Tokyo is a kind of cities that feels endlessly deep. You’ll be able to go to a dozen occasions 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 occasions already!)
One among 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 approach you not often get when wandering by yourself. I’ve carried out lots 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 choose from the countless Experiences you will discover, under 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 frequent in Tokyo however this Airbnb Expertise stands out as a result of it’s carried out 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 easy methods to pair elements to spotlight texture and taste. The category is hands-on and surprisingly approachable. It’s a small group expertise carried out 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 best possible time. This Shibuya nightlife tour one takes you to 3-4 izakaya spots which can 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 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 carried out in Tokyo. They go into unimaginable element about how sake is made and use lots of visuals so it’s very easy to grasp. 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 carried out 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 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 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 completely different kinds 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 likely one of the most academic experiences I’ve carried out in Tokyo. As a substitute of specializing in the same old 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 exhibits 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 pink torii gates, discover the previous streets of Yanaka, and be taught in regards to 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 turned the town it’s immediately. 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 displaying 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 in regards to the historical past of matcha, its function 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 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 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 unique type or strategy.
You’ll study ramen’s origins, fashionable traits, and regional variations whereas tasting all the pieces from traditional bowls to extra experimental or fusion kinds. The information explains broth sorts, noodle textures, and toppings in a approach that’s straightforward 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 setting is admittedly attention-grabbing. 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 attention-grabbing and distinctive Airbnb Experiences and provides you a extremely good take a look at a aspect of Japan most individuals don’t see!
There’s lots 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 gives you an excellent begin. Attempt to do no less than one once you’re in Tokyo as a result of most standard organized excursions are all cookie cutter experiences. These Airbnb excursions are far more enjoyable!
Guide Your Journey to Tokyo: Logistical Suggestions and Methods
Guide 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 at all times know no stone is left unturned.
Guide Your Lodging
You’ll be able to ebook your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the most important stock and finest offers. If you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, use Booking.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low cost inns.
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 record of favorites.
And, for a neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of Tokyo, take a look at this publish.
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will defend you in opposition to sickness, harm, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes mistaken. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many occasions prior to now. My favourite firms that supply one of the best service and worth are:
On the lookout for the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my useful resource web page for one of the best firms to make use of once you journey. I record all those I take advantage of to economize once I’m on the highway. They are going to prevent cash once you journey too.
Remember to take a look at the Japan Rail Pass if you happen to’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?
Remember to go to my sturdy vacation spot information on Tokyo for much more planning ideas!
Source link
