where I want to go VS pre-planned package
2. Freedom to eat where I want (the package tour I had in Japan brought us to eat chinese or low quality Japanese food 5/6 of the time)
3. Cheaper because I can choose not to stay in hotels. Can budget through out the trip e.g. save money on food so I can shop more

Danny, you could perhaps organise various types of day tours VS a full packaged tour. Example your proposed Life Tour and Otaku Subculture Tour in a day. If you need more time you can split it into a summarised Otaku Day Tour and a say Full Coverage Otaku 3days Tour.

Also would be good idea if you focused on something overseas tour agencies don't offer. Like the more local stuff. Example visit to maid cafe, health care tour, climb to the top of Mt. Fuji, snow skiing, go to the beach, Izakaya / Sushi Bar meals. I don't find that in my local travel agencies and I would like to do all those. That's why I go free n easy too.

HIS already has some cultural tours. you get to experience making sushi in a sushi restaurant, using the katana etc. and even otaku tours.

I don't know how popular photo tours will be, mainly because I like to take my time when I'm with the camera. I think most photography enthusiasts are this way too. Photo tours just sound a little restrictive, although the idol photo session could be interesting.... esp if hiromi chan will be there. ^^.

Life Tours... not too optimistic. you can do any of that anytime when you're visiting Japan.

Visiting your figure maker comrades, anime production studios... that sounds really good.

such a great idea danny! if i make it one day to japan, i will definitely use your tour package :)

yah, i wouldn't mind personalized or specialized tours of Japanese culture. a one day or half day would be fine. although during all my 5 trips to Japan, i hv never taken a tour package, did my own research. i would definitely sign up for a okatu subculture tour!

anyway, i must say that it is quite easy to find one's way across Tokyo even if u can't read Japanese as most of the road n public signs have english translation.

yeah, During my last trip to japan with my family, after breakfast we usually did go together to famous turist spots and in afternoon I did spent my time alone visiting several places and riding trains (yes, I'm rail buff). Washinomiya Shrine, Arakawa tram and Enoden in one day ^___^

From your options I'd choose 4 and maybe 1.

If I were to go to Japan, I think my first time I would plan it myself to just go and spend money in Akihabara and see some of the sights. If I could gather the money for a second time I'd definitely go with a planned out tour.
I love the sounds of 1 and 4. I'd definitely take those tours.

Photo tour sonds enticing... Mmm, idol photo session...

Nice offers Mr Danny! I'm stuck between the Life Tour and the Tokyo Night Sky Tour. The Life Tour would prove extremely helpful because I plan to live in Japan (that is if I graduate) but the helicopter tour and skydiving in the other package is tempting!

But that's still assuming that I'm able to go to Japan -_-

the tour package sounds attractive, how much will the overall cost be?

btw danny one off-topic question, i see that your armour is pretty worn out from the pics here and from the Yodobashi Camera post. will you will be looking to purchase stare parts?

Me likes Otaku and Life tour..!
I don't like rushing thru tourism places but I thought it would be nice to get an idea of everything Japan before I actually make me own trip there. Then only I'll take my own sweet time to shop around and stuff.
Yup, assuming that I can go Japan.

If you're the tour guide Danny, I'd go for sure.

oooooo she's pretty. I do hope we get Mirai-cosplay soon!!!

And I love the girls outfits.

Sir Danny, that tour is indeed a very ambitious project. If ever it goes through, I've got a few people who'd love to go take it.

I would prefer to travel alone on my own random schedule.
Wouldn't mind meeting the big DC himself though.

Whenever I travel someplace I like to do things exclusive to that area/region. So I would probably end up at a lot of touristy attractions, but I would like to find some of the more niche ones as well. I will admit I would probably plan the whole trip around seeing my favorite DJ though (Ken Ishii). For me, it's probably the only way I'll ever see him perform live. I also want to check out Hokkaido because I think it's beautiful and less touristy than someplace like Tokyo.

