Tokyo is a type of cities that feels endlessly deep. You possibly can go to a dozen instances and nonetheless uncover new meals stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that really feel like fully completely different worlds. (I do know as a result of I’ve visited about 10 instances already!)
One in every of my favourite methods to discover Tokyo is by taking an Airbnb Expertise. Led by locals and long-term residents, these excursions offer you 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 carried out numerous Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo through the years and suppose they’re usually even higher than conventional excursions you discover on Get Your Information (although Arigato Journey is subsequent stage and the very best conventional tour firm within the metropolis so don’t miss out on them).
That will help you decide from the countless Experiences you will discover, beneath are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct amount of enjoyable:
Study to Make Genuine Sushi with a Educated Chef
Sushi-making courses are widespread in Tokyo however this Airbnb Expertise stands out as a result of it’s carried out in an omakase restaurant. This class is given by a sushi grasp (or his apprentice). You don’t simply learn to form rice or slice fish; you study why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in a different way relying on fashion, and easy methods to pair elements to focus on texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise carried out 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 Limitless Drinks
That is my favourite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host, Suemi, and her buddies present the very best 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 properly, was entertaining, defined the tradition of izakaya eating places intimately, and stayed previous when the Skilled ended. He was nice!
Moreover, Suemi and her buddies additionally run an limitless Sake tasting class, which is the very best Sake class I’ve carried out in Tokyo. They go into unimaginable element about how sake is made and use numerous visuals so it’s very easy to grasp. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. Should you take a Sake expertise, take this one. (In addition they un a whiskey tasting expertise that I haven’t carried out this one but however I guess it’s simply pretty much as good).
Shinjuku Izakaya Tour
This expertise is analogous in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in one among Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is full of tiny izakaya spots, a lot of them hidden in slim alleyways or upstairs areas you’d by no means suppose 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 best way and learn to learn menus, what to order, and the way locals usually drink and eat in these settings. Yuma is outgoing, enjoyable, and excellent at explaining issues clearly with out overwhelming you. It’s social, relaxed, and a good way to expertise Shinjuku nightlife with out feeling misplaced or intimidated.
Historic Tokyo Strolling Tour
This is among the most academic experiences I’ve carried out in Tokyo. As a substitute of specializing in the same old vacationer areas, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain a powerful connection to the town’s previous. The host is a lecturer specializing in Japanese historical past and conventional tradition, and it actually exhibits within the depth of data shared all through the stroll.
You’ll go to locations like Nezu Shrine, stroll via its tunnel of crimson torii gates, discover the previous streets of Yanaka, and study concerning the Edo interval, the Meiji Restoration, and the way the function of the samurai modified as Japan modernized. It’s a 2.5-hour stroll that by no means feels rushed and offers you a a lot clearer understanding of how Tokyo turned the town it’s immediately. I discovered lots from this tour.
Tokyo Espresso Tradition Tour
Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an excellent job of exhibiting it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very underneath visited neighborhoods, to find out about each old-school kissaten and trendy specialty cafés. You’ll find out about brewing methods, taste profiles, and the way Japan developed such a meticulous strategy to espresso.
The tour consists of visits to historic cafés, specialty outlets main Tokyo’s third-wave motion, and even wagashi outlets the place you’ll learn the way conventional Japanese sweets pair with espresso. It’s a very considerate and distinctive afternoon expertise.
Natural matcha Tea Ceremony
This one-hour expertise is a superb introduction to matcha and Japanese tea tradition. You’ll study concerning the historical past of matcha, its function in Japanese society, and easy methods 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 relaxed, conventional setting that feels worlds away from Tokyo’s busy streets. It’s brief however memorable, and it offers 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 fashion or strategy.
You’ll find out about ramen’s origins, trendy tendencies, and regional variations whereas tasting the whole lot from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth varieties, noodle textures, and toppings in a method that’s simple to observe. Come hungry as this tour will completely fill you up!
Shibuya and Harajuku Road Artwork 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 setting is basically fascinating. he tour additionally consists of visible examples of murals earlier than and after they have been created, which provides useful context. I believe it is among the most fascinating and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and offers you a very good have a look at a facet of Japan most individuals don’t see!
There’s numerous Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo and I do know I’m in all probability I’m lacking some actually nice ones (In spite of everything, I’m just one individual) however these eight provides you with a great begin. Attempt to do a minimum of one while you’re in Tokyo as a result of most typical organized excursions are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb excursions are far more enjoyable!
Guide Your Journey to Tokyo: Logistical Ideas and Tips
Guide 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.
Guide Your Lodging
You possibly can e book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the most important stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they persistently return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low cost accommodations.
For locations to remain, try my article on my favourite hostels in Tokyo. If you wish to keep in a resort, try this listing of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, try this put up.
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will shield 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 corporations that supply the very best service and worth are:
On the lookout for the Greatest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my useful resource web page for the very best corporations to make use of while you journey. I listing all those I take advantage of to economize once I’m on the highway. They may prevent cash while you journey too.
Make sure you try the Japan Rail Move in case you’ll be touring across the nation. It is available in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and may prevent a ton of cash!
Need Extra Data on Tokyo?
Make sure you go to my strong vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning suggestions!
