Guides in Tokyo and Osaka

I have often heard of english speaking guides who show you the 'real' Japan...any info of one in Osaka and/or Tokyo?? Thanks Katrina

it might be worthwhile if you contact a very reputable company but I WOULD BE SUSPICIOUS.. what is the real Japan? you can find it by staying well away from touristy areas and wandering in quiet side streets. Think about it: no guide will ever take you to someone private house or small business because, by definition, these places would then become touristy. Would you invite a guide and his clients in your home or business to show them your "real" town?
forget the hype and go on your own at random (by the way some touristy places do deserve to be seen. it is only a matter of visiting them at times likely to be not too crowded)

In my opinion as a licensed guide, having a guide can be helpful to you because he or she will take you to places according to your interests or purposes. Also, they will explain to you in English about the Japanese culture, history, custom, politics, etc. If you are traveling alone, you may sometimes encounter strange things and wonder what the Japanese are like. But you still have to keep on traveling with various questions unanswered or misunderstood. If you have enough money to pay to the guide, it is worth having a guide for a change.

Thankyou for your responses..will have a think about it. If we decided to use one do you know the best way to get hold of one??
Ta

Please see the website of guide-interpreter search.
The guide members of the JGA are introduced there. You can contact any of them directly via e-mail.

If you intend to see the "real" Japan, you need to hire a private guide for your own.

Organazed tours would take you to the general tourist area, which is crowded with TOURISTS.

or you might be able to find it by yourself