I ahven't been in Japan yet, but I hope to someday. It would be nice if there would be an otaku tour:)

Me I prefer to organize and travel alone but wouldn't mind a tour package for the rght price. and what your describing sounds great. especially the life tour. now if only I can make it to japan when you do this.

going into a new sideline business Danny? sounds like a great idea though.
about the poll question, I prefer to organize and travel alone, since I like to set my own schedule rather than follow someone else's. but my wife likes to travel by tour packages. suffice to say she usually wins. ^^;
however when I do get my way, I usually do a bit of research on travel books or online, then map out my own sched before I fly over to the destination.

This doesn't sound bad at all!

I'd prefer to travel alone and discover new places by myself, more exciting for me. But the otaku tour sounds good... ^^

A tour!? That would be very interesting indeed!

Danny's hatching another one of his schemes.... hmmmm...

Sounds interesting.. Would have to save up for this if its available ^^
Hopefully, the packages won't be that costly.

I'm a photohobbyist living in Saitama (1 hour away from Central Tokyo) and would like to learn about lots of places and events in Tokyo to shoot at. I assume the tours require fees though, so I guess I'd opt out of it. All I need is some information regarding places and events and I'm ready to go, even all by myself. :)

I would be lucky if I could tag along for free. :P

I know of a few people who actually would be pretty interested in the tours. They don't read this site, but they love Japan and have considered possibly living there.

The idea sounds really great O_O

I would feel really better if I knew the person who made my tour was someone who knows otaku's likes and dislikes ^^

I like the idea of visiting figure makers and anime production studios. Always want to see what it's like working there. Not a lot of people have the chance to visit these places thru normal tour package or free & easy.

Danny that idea is GREAT! I love Japan and want to live there in the future, but I don't know how to get in :(.

Can't wait for more details about your plan!

I personally prefer traveling free and easy since I can get around fine in Tokyo but if you were to do like short 1-2 day tours I'd be interested in making that part of my itinerary.

Oh wow danny's own tour package? Would this be ready by say around christmas time? Coz I'll be heading to tokyo around that time for comiket all the way till new years.

JEEEEEEEZZESS
I organized a rampage tour of Akiba last may for myself and some friends....was terrific

euh....... this to say that I'm planning to open a travel agency within a few months....trying to be operational to exploit next spring and summer and on & on....
Maybe talk about cooperation........
I'm thrilled....jeeezzzzzzzzz

I normally prefer to organize and plan my own trip but if it is as otaku/culture centered a s you make it sound I wouldn't mind one bit. ^_^

I think it's a great idea. I don't really need an akiba/tokyo/japan tour any more as I've been there 3 times. I think I can even do a tour myself ;p (although I don't know all the spots in akiba yet, and there are always things I haven't seen yet).
I've also visited some real life anime locations, so I could do a tour about that as well.

But I really like your other proposals like visits to anime/figure companies (as they are less publicly accessible), the Life tour (very interesting as I want to go live in Japan in about 4 years), and the idol session is quite nice too ^^.
The other ones are good too for people who haven't been yet to Tokyo/Japan.

Next year I'm going back to Japan, and this time (for the first) some friends of me are coming along, and I'll be showing them around like a tour guide ^^; I'm even doing research about Nikko and the like, to be able to tell some back story about it ;p

I prefer I organize my own travels but your proposal I think is a big opportunity for us to learn more about Japan and otaku stuffs. For me, I want all 4 of the package, number 3 included.

ZOMG! That is such a neat idea Danny! Can't think of any suggestions right now as far as content in concerned, since you already have a good grasp of what the otaku wants ^^ (and you have the connections to make it happen)

One thing I'd personally like though, is not to have too much free time. I know it can also be annoying to have to run from one place to another, but I was looking at an Otaku tour recently and I saw they had only half days of activities the entire trip (if not less), the rest was free time. Maybe nice for veterans who already know what they want, but I'd like to be really shown around for my first time ^^

Last time I went to Japan I didn't take a tour, but I either had a friend accompanying me or highlights were suggested to me of where best to go. That's the way I usually travel unless others that come along are not comfortable exploring themselves.

Of course it wouldn't hurt to go out to dance with a Stormtrooper in the middle of Shibuya...

