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 totally different worlds. (I do know as a result of I’ve visited about 10 instances already!)
One among 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 manner you hardly ever get when wandering by yourself. I’ve performed a number of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo through the years and suppose they’re usually even higher than conventional excursions you discover on Get Your Guide (although Arigato Travel is subsequent stage and the very best conventional tour firm within the metropolis so don’t miss out on them).
That can assist you choose from the countless Experiences you could find, beneath are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct amount 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 study why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in another way relying on fashion, and find out how to pair components 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’ll be able to have a filling and enjoyable breakfast expertise earlier than going out to discover Tokyo. I completely cherished it.
Shibuya Nightlife with Unlimited Drinks
That is my favourite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host, Suemi, and her pals 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 extremely nice expertise. My information, Shugo, was outgoing, spoke conversational English, dealt with massive 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 pals additionally run an unlimited Sake tasting class, which is the very best 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 pretty much as good).
Shinjuku Izakaya Tour
This expertise is comparable in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in considered one of Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is full of tiny izakaya spots, lots 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 strive totally 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 a good way to expertise Shinjuku nightlife with out feeling misplaced or intimidated.
Historic Tokyo Walking Tour
This is likely one of the most instructional experiences I’ve performed in Tokyo. As a substitute of specializing in the same old 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 pink 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 grew to become the town it’s at this time. I discovered lots from this tour.
Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour
Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does a terrific job of exhibiting it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very beneath visited neighborhoods, to study each old-school kissaten and trendy specialty cafés. You’ll study brewing methods, taste profiles, and the way Japan developed such a meticulous strategy 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 learn the way conventional Japanese sweets pair with espresso. It’s a extremely 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 study concerning the historical past of matcha, its function in Japanese society, and find out how to inform high-quality matcha from lower-grade varieties. The host walks you thru the normal 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 quick however memorable, and it provides you a a lot deeper appreciation for one thing you’ll see in every single place whereas touring in Japan.
Tokyo Ramen Tour
Ramen is synonymous with Japanese meals, and this tour helps you perceive why it evokes 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 study ramen’s origins, trendy traits, and regional variations whereas tasting all the things from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth varieties, noodle textures, and toppings in a manner that’s simple to observe. 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 setting is actually fascinating. he tour additionally contains visible examples of murals earlier than and after they had been created, which provides useful context. I believe it is likely one of the most fascinating and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and offers you a extremely good have a look at a aspect of Japan most individuals don’t see!
There’s a number of 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 gives you an excellent begin. Attempt to do a minimum of one whenever you’re in Tokyo as a result of most typical organized excursions are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb excursions are far more enjoyable!
E book Your Journey to Tokyo: Logistical Ideas and Methods
E book 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.
E book Your Lodging
You possibly can e-book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the most important stock and finest offers. If you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, use Booking.com as they persistently return the most affordable charges for guesthouses and low cost lodges.
For locations to remain, take a look at my article on my favourite hostels in Tokyo. If you wish to keep in a resort, take a look at this record of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, take a look at this put up.
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will shield you in opposition to sickness, harm, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes unsuitable. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances previously. My favourite corporations that provide the very best service and worth are:
On the lookout for the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Try my useful resource web page for the very best corporations to make use of whenever you journey. I record all those I take advantage of to economize once I’m on the highway. They may prevent cash whenever you journey too.
Make sure to take a look at the Japan Rail Pass should you’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 Info on Tokyo?
Make sure to go to my sturdy vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning suggestions!
