Tokyo is one of those cities that seems infinitely deep. You can visit a dozen times and discover new food stalls, hidden sanctuaries, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different worlds. (I know because I’ve visited about 10 times already!)
One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is with an Airbnb experience. Led by locals and long-time residents, these tours give you a front-row seat to Tokyo’s food culture, nightlife, history, and crafts in a way you rarely get when wandering around alone. I’ve done many Airbnb experiences in Tokyo over the years and I think they are often even better than the traditional tours you find. Get your guide (However Tourism is the next level and best traditional travel agency in town, so don’t miss them).
To help you choose from the countless experiences you can find, here are my favorites in Tokyo that combine cultural immersion, hands-on learning and just the right amount of fun:
Learn to prepare authentic sushi with a qualified chef Sushi-making classes are common in Tokyo, but this Airbnb experience stands out because it takes place in an omakase restaurant. This course is taught by a sushi master (or his apprentice). You don’t just learn how to shape rice or slice fish; You’ll learn why certain cuts are important, how chefs season rice differently depending on style, and how to pair ingredients to highlight texture and flavor. The course is practical and surprisingly accessible. This is a small-group experience done in the morning so you can enjoy a filling and fun breakfast experience before heading out to explore Tokyo. I really loved it.
Book here! Shibuya Nightlife with Unlimited Drinks This is my favorite Tokyo nightlife tour. The host, Suemi, and her friends provide the best time possible. This Shibuya night tour takes you to 3-4 izakaya places that are very untouristed and full of locals. You get unlimited food and drinks and it really is a great experience. My guide, Shugo, was outgoing, spoke conversational English, handled large group dynamics well, was entertaining, explained izakaya restaurant culture in detail, and stayed at the end of the experience. He was awesome!
Additionally, Suemi and her friends also run a Unlimited sake tasting classwhich is the best sake class I took in Tokyo. They explain in detail how sake is made and use lots of visuals to make it really easy to understand. It’s a small group of six people, which made the experience really enjoyable. If you have a sake experience, go for this. (They also have a whiskey tasting experience I haven’t made this one yet but I bet it’s just as good).
Book here! Shinjuku izakaya tour This experience is similar in spirit to the Shibuya Night Tour, but takes place in one of Tokyo’s other main nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is full of tiny izakaya spots, many of which are hidden in narrow alleyways or upstairs spaces you’d never think to enter alone. On this tour, Yuma (an experienced sake sommelier) takes you to several of these small local places and explains how izakaya culture really works.
You’ll try different styles of sake along the way and learn how to read menus, what to order, and how locals typically drink and eat in these settings. Yuma is outgoing, fun, and very good at explaining things clearly without overwhelming you. It’s social, relaxed and a great way to experience Shinjuku’s nightlife without feeling lost or intimidated.
Book here! Tokyo Historical Walking Tour It was one of the most educational experiences I had in Tokyo. Instead of focusing on the usual tourist areas, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain a strong connection to the city’s past. The host is a lecturer specializing in Japanese history and traditional culture, and it really shows in the depth of information shared throughout the walk.
You’ll visit places like Nezu Shrine, walk through its tunnel of red torii gates, explore the old streets of Yanaka, and learn about the Edo period, the Meiji Restoration, and how the role of the samurai changed as Japan modernized. It’s a 2.5-hour walk that never feels rushed and gives you a better understanding of how Tokyo became the city it is today. I learned a lot from this tour.
Book here! Tokyo Coffee Cultural Tour Tokyo has a thriving coffee scene and this tour does a great job of showing it to you. You explore Jimbocho and Kanda, two little-visited neighborhoods, to learn about old-fashioned kissaten and modern specialty cafes. You’ll learn about brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and how Japan developed such a meticulous approach to coffee.
The tour includes visits to historic cafes, specialty shops leading Tokyo’s third wave movement, and even wagashi shops where you’ll learn how traditional Japanese treats pair with coffee. It’s a truly thoughtful and unique afternoon experience.
Book here! Organic Matcha Tea Ceremony This one-hour experience is a great introduction to Japanese matcha and tea culture. You’ll learn about the history of matcha, its role in Japanese society, and how to distinguish high-quality matcha from lower-quality varieties. The host guides you step by step through the traditional preparation process. You’ll whisk and taste authentic matcha in a quiet, traditional setting, far from the busy streets of Tokyo. It’s short but memorable, and it gives you a much deeper appreciation for something you’ll see everywhere when traveling to Japan.
Book here! Tokyo Ramen Tour Ramen is synonymous with Japanese cuisine and this tour helps you understand why it inspires such devotion. Over the course of approximately three hours, you’ll visit several ramen shops, each featuring a different style or approach.
You’ll learn about ramen’s origins, modern trends, and regional variations while tasting everything from classic bowls to more experimental or fusion styles. The guide explains broth types, noodle textures, and toppings in an easy-to-follow way. Come hungry because this tour will absolutely satisfy you!
Book here! Street Art Tour in Shibuya and Harajuku This tour takes you through Shibuya and Harajuku to discover murals and installations hidden in alleyways and less obvious spaces. Street art is a much quieter, underground scene in Tokyo (the Japanese aren’t too keen on murals on their buildings), so learning where it’s allowed and how the culture thrives in such a restrictive environment is really interesting. The tour also includes visual examples of murals before and after they were created, which adds useful context. I think this is one of the most interesting and unique Airbnb experiences and gives you a really great insight into a side of Japan that most people don’t see!
Book here!
*** There are plenty of Airbnb experiences in Tokyo and I know I’m probably missing some really good ones (after all, I’m only one person), but these eight will give you a good start. Try to do at least one when you’re in Tokyo, as most conventional tour packages are all cookie-cutter experiences. These Airbnb tours are way more fun!
Book your trip to Tokyo: logistical tips and tricks Book your flight
To use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. This is my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world. So you always know that nothing is left to chance.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld because they have the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Reservation.com because they consistently offer the cheapest rates for budget guesthouses and hotels.
For places to stay, check out my article on my favorite hostels in Tokyo. If you want to stay in a hotel, check out this list of favorites.
And, for a district by district distribution of Tokyo, look at this post.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. This is complete protection in case something goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I have had to use it several times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Security wing (for anyone under 70 years old) Insure my trip (for those over 70) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everyone I use to save money when I’m on the go. They will also save you money when you travel.
Be sure to check out the Japanese Rail Pass if you are traveling across the country. It is available in 7, 14 and 21 day passes and can save you a lot of money!
Want more information about Tokyo?
Be sure to visit my robust destination guide to Tokyo for even more planning tips!