I would SO go on an Otaku tour. Especially if there were group discounts--I have plenty of otaku friends who would want to tag along. ^_^ My roommate, my cousin, potentially my other roommate. . .

personaly, i prefer making my travel myself ! that's what we have done, my girlfriend and i, for visiting the japan this year We take a friend with us because he speak quite good japanese, it's helps a lot ^^

First, the ticket travel and determine the date of travel.
Second, go trough the web and by guides for tips and advise on what to see and do, blog and site like DC helps a lot too (for eating for example). Maps are obsolutely necessary.
Third, first planning (it will be updated and modify a lot ;-) )
Fourth, the hotel : booking hotel is not easy but with a friend who speak japanese things are easier.
Fifth, update and re-update day by day the planning till the D day
Sixth, just enjoy ^^

and we enjoy a lot ! we can't wait earning enough money for another trip

The tour include a dinner with Aya Hirano ?

The tour sounds like a fantastic idea, and i would like to try something like that out, but i am not very well off for money. And i couldn't imagine any of the students being able to afford this kind of trip unless they have parents who can take care of them, and many do...

My best bet would be to go with one other person and utilize the cheapest means of housing while keeping in mind distance from train lines, and eat very very cheap foods also. I guess i could sleep in a little capsule to save cash right? Or maybe the right answer is to have some patience wait a few years and go when i can actually afford it, but that's a very hard thing to do when i have wanted to go to japan very badly already for two years.

I am eager to hear more info on this either way! Thanks for considering us so often Danny, and continue to inspire us with your own stories and success. Every little bit helps along the way.

For Japan I would love to go to places I want to go to -- shopping lol but I guess that means I leave out certain about of siteseeing ^^; I recall my first time ever in Japan much time was spent in buses half nodding off tho ^^; And also at the time needed to give a small speech and stuff so they have translators and that takes a long time too lol. I would love to have spent a bit longer time at some of the places I went to, so will more likely to pick Organize and travel alone bit ^^; Find out information from some friends/family who went before :P It would be nice to have a bit of time with Danny at Akiba tho! lol

I would love to take a tour led by the one and only Danny Choo. As part of my plan to live in Japan, I plan on visiting Tokyo and checking out the prices of food and housing so I can eventually move there. So, naturally, tour idea 3 would be heaven for me. I might even choose it over tour idea 4 simply because its information I need. It would be awesome to take a tour like that.

Any of the given tours sounds great, however, i'd prefer an "Akiba Bargain Hunt Tour", which well, would consist in hunting for bargains in huuu Akihabara ^^;

Such eloquence, i should run for presidency.

I think that's a great idea. You can focus on the parts that are interesting and skip the temples, which gave me the impression of "seen one, seen them all." I think I would only prefer traveling on my own if I've been somewhere at least once so I know what it is I want to do. The one time I was in Tokyo, we spent a fair amount of time shopping for clothes or anime stuff. The top places we liked the best were probably Akihabara for anime stuff and Harajuku/Shibuya for shopping.

....someday...first of all need to find a chance to dedicate all my time to learn the language and finish college and work in my desired career field etc...

All these packages sound great, well except the sky diving ^_^. Anyway I'm planning a trip to Tokyo next year with a comrade, and I would certainly welcome these packages. And getting some contacts in the IT business would be great too.

I will be waiting on those pictures...
Then I'll know some good places to visit when I go to Japan next year...

i think tour package might be a good idea especially if the package will bring you into the daily life of those living there.

OMG Lucky!!! me is otaku tour

I would be interested in the tours. I voted for tour packages by accident, but I like to go places alone. If it's my first time somewhere, though, I like having someone who knows the area show me around, to give me a basis of where to start. I also need lots of money. Anyone got the Mega Millions numbers for the next 12 drawings?
And I'm not sure where a chemist/physicist would fit into the world of IT or figures, but I'm willing to try. I really need a job.

Not very clear to me what's this about but WHOA lucky to who will join
But not me since I can't afford even a single movie ticket. XD
I'd love to see the pictures of the comrades with Danny. That's fine with me.

In regard to tours, I would definitely be interested in taking two orders from you.

This is a great idea, Danny! Hmmm... I wish I could go on this tour package. I would so use the shopping to buy some gunpla for myself. But all of this sounds costly. *sigh*

This is one superb business idea! For those of us wishing to re-locate in Japan, some input from those with first-hand experience is so very important. And to be shown around in the ways you describe, is the icing on the cake.

