The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo is a type 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 utterly totally different worlds. (I do know as a result of I’ve visited about 10 instances 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 offer you 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 a whole lot of Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo through the years and assume they’re typically even higher than conventional excursions you discover on Get Your Guide (although Arigato Travel is subsequent stage and one of the best conventional tour firm within the metropolis so don’t miss out on them).

That will help you decide from the infinite Experiences you’ll find, beneath are my favourite in Tokyo that mix cultural immersion, hands-on studying, and simply the correct amount 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 accomplished 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 another way relying on type, and how one can pair components 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’ll be able to 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 associates present the very best 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 very 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 associates additionally run an unlimited Sake tasting class, which is one of the best Sake class I’ve accomplished 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. If you happen to take a Sake expertise, take this one. (Additionally they un a whiskey tasting experience that I haven’t accomplished this one but however I guess it’s simply pretty much as good).

Shinjuku Izakaya Tour

This expertise is analogous in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in one in every of Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is filled with 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 attempt totally 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 Walking Tour

This is without doubt one of the most academic experiences I’ve accomplished 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 via 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 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 town it’s right this moment. I discovered rather a lot from this tour.

Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour

Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an important job of exhibiting it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very below 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 strategy 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 find out how conventional Japanese sweets pair with espresso. It’s a very 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 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 relaxed, 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 outlets, every highlighting a special type or strategy.
You’ll find out about ramen’s origins, trendy tendencies, and regional variations whereas tasting the whole lot from basic bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. The information explains broth sorts, noodle textures, and toppings in a manner that’s simple to observe. 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 atmosphere is actually fascinating. he tour additionally contains visible examples of murals earlier than and after they have been created, which provides useful context. I believe it is without doubt one of the most fascinating and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and provides you a very good have a look at a aspect of Japan most individuals don’t see!