These extraordinary individuals embody Lokafy's spirit – seeing the world through each other’s eyes and revealing hidden gems that only locals know.Lokafyers are the ones that truly embody what Lokafy is all about: seeing the world through each other’s eyes, and discovering new places through the love that lokafyers have for that particular place. These people know all the secrets of where they live and have explored it themselves in order to discover what makes it so special… and the best part is that they want to share their knowledge with you. Perhaps, they once were tourists too, and they can relate to your curiosity and excitement. Or, they were born and raised there and they are happy to share a bit of their home with you. Regardless, it is all about connecting, exploring and discovering together.
Join us on a journey into the vibrant heart of Tokyo as we sit down with David, our passionate lokafyer. With over 20 years immersed in the intricate tapestry of Japanese culture, art, history, gastronomy, and language, David has become a true Tokyo aficionado. Discover his profound connection to Japan, his unwavering love for this remarkable city, and the inspiring tale of how he embraced the role of a lokafyer to unveil hidden gems through a local's eyes. Keep reading to unravel the story behind the passion.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I have a deep affection for Japan, especially Tokyo, a city I am intimately familiar with. The Japanese culture, art, history, gastronomy, language, and the unique way of life in Japan are all incredibly captivating and exhibit a strong and distinctive personality. I am fluent in Japanese and have a particular passion for gastronomy, history, and art. I have spent many years working in a renowned gourmet online-site in Japan, and I hold a certification as a sake sommelier.
How long have you been living in your city and what do you love about it?
I arrived in Japan for the first time in 1998. Since then, I have visited several times before finally establishing permanent residence in 2002, which means I've been living here for 21 years already. Additionally, I spent 4 years living in Kamakura. Tokyo, to me, feels like home. Beyond the incredible food, stunning temples, captivating sights, and museums, what resonates with me the most is the feeling of peace. Japanese society is based on peacefulness and mutual respect, setting it apart from other cultures.
How did you discover Lokafy and what made you want to become a Lokafyer?
A friend of mine introduced me to Lokafy, and it struck me as a wonderful platform to share insights about my beloved city with visitors. This way, they can experience the city through the eyes of a local, gaining a perspective that goes beyond the typical tourist experience.
What are some of the most memorable experiences you've had with travelers through Lokafy?
I don't have just one specific experience to highlight. Through Lokafy, I've had the privilege of staying in touch with many of the visitors I've met and have even formed lasting friendships with some of them.
What are some of the tips or advice that you would give to someone who wants to travel like a local?
In order to make the most of your local guide, tell him your interests and preferences clearly. The more information you share, the better your guide can tailor the tour to your desires. Your guide will be more than happy providing you with the best city experience possible and craft a personalized itinerary based on your input. So don't hesitate to share your passions and preferences for an unforgettable exploration of the city.
When you’re not working for Lokafy, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy walking and cycling along the quaint back streets of countless neighborhoods. Exploring new dining and drinking spots with friends, also visiting museums and embarking on short trips within Japan.
Any final comments for travelers visiting your city?
There are numerous things to see, eat, and experience. However, if you can capture a glimpse of the city's vibrant energy, it will become a lasting memory.
We hope that this insight into the thoughts of David, our lokafyer in Tokyo, help you better understand what Lokafy’s purpose is, and how we want to change the way in which we explore and discover a new place. For us, feeling like a local, connecting with new people and getting to know hidden gems that aren’t perceived by many are key aspects of our tours, and what we think makes us stand out. Be attentive to our next blogs, because we’ll keep chatting with other lokafyers about themselves and their cities, so that everyone’s get to know the people that represent the most special part of Lokafy.
Enjoyed this article?
