Greeters: A Traveler’s Best-Kept Secret.

By Sharon Kurtz

This global network of volunteers offers more than city walks—it offers human connection.

I’ve been traveling solo for years and love the quiet freedom of wandering at my own pace. But on a recent trip to Tokyo, I stumbled on something unexpected: a connection
that turned an ordinary walk into the highlight of my trip. It came through a volunteer organization I’d never heard of before. It didn’t just help me explore the city—it reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place.

What’s a Greeter, Anyway?

The International Greeter Association is a global network of locals who welcome travelers—not as guides, but as neighbors. They offer free, informal walks (no tips
accepted) and honest conversation, not rehearsed commentary. What started in New York in the early 1990s now spans over 130 cities. It’s about cultural exchange, not checklists.

Meeting Junko in Tokyo.

After submitting a Greeter request online, I was matched with Junko Murakami, a longtime Tokyo resident. We exchanged a few emails, and she offered to meet me at
my hotel on my first morning.

After a warm chat in the lobby, we walked to Shinjuku Station and caught a local train to Tokyo Station. Junko had planned the outing around my interests—gardens, quiet corners, and  everyday life. We wandered through the Imperial Gardens, bursting with cherry blossoms, and talked about everything from history to motherhood. “What I love most about being a Greeter,” she said, “is sharing my everyday Tokyo—not just the tourist places, but the quiet moments that make our city special.”

She patiently showed me how to navigate the train system—something I’d dreaded. With her help, I felt surprisingly confident. That small act changed how I moved through the city for the rest of my trip. We got along so well that we met again the next day through Tokyo Free Guide, another volunteer group she supports. It felt more like meeting up with an old friend than taking a tour.

Tea, Politics, and Unexpected Stories.

Over green tea and matcha cake in a quiet neighborhood café, our conversation deepened. We discovered we were both new grandmothers—and breast cancer survivors. That shared experience created a powerful bond. We also talked about the Japanese monarchy and gender roles. Junko spoke thoughtfully about the emperor’s capable daughter and whether she might one day be allowed to rule—a perspective I’d never find in a guidebook.

She told me about her own Greeter experience in Sydney. “It was strange and wonderful to be the guest,” she said, smiling. “It helped me understand what visitors really notice. It changed how I greet people now.”

That idea stuck with me—how a single act of kindness can ripple across continents.

Why This One Stands Out.

I’ve taken plenty of tours—some fantastic, some forgettable. But this wasn’t a tour. No headsets, no schedules, no group selfies. Just conversation, detours, and the kind of
moments you won’t find on TripAdvisor.

At this stage of life, I care less about cramming in sights and more about making meaningful connections. That’s exactly what I found walking beside Junko: laughter,
stories, and a window into her world.

Want to Try It?

If this sounds like your kind of travel, visit the Greeter website.  You can browse participating cities and fill out a short request form. If a volunteer is available, you’ll be
matched and sent the details. It’s always free. Always volunteer-led. And built on the joy of meeting someone from somewhere else.

A More Personal Way to Explore.

Whether you’re on your own or just craving something less scripted, a Greeter Walk is a simple way to get grounded in a new city. You walk, talk, ask questions—and discover
corners you’d never find in a guidebook. And you just might leave with more than travel tips. You might take home a story worth sharing.

What I’ll Remember Most.

Tokyo dazzled me, but it’s not the bright lights, skyline, or perfect sushi I recall—it’s Junko. The quiet streets she showed me. Her calm confidence as we navigated the
trains. Her laugh when we got a little lost and found something better. To thank her, I gave her Texas pecans wrapped in a bandana from home. She surprised me with Japanese sesame crackers and matcha tea. Before we parted, I invited her to visit Texas so I could return the favor.

Meeting Junko reminded me that the best guides aren’t always experts—they’re the generous strangers who open their hearts. And that’s what makes travel unforgettable.

If you would like to be a Greeter, in NYC, check out this Lustre post.

Sharon Kurtz is a freelance writer who shares her love for travel and food by exploring unique customs, cultures, and flavors at home and around the globe. At 12 years old, she traveled by train with her father to Montreal for Expo ’67, the exhibits inspiring her wanderlust. She vowed to get to all those countries someday, and she’s methodically working through the list. Enjoy more of Sharon’s writing on her website, or follow her on  Instagram or  Facebook.