The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo is a kind 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 utterly totally different worlds. (I do know as a result of I’ve visited about 10 instances already!)

Considered one of 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 not often get when wandering by yourself. I’ve performed numerous Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo over time and assume they’re typically even higher than conventional excursions you discover on Get Your Guide (although Arigato Travel is subsequent degree and the most effective 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, under are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct quantity of enjoyable:

Learn to Make Authentic Sushi with a Trained Chef

Sushi-making courses are widespread 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 be taught why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in a different way relying on type, and the way to pair substances to spotlight texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise performed within the morning so you possibly can have a filling and enjoyable breakfast expertise earlier than going out to discover Tokyo. I completely liked 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 might be 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 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 pals additionally run an unlimited Sake tasting class, which is the most effective Sake class I’ve performed in Tokyo. They go into unimaginable element about how sake is made and use numerous visuals so it’s very easy to grasp. It’s a small group of six, which made the Expertise actually personable. Should 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 wager it’s simply nearly as good).

Shinjuku Izakaya Tour

This expertise is comparable in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in one among Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is full of tiny izakaya spots, a lot 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 totally different kinds 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 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 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 via its tunnel of crimson torii gates, discover the outdated streets of Yanaka, and be taught 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 provides you a a lot clearer understanding of how Tokyo grew to become the town it’s at this time. I discovered loads from this tour.

Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour

Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does a fantastic job of exhibiting it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very below 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 strategy 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.

Organic matcha Tea Ceremony

This one-hour expertise is a good introduction to matcha and Japanese tea tradition. You’ll be taught concerning the historical past of matcha, its function in Japanese society, and the way 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 relaxed, 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 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 distinct type or strategy.
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 varieties, noodle textures, and toppings in a approach that’s simple to comply with. 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 basically fascinating. he tour additionally consists of visible examples of murals earlier than and after they had been created, which provides useful context. I feel it is likely one of the most fascinating and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and provides you a extremely good take a look at a facet of Japan most individuals don’t see!