Sign me up!!!

a tour sounds like a great idea, though traveling independently is nice too I feel taking a tour first is better, because then one would know where to explore better on a future trip.
A combination of culture and otaku subculture tour would be my suggestion.
but really though, a tour with Danny o_o ~ that would be amazing
since you are like a role model to me

Any idea of what the range of prices may be? Will the package include air fare? I'm presuming this will probably be more expensive than organizing yourself and travel alone.

If I had the money a tour would be great, but at my budget it'd probably have to be a do it myself thing. Everything sounds good except for sky diving XD I'm gonna have a hard enough time flying over the last thing I wanna do is jump off the tokyo tower or a plane XD

The tour sounds great! Although i've never been on one before, it would be nice to hear about Japan from another perspective and really appreciate what it has to offer. ^^

This is definitely an awesome idea, Danny. I've never been on a guided tour, but it seems like the best way to go when visiting somewhere that you know very little about. I would most definitely try to save up for a tour if you start them up. ^^

It sounds like a great idea!
But cost and timing might be an issue for some of us =/

Danny,

Tours 1, 2 and 3.
I would love to help you organize or conduct the tours if you needed any help. Please keep me in mind if this idea comes to fruition.

Definitely in for the packaged tour! ^^

If its someone like you that will be the tour guide or being able to talk to someone like you is included in the tour... I am sold!!!

thats ok. ive never wanted to be a silicon valley director or CEO anyways....

A DC tour package sounds great. Would love to go to Japan but I wouldn't know where to go first so it'd be nice to have a guide and Danny as the guide at that! ^_^ Now to start saving for it.......

After travelling 21 days in Tokyo, all experiences that I had alone, I think it was a really amazing memory that I'll treasure. Simple things turn out amazing when you find out by yourself.

It was like, seeing all A week in Tokyo and Kirai.net and AkibaNews tips wasn't near 25% of my travel. Actually Tokyo is really pretty small, I could cover from Shibuya to Marunouchi by foot and saw many many cool things.

But problably I can be an exception (since I'm nissei afterall). Many many people in the Hostel that I was, was HATING Tokyo just because they don't have much choice for Tourism, "Japanese doesn't know enough english for tourism" and "I can't find a Tour Guide that could help me".

So I showed than my travel plans (based on A Week In Tokyo, thanks to Danny) and they left thinking different about the Tokyo that they was looking for from the start.

And problably a Tour Package and English Tour Guides are pretty good to help them see many places hidden from their eyes in some small problems. So, after all, I think all packages are welcome and I would comment them by:

1. Photo Tours - Good one, I would take it.

2. A Tokyo Night Sky tour - The best for me, I would pay a lot for this one if I knew someone that do this.

3. Life Tour - not for me, actually when you on short time vacation, problably is the last thing that you want see.

4. And then there would be an Otaku subculture tour - I did a Free Guide Service with my friend and DC.com member Oni-kun, that found me in Akiba, It was really fun for me at last, my worst problem the first day that I reached Akiba is to find the best place to buy things. Its sooo HUGEEEEEE....

5. A tour in the Figures Producer. I would love to see Max Factory Restaurant and GSC front, take some photos and be happy talking to people like Danny, Hector and Daimaou.

I will take 1-4 for sure and as for 5, A tour at figure maker office or animation studio like Gonzo would be cool ^^

A tour would be nice. Though when and how much it costs would be big factors for college students like me, I think.

wow, a tour sounds real great, but for those who are keen to explore the city themselves. perhaps u could spilt up the different segments for people interested only in say skydiving or heli ride. so we could say sign up for only the parts we want

Looks like I need to start saving moneyz~!

I am going to Japan next year, but not sure if I really want to do a tour. I got a conference in Yokohama, so I really need to do a lot of alone stuff.

I really like the sound of the otaku tour. I would love to visit the places where they make figures and anime. Since I've never been to Japan I would probably go with a tour. Can't speak much Japanese yet. ^_^' Though, maybe one day could be a "free day" so, basically you would have the day to yourself to go shopping and explore a litte? It would be nice if the otaku tour included a visit to a themed cafe and maybe the idol photo session. And will it be just girl idols? I don't mind getting pictures with them but, if I could get a session with a guy too that would be nice. ._.'

