Tokyo is a kind of cities that feels endlessly deep. You’ll be able to go to a dozen instances and nonetheless uncover new meals stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that really feel like utterly completely different worlds. (I do know as a result of I’ve visited about 10 instances already!)
One in all my favourite methods to discover Tokyo is by taking an Airbnb Expertise. Led by locals and long-term residents, these excursions provide you with a front-row seat to Tokyo’s meals tradition, nightlife, historical past, and crafts in a method you hardly ever get when wandering by yourself. I’ve performed a number of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo through the years and assume they’re typically even higher than conventional excursions you discover on Get Your Guide (although Arigato Travel is subsequent stage and the most effective conventional tour firm within the metropolis so don’t miss out on them).
That will help you choose from the infinite Experiences you will discover, under are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct quantity of enjoyable:
Learn to Make Authentic Sushi with a Trained Chef
Sushi-making courses are frequent in Tokyo however this Airbnb Expertise stands out as a result of it’s performed in an omakase restaurant. This class is given by a sushi grasp (or his apprentice). You don’t simply discover ways to form rice or slice fish; you be taught why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in a different way relying on model, and tips on how to pair elements to focus on texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise performed within the morning so you possibly can have a filling and enjoyable breakfast expertise earlier than going out to discover Tokyo. I completely liked it.
Shibuya Nightlife with Unlimited Drinks
That is my favourite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host, Suemi, and her associates present the best possible time. This Shibuya nightlife tour one takes you to 3-4 izakaya spots which can be very untouristy and stuffed with out locals. You get limitless meals and drinks and it’s a very nice expertise. My information, Shugo, was outgoing, spoke conversational English, dealt with giant group dynamics effectively, was entertaining, defined the tradition of izakaya eating places intimately, and stayed previous when the Skilled ended. He was nice!
Moreover, Suemi and her associates additionally run an unlimited Sake tasting class, which is the most effective Sake class I’ve performed in Tokyo. They go into unbelievable element about how sake is made and use a number of visuals so it’s very easy to grasp. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. In the event you take a Sake expertise, take this one. (Additionally they un a whiskey tasting experience that I haven’t performed this one but however I guess it’s simply nearly as good).
Shinjuku Izakaya Tour
This expertise is analogous in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in certainly one of Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is filled with tiny izakaya spots, lots of them hidden in slender alleyways or upstairs areas you’d by no means assume to enter by yourself. On this tour, Yuma (a educated sake sommelier) takes you to a number of of those small, native spots and walks you thru how izakaya tradition actually works.
You’ll attempt completely different types of sake alongside the way in which and discover ways to learn menus, what to order, and the way locals sometimes drink and eat in these settings. Yuma is outgoing, enjoyable, and superb at explaining issues clearly with out overwhelming you. It’s social, relaxed, and an effective way to expertise Shinjuku nightlife with out feeling misplaced or intimidated.
Historic Tokyo Walking Tour
This is without doubt one of the most academic experiences I’ve performed in Tokyo. As a substitute of specializing in the standard vacationer areas, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain a robust connection to the town’s previous. The host is a lecturer specializing in Japanese historical past and conventional tradition, and it actually reveals within the depth of knowledge shared all through the stroll.
You’ll go to locations like Nezu Shrine, stroll by its tunnel of purple torii gates, discover the outdated streets of Yanaka, and be taught concerning the Edo interval, the Meiji Restoration, and the way the position of the samurai modified as Japan modernized. It’s a 2.5-hour stroll that by no means feels rushed and provides you a a lot clearer understanding of how Tokyo turned the town it’s as we speak. I realized lots from this tour.
Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour
Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an ideal job of displaying it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very below visited neighborhoods, to study each old-school kissaten and fashionable specialty cafés. You’ll study brewing methods, taste profiles, and the way Japan developed such a meticulous method to espresso.
The tour contains visits to historic cafés, specialty outlets main Tokyo’s third-wave motion, and even wagashi outlets the place you’ll find out how conventional Japanese sweets pair with espresso. It’s a very considerate and distinctive afternoon expertise.
Organic matcha Tea Ceremony
This one-hour expertise is a good introduction to matcha and Japanese tea tradition. You’ll be taught concerning the historical past of matcha, its position in Japanese society, and tips on how to inform high-quality matcha from lower-grade varieties. The host walks you thru the standard preparation course of step-by-step. You’ll whisk and style genuine matcha in a peaceful, conventional setting that feels worlds away from Tokyo’s busy streets. It’s brief however memorable, and it provides you a a lot deeper appreciation for one thing you’ll see all over the place whereas touring in Japan.
Tokyo Ramen Tour
Ramen is synonymous with Japanese meals, and this tour helps you perceive why it conjures up such devotion. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll go to a number of ramen outlets, every highlighting a special model or method.
You’ll study ramen’s origins, fashionable developments, and regional variations whereas tasting every thing from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth sorts, noodle textures, and toppings in a method that’s straightforward to comply with. Come hungry as this tour will completely fill you up!
Shibuya and Harajuku Street Art Tour
This tour takes you thru Shibuya and Harajuku to see murals and installations hidden in alleyways and fewer apparent areas. Road artwork is a a lot quieter, extra underground scene in Tokyo (they Japanese aren’t so eager on murals on their buildings) so studying about the place it’s allowed and the way the tradition thrives in such a restrictive surroundings is de facto attention-grabbing. he tour additionally contains visible examples of murals earlier than and after they have been created, which provides useful context. I believe it is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and provides you a very good have a look at a facet of Japan most individuals don’t see!
There’s a number of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo and I do know I’m most likely I’m lacking some actually nice ones (In any case, I’m just one particular person) however these eight offers you a superb begin. Attempt to do no less than one once you’re in Tokyo as a result of most typical organized excursions are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb excursions are far more enjoyable!
Ebook Your Journey to Tokyo: Logistical Suggestions and Methods
Ebook Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to discover a low cost flight. They’re my favourite search engine as a result of they search web sites and airways across the globe so that you at all times know no stone is left unturned.
Ebook Your Lodging
You’ll be able to guide your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the most important stock and finest offers. If you wish to keep someplace aside from a hostel, use Booking.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low cost motels.
For locations to remain, take a look at my article on my favorite hostels in Tokyo. If you wish to keep in a resort, check out this list of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, check out this post.
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will defend you in opposition to sickness, damage, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes improper. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances up to now. My favourite firms that supply the most effective service and worth are:
In search of the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my resource page for the most effective firms to make use of once you journey. I listing all those I exploit to economize once I’m on the street. They’ll prevent cash once you journey too.
You’ll want to take a look at the Japan Rail Pass if you happen to’ll be touring across the nation. It is available in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and might prevent a ton of cash!
Need Extra Data on Tokyo?
You’ll want to go to my robust destination guide on Tokyo for much more planning suggestions!