The Story behind Hidden Sidewalks
It didn’t start with a business plan. It started with a walk.
​
Fifteen years ago, a foreigner landed in Tokyo. Wide-eyed, curious, unsure of what he’d find. Like many before him, he came chasing something. But what he found was something else entirely. Not just neon lights or temples or sushi shops, but the quiet alley where an old man waters his bonsai every morning. The lonely commuter who rides the same train, every day, in silence. The way Tokyo hides its tenderness behind routines and rituals.
​
He fell in love. With the contradictions. With the beauty. With the way this city reveals itself slowly, like a story whispered over time. And somewhere along the way, an idea took root. "What if visitors could feel what he felt?" That’s how Hidden Sidewalks was born: not to show you the postcard version of Tokyo, but the one where real people live, love, struggle, and dream.
"At Hidden Sidewalks, our mission is to create tours that feel more like real human experiences than sightseeing checklists. Our goal isn’t just to inform: it’s to help you feel something. Reflect. Ask questions. And walk away not only with photos, but with a deeper understanding of Tokyo and the people who call it home. That’s the kind of journey we offer. That’s what Hidden Sidewalks is all about."
​
Simone Beggiato, founder
What to Expect
Our tours are for curious travelers. People who enjoy walking, listening, asking questions, ask seeing beyond the surface. You don't need to know anything about Japan. You just need an open mind and a bit of wanderlust.
These tours are for you if:
-
You enjoy walking and don’t mind wandering for longer stretches when the mood is right.
-
You’re curious, proactive, and open to unexpected conversations.
-
You appreciate flexibility and the freedom to adjust your experience along the way.
-
You like being with others and value the exchange of stories, ideas, and perspectives.
These tours are not for you if:
-
You’re sedentary and find yourself complaining about a few extra steps.
-
You don’t enjoy interacting with your guide, with locals, or with fellow travelers.
-
You’re expecting a formal history lecture delivered by a professor.
-
You want a rigid, fully-scripted tour with no space for variation or improvisation.
Why You Won’t Find Us Everywhere
(And That’s a Good Thing!)
You might wonder why we’re not on OTAs like GetYourGuide or Viator. Here’s the thing: Those platforms often charge tour operators 25% to 50% in commission. And the highest-ranking tours? They’re not just based on reviews, but on who pays the highest commission. We don’t like that game. Instead of giving away our hard work to someone who doesn’t even know what we do, we choose to invest in our team, and in a better experience for you. We’re small. We’re independent. And we care.
Don't Take Our Word for It
See what other fellow travelers have to say about their tours with Hidden Sidewalks.
Tripadvisor Rating
4.8
Google Rating
4.9
robert-b
16, March, 2025
I can’t say enough good things about our tour. Hearing a real story unfold as we walked through the streets gave us a whole new understanding of the city. We never would’ve found these places or perspectives on our own. Thank you for a truly meaningful afternoon.
Simona R
3, February, 2025
I really loved this tour. Yuka was super friendly and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. I had no idea there was so much history behind the world of geisha and hostesses. It felt like stepping into a side of Tokyo most people miss.