Not a bad idea on the tour there Danny, I think it will attract a lot of people. I've been to Japan once and it was through H.I.S. tours. They were very professional and the trip was fun and organized. I did wander around Tokyo as much as I can by myself, specially during the first couple of nights when I was still jetlagged. There is still so much more left to see.

I do plan on going back to Japan, perhaps in 2-3 years time (wanna visit other countries in the meantime). Just gunna go at it alone next time around, armed with only a guide book hehe. I would like to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo(again). Three weeks should be enough right? How difficult would it be for someone who doesn't speak much Japanese? I do have a great sense of direction (atleast I'd like to think so) ^_^

Oh just fyi, most 1 week tours cost around $2500-$3000. This includes airfare, hotel(double room), tour bus(where required), tickets to certain places.

Wow, ambitious plan. I prefer doing travel myself since I'm pretty much used to it. I know usual Japan tour package gives you free time for a day or two but that is just not enough for me ^^;

The night sky tour sounds like it would be an amazing experience, as i love looking at nighttime cityscapes.

Like Akiba-kid though I like to have the time to do everything I want, but at the same time i wouldn't mind meeting some people from figure/anime houses and all that too. Maybe get some freebies if possible? haha

My friend went to visit an anime studio with a family friend of theirs who works in the industry, and they had a pretty cool time.

A tour of akiba and tokyo with the otaku expert in english, what a great opportunity for foreign otaku...

One day Danny.. I'll totally take a tour with you, I'd be a dream come true since you're living out my dream :p

The tour idea is awesome! I have found that if you go to another country, it is always a lot more fun if you are with someone who lives there / is very familiar with the place. Since I would like to move to Japan one day, I think it is great that you would introduce us to some industry professionals so we can begin to get a job. I would like to work in the video game industry, do you have any connections there?

Wow, package tour in Japan. I wish I could at least somehow experience this happy things in life.

one more thing~ how much would the tours actually cost>? lol

wow danny thats interesting. I would like to tour alone but honestly would get lost with map. Tours a good gives an idea where everything is then you can go back on your own to tour.

It would be very helpful for me if i could get that kinda package when i arive in tokyo for studying:)
especialy help me getting apartment etc.

a realy good idea danny, i think this could be very useful for most people.

Sounds great, I love the idea of being able to network with different people in the IT world. As well as the whole Otaku subculture tour, would be fascinating.

Remind me to bring a StormTrooper outfit next time I go to Japan.

OMG dude thats such a good idea man i would so totally do that. since i have a bad understanding of japanese that would be perfect for me.actually i have a question not sure if it was covered in a another comment or not since i didnt read all of the comments. umm would it be possible 2 do like 2 in 1 like having the night tour thing and then like the photo tour during the day or sumthing. man now im totally excited about going on 1 of these things. i like it wen i go on planned out tours and stuff i just dont want like it 2 be huge since i dont like being around like more then 5 or 6 people at a time(wen it comes down to stuff like that, unless i know them on a personal level)wow Danny Choo u r such a genius.

The contents of the tours look very interesting indeed. I think getting to the offices and meeting people in the industry are quite interesting as ordinary visitors will not be able to arrange stuff like that very easily.

Last time I went to Japan with comrades, we planned and made reservations for everything by ourselves. Planning and arranging requires effort but this gave us much more freedom to plan where want to go. Also you can set the price of the trip to fit your budget.(save more money for figures and stuff) Also finding out where to go and doing research for it is also a great experience. I think it gives you much more insight in the places you're going and in my case it made me appreciate the places more.
I think that instead of making the entire trip a tour, it be more interesting if you'd make it a "local tour" which can be planned in the trip itself. So people plan/arrange their entire trip to Japan, plan in to get to Tokyo on certain arranged day(s) and do the tour.

For me, it depends on several stuff.
Like how much time I have to spend in Japan, if I'm going alone or with family/friends, etc.

I'd definitely want to take a stroll with Danny... but if I'm like with my family, dunno if they'd want to go with me to visit figure companies and stuff. XD

Danny, it would be GREAT if you can organize a tour package. People would probably feel more comfortable around you than any other tour guides as you would have the experience and answers to all the gaijin questions and such. Plus it's probably easier to communicate with you since you're fluent in different languages and not just japanese. I would definitely feel safe to visit Japan one of these years if I can take a tour with you ^^;.

