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 all 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 approach you hardly ever get when wandering by yourself. I’ve completed a variety of 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 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 countless Experiences you will discover, under are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct amount of enjoyable:
Be taught to Make Genuine Sushi with a Educated Chef
Sushi-making lessons are widespread in Tokyo however this Airbnb Expertise stands out as a result of it’s completed 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 be taught why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in a different way relying on model, and pair components to focus on texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise completed within the morning so you may 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 best possible time. This Shibuya nightlife tour one takes you to 3-4 izakaya spots which are very untouristy and crammed 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 buddies additionally run an limitless Sake tasting class, which is the very best Sake class I’ve completed in Tokyo. They go into unbelievable element about how sake is made and use a variety of visuals so it’s very easy to grasp. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. If you happen to take a Sake expertise, take this one. (In addition they un a whiskey tasting expertise that I haven’t completed this one but however I wager 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 full of tiny izakaya spots, lots of them hidden in slender 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 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 an effective way to expertise Shinjuku nightlife with out feeling misplaced or intimidated.
Historic Tokyo Strolling Tour
This is among the most instructional experiences I’ve completed in Tokyo. As a substitute of specializing in the standard vacationer areas, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain a robust connection to town’s previous. The host is a lecturer specializing in Japanese historical past and conventional tradition, and it actually reveals within the depth of data shared all through the stroll.
You’ll go to locations like Nezu Shrine, stroll by its tunnel of crimson torii gates, discover the previous 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 grew to become town it’s at this time. I realized quite a bit from this tour.
Tokyo Espresso Tradition Tour
Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an amazing 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 fashionable specialty cafés. You’ll find out about brewing strategies, taste profiles, and the way Japan developed such a meticulous method to espresso.
The tour contains visits to historic cafés, specialty retailers main Tokyo’s third-wave motion, and even wagashi retailers the place you’ll find out how 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 superb introduction to matcha and Japanese tea tradition. You’ll be taught concerning the historical past of matcha, its position in Japanese society, and 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 relaxed, 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 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 retailers, every highlighting a special model or method.
You’ll find out about ramen’s origins, fashionable developments, and regional variations whereas tasting all the pieces from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth varieties, noodle textures, and toppings in a approach that’s straightforward 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 admittedly attention-grabbing. he tour additionally contains visible examples of murals earlier than and after they have been created, which provides useful context. I feel it is among the most attention-grabbing and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and provides you a extremely good have a look at a facet of Japan most individuals don’t see!
There’s a variety of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo and I do know I’m most likely I’m lacking some actually nice ones (In spite of everything, I’m just one particular person) however these eight gives you a great begin. Attempt to do not less than 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 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 possibly can ebook 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 Reserving.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low-cost lodges.
For locations to remain, try my article on my favourite hostels in Tokyo. If you wish to keep in a resort, try this checklist of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, try this submit.
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 fallacious. 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 firms that supply the very best service and worth are:
In search of the Greatest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my useful resource web page for the very best firms to make use of whenever you journey. I checklist all those I take advantage of to economize once I’m on the highway. They are going to prevent cash whenever you journey too.
Remember to try the Japan Rail Move should 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?
Remember to go to my strong vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning suggestions!
