Tokyo is a kind of cities that feels endlessly deep. You’ll be able to go to a dozen occasions 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 occasions already!)
Certainly one of 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 manner you hardly ever get when wandering by yourself. I’ve carried out lots of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo through the years and assume they’re usually even higher than conventional excursions you discover on Get Your Information (although Arigato Journey is subsequent degree and the very best conventional tour firm within the metropolis so don’t miss out on them).
That can assist you decide from the limitless Experiences you could find, beneath are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct quantity of enjoyable:
Be taught to Make Genuine Sushi with a Skilled Chef
Sushi-making lessons are frequent 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 discover ways to form rice or slice fish; you be taught why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in another way relying on type, and how one can pair substances to spotlight texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise carried out within the morning so you may have a filling and enjoyable breakfast expertise earlier than going out to discover Tokyo. I completely cherished it.
Shibuya Nightlife with Limitless Drinks
That is my favourite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host, Suemi, and her buddies present the best possible time. This Shibuya nightlife tour one takes you to 3-4 izakaya spots which might 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 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 lots of visuals so it’s very easy to grasp. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. For those who take a Sake expertise, take this one. (Additionally they un a whiskey tasting expertise that I haven’t carried out this one but however I guess it’s simply nearly as good).
Shinjuku Izakaya Tour
This expertise is comparable in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in one in every of Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is full of 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 strive completely different kinds of sake alongside the way in which and discover ways 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 an effective way to expertise Shinjuku nightlife with out feeling misplaced or intimidated.
Historic Tokyo Strolling Tour
This is likely one of the most instructional 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 robust 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 knowledge shared all through the stroll.
You’ll go to locations like Nezu Shrine, stroll by its tunnel of purple torii gates, discover the previous streets of Yanaka, and be taught in regards to 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 offers you a a lot clearer understanding of how Tokyo turned the town it’s at present. I realized so much from this tour.
Tokyo Espresso Tradition Tour
Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an ideal job of exhibiting it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very underneath 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 consists of visits to historic cafés, specialty retailers main Tokyo’s third-wave motion, and even wagashi retailers the place you’ll learn the way conventional Japanese sweets pair with espresso. It’s a extremely considerate and distinctive afternoon expertise.
Natural matcha Tea Ceremony
This one-hour expertise is a good introduction to matcha and Japanese tea tradition. You’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of matcha, its position in Japanese society, and how one can 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 quick 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 evokes such devotion. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll go to a number of ramen retailers, every highlighting a distinct type or method.
You’ll study ramen’s origins, fashionable traits, and regional variations whereas tasting all the things from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion kinds. The information explains broth sorts, noodle textures, and toppings in a manner that’s simple to comply with. Come hungry as this tour will completely fill you up!
Shibuya and Harajuku Avenue Artwork Tour
This tour takes you thru Shibuya and Harajuku to see murals and installations hidden in alleyways and fewer apparent areas. Avenue 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 atmosphere is admittedly fascinating. he tour additionally consists of 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 lots 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 particular person) however these eight will provide you with begin. Attempt to do a minimum of 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!
E-book Your Journey to Tokyo: Logistical Ideas and Tips
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’ll be able to e book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the largest stock and finest offers. If you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they persistently return the most affordable charges for guesthouses and low cost motels.
For locations to remain, take a look at my article on my favourite hostels in Tokyo. If you wish to keep in a lodge, take a look at this checklist of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, take a look at this submit.
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 flawed. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many occasions up to now. My favourite corporations that provide the very best service and worth are:
Searching for the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Try my useful resource web page for the very best corporations to make use of once you journey. I checklist all those I take advantage of to economize after I’m on the street. They’ll prevent cash once you journey too.
Be sure you take a look at the Japan Rail Go if you happen to’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?
Be sure you go to my sturdy vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning ideas!