I have been planning a trip to japan for some time now, and was actually thinking on going this next summer....but if you are brewing something of a package as you are mentioning, I rather wait lol. Nothing like an otaku, to show us lowly otakus around!!!

But in all seriousness now, it sounds very very interesting and hope for you to be able to realize this. Looking forward to it.

Great idea. Especially for folks who have never been to Japan.
I myself will be a first timer to Japan in early Jan next year, if there are packages such as a day package tour of Akihabara or variety of tours ranging from figurines, Role playing, games, manga/anime ......etc will defintely help out the japan newbies

And of course a session with the man himself ^.^

The tour idea is a gold mine :) If you could tailor it for the individuals specific desires, that would be even better. I would totally be up for something like that as I don't hav ay friends in Tokyo and would live to visit and tour around the otaku areas.

nice idea danny ... and ahah I spotted u and ur galz on loïc's blog ^^

Intrest go to Tour 1 and 3 plus a where to enjoy the fine meals of tokyo (aka cheap but good food) tour

Tour guide Stormtrooper sounds good! ^^ Is this another business idea? ^^;

but I am one of those who like to take two metal sticks and get lost

Danny this would be amazing, especially the contact introduction idea! the Mrs and i really want to try and live in Japan after we get married and I wouldn't know where to begin looking jobwise, luckily IT and Internets my chosen area :D

I like to travel alone if i'm able to communicate so going to chinese and english speaking countries for me is no problem.

But if i were to go to countries that i cannot communicate, tour is good. I can get around easier and jot down notes for my next trip which hopefully be alone. XD

Danny, this idea sounds great~! :) Personally i like options 1, 3 & 4. And given the chance would also really want to work in Japan after i graduate. :D

well going on a tour with you should be more interesting(and safe).at least we know you unlike the agents we hire

Wow those tours sound great. I would probably never be able to go, but it still sounds like a great idea.

I would LOVE to go on a tour with you.

I've been planning to go on a Study Tour this summer (April to May) to either Fukuoka, Japan or Oxford in Europe. It would be nice to have a tour because I've always wanted to go to Japan, but I fear I won't appreciate it if I go alone...without any knowledge.

I have about... 78 cents... Rats! I would be all for the cheapest possibility if you know what I mean, however an unstructured, self-paced tour is always the best way to become acquainted with a new land. Very tough decision... Packages are cheaper, but also put you on a schedule. I'd probably go for the package so that I wouldn't be one of the walking dead in the streets of Tokyo and showering in a fountain. ^^;

LOL nice tours

The tour package is a great idea, Danny.
One question/suggestion: Is it possible to organize a remote job (i.e. working from US but for Japanese firm)? Kind of like Expat or even a part time job.

Commenting to lend my support on this. This is a very nice idea indeed, since it opens up doors to companies and such which I might never get a chance to see! Having a guide around means I don't have to worry about missing out on anything due to my preschool level Japanese ^^
Of course I hope this can be a regular thing rather than a one-shot kind of event.

I love to travel and discover new places by myself, but having someone like you, Danny, as a guide would be pretty neat. You've been in Japan for so long that you must have a lot of knowledge to share!

Sounds like a great idea! If this ever comes to fruition you can count me in!!
Perfect way for us first time Japan visiting Otaku's to get a good look around with an experienced geek... er guide :p

At this moment in time, a package tour would be the best way to go about it - Otaku subculture, of course. I've had one package trip to Japan, which covers the principle of the photo/otaku tours, but not as in depth as Danny might be able to make it - perhaps it would be the otaku connoisseur's tour?

To be honest it sounds like a great idea I'd definitely be interested, especially like the idea of how you would be willing to get people in contact with Job opportunities in the IT/Internet fields would be great as my main ambition is to live and work in Japan so the life tour is of great interest to me also.

I look forward to an update on this.

heh..I would love to see that happen..hope the package isn't that expensive :P

Cute girl would do great Mirai cosplay as you say XD

anyone who speaks the language will suit me just fine as a "tour guide" i just need someone to tell others not to kick my a$$ lol

I feel like going to one now!
;P