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 fully totally 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 provide you with a front-row seat to Tokyo’s meals tradition, nightlife, historical past, and crafts in a manner you not often get when wandering by yourself. I’ve accomplished lots of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo over time and suppose they’re typically 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 will help you decide from the countless Experiences you’ll find, under 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 lessons are frequent in Tokyo however this Airbnb Expertise stands out as a result of it’s accomplished 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 easy methods to pair substances to focus on texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise accomplished within the morning so you may have a filling and enjoyable breakfast expertise earlier than going out to discover Tokyo. I completely beloved it.
Shibuya Nightlife with Limitless Drinks
That is my favourite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host, Suemi, and her mates present the best possible time. This Shibuya nightlife tour one takes you to 3-4 izakaya spots which are 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 mates additionally run an limitless Sake tasting class, which is the very best Sake class I’ve accomplished in Tokyo. They go into unimaginable element about how sake is made and use lots of visuals so it’s very easy to know. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. When you take a Sake expertise, take this one. (Additionally they un a whiskey tasting expertise that I haven’t accomplished 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 filled with 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 attempt totally different types of sake alongside the best way 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 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 accomplished in Tokyo. As an alternative 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 via its tunnel of purple torii gates, discover the previous streets of Yanaka, and study 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 grew to become the town it’s in the present day. 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 displaying 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 consists of 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 good introduction to matcha and Japanese tea tradition. You’ll study in regards to the historical past of matcha, its position 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 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 conjures up such devotion. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll go to a number of ramen retailers, every highlighting a special fashion or method.
You’ll find out about ramen’s origins, fashionable developments, and regional variations whereas tasting all the pieces from basic bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth sorts, noodle textures, and toppings in a manner that’s straightforward to comply with. 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 surroundings is absolutely attention-grabbing. 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 attention-grabbing and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and offers you a extremely good take a look at a facet 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 any case, I’m just one particular person) however these eight offers you a great begin. Attempt to do a minimum of one whenever you’re in Tokyo as a result of most standard organized excursions are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb excursions are far more enjoyable!
E book Your Journey to Tokyo: Logistical Suggestions 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 all the time 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 cost effective charges for guesthouses and low-cost motels.
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 put up.
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will shield you towards sickness, damage, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes incorrect. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances prior to now. My favourite corporations that supply the very best service and worth are:
In search of the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my useful resource web page for the very best corporations to make use of whenever you journey. I checklist all those I exploit to economize once I’m on the highway. They’ll prevent cash whenever 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 Info on Tokyo?
Make sure you go to my sturdy vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning suggestions!
