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 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 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 accomplished numerous Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo over time and assume they’re typically 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 countless Experiences you’ll find, beneath 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 learn to form rice or slice fish; you study why sure cuts matter, how cooks season rice in another way relying on fashion, and how you can pair elements 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 possibly can 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 pals 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 massive 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 pals additionally run a limiteless Sake tasting class, which is the perfect Sake class I’ve accomplished in Tokyo. They go into unimaginable element about how sake is made and use numerous 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. (In addition 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 comparable in spirit to the Shibuya nightlife tour however set in one among Tokyo’s different main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is filled with tiny izakaya spots, a lot of them hidden in slim 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 best way and learn 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 among 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 powerful 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 knowledge shared all through the stroll.

You’ll go to locations like Nezu Shrine, stroll by way of its tunnel of crimson 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 town it’s at the moment. I realized quite a bit from this tour.

Tokyo Espresso Tradition Tour

Tokyo has an burgeoning espresso scene and this tour does an incredible job of displaying it to you. You discover Jimbocho and Kanda, two very beneath visited neighborhoods, to study each old-school kissaten and trendy specialty cafés. You’ll study brewing strategies, 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 very 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 study in regards to the historical past of matcha, its position in Japanese society, and how you can 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 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 in all places 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 fashion or strategy.
You’ll study ramen’s origins, trendy developments, and regional variations whereas tasting all the pieces from basic bowls to extra experimental or fusion types. 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 Avenue Artwork Tour

This tour takes you thru Shibuya and Harajuku to see murals and installations hidden in alleyways and fewer apparent areas. Avenue 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 attention-grabbing. he tour additionally consists of 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 offers you a very good have a look at a aspect of Japan most individuals don’t see!

 
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There’s numerous Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo and I do know I’m most likely I’m lacking some actually nice ones (In any case, I’m just one individual) however these eight will provide you with begin. Attempt to do not less than one once you’re in Tokyo as a result of most typical organized excursions are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb excursions are far more enjoyable!