Tokyo is a kind of cities that feels endlessly deep. You may 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 provide you with a front-row seat to Tokyo’s meals tradition, nightlife, historical past, and crafts in a method you not often get when wandering by yourself. I’ve finished a whole lot 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 stage and the perfect conventional tour firm within the metropolis so don’t miss out on them).
That can assist you choose from the limitless Experiences yow will discover, 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 Educated Chef
Sushi-making lessons are frequent in Tokyo however this Airbnb Expertise stands out as a result of it’s finished 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 otherwise relying on type, and methods to pair elements to focus on texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise finished 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 associates present the very best 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 very nice expertise. My information, Shugo, was outgoing, spoke conversational English, dealt with giant 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 associates additionally run an limitless Sake tasting class, which is the perfect Sake class I’ve finished in Tokyo. They go into unimaginable element about how sake is made and use a whole lot of visuals so it’s very easy to know. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. In case you take a Sake expertise, take this one. (Additionally they un a whiskey tasting expertise that I haven’t finished 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 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 completely different types of sake alongside the way in which 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 academic experiences I’ve finished in Tokyo. As an alternative of specializing in the standard 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 reveals within the depth of knowledge shared all through the stroll.
You’ll go to locations like Nezu Shrine, stroll by means of its tunnel of purple 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 present. I realized lots from this tour.
Tokyo Espresso Tradition Tour
Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an important 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 trendy specialty cafés. You’ll find out about brewing methods, taste profiles, and the way Japan developed such a meticulous method 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 very 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 concerning the historical past of matcha, its function in Japanese society, and 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 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 type or method.
You’ll find out about ramen’s origins, trendy traits, and regional variations whereas tasting every part from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth sorts, noodle textures, and toppings in a method that’s simple 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 atmosphere is admittedly fascinating. 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 fascinating and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and offers you a very good take a look at a facet of Japan most individuals don’t see!
There’s a whole lot 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 individual) however these eight will provide you with 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 Suggestions 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 all the time know no stone is left unturned.
E-book Your Lodging
You may e-book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the most important stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace aside from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they constantly return the most affordable charges for guesthouses and low-cost resorts.
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 listing of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, take a look at this publish.
Don’t Overlook 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 incorrect. 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 firms that provide the perfect service and worth are:
In search of the Greatest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Try my useful resource web page for the perfect firms to make use of whenever you journey. I listing all those I take advantage of to save cash once I’m on the highway. They may prevent cash whenever you journey too.
Remember to take a look at the Japan Rail Move when 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?
Remember to go to my sturdy vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning ideas!
