Tokyo is endlessly deep — you can visit many times and still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like different worlds. One of my favorite ways to explore is via Airbnb Experiences. Led by locals and long-term residents, these tours give you a front-row seat to Tokyo’s food culture, nightlife, history, and crafts in ways you rarely get on your own. I’ve done many over the years and often find them better than conventional tours. Here are eight favorites that combine cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and a lot of fun.
Learn to Make Authentic Sushi with a Trained Chef
This sushi-making class takes place in an omakase restaurant and is led by a sushi master or apprentice. You’ll learn not just how to shape rice or slice fish, but why certain cuts matter, how rice is seasoned differently by style, and how to pair ingredients to highlight texture and flavor. It’s hands-on, approachable, and usually a small morning group so you can enjoy a filling, educational breakfast before exploring Tokyo.
Shibuya Nightlife with Unlimited Drinks
My favorite nightlife tour in Tokyo. The host and friends take you to 3–4 untouristy izakaya spots filled with locals, and you get unlimited food and drinks. Guides are outgoing, entertaining, explain izakaya culture, and often stay beyond the scheduled time. The same hosts also run a fantastic unlimited sake tasting class (and a whiskey tasting experience), which dives deep into how sake is made with clear visuals and a personable small-group setting.
Shinjuku Izakaya Tour
Similar in spirit to the Shibuya tour but set in Shinjuku’s dense nightlife hub. Yuma, a knowledgeable sake sommelier, leads you to tiny local izakaya — many hidden in narrow alleyways or upstairs rooms — explaining izakaya culture, menu reading, what to order, and how locals typically eat and drink. It’s social, relaxed, and great for experiencing Shinjuku without feeling lost.
Historic Tokyo Walking Tour
One of the most educational walks I’ve done. Rather than focusing on the busiest tourist spots, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain a strong connection to Tokyo’s past. The host is a lecturer in Japanese history and traditional culture. You’ll visit places like Nezu Shrine, wander its tunnel of torii gates, explore Yanaka’s old streets, and learn about the Edo period, the Meiji Restoration, and how samurai roles changed as Japan modernized. The 2.5-hour pace never feels rushed.
Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour
Tokyo has a growing coffee scene, and this tour showcases it well. You’ll explore Jimbocho and Kanda — under-visited neighborhoods — and learn about both old-school kissaten and modern specialty cafés. The guide covers brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and how Japan developed a meticulous approach to coffee. Visits include historic cafés, third-wave shops, and wagashi stores to learn how traditional sweets pair with coffee.
Organic Matcha Tea Ceremony
A calm, traditional one-hour introduction to matcha and Japanese tea culture. You’ll learn about matcha’s history, its place in society, and how to recognize quality. The host walks you through the traditional preparation step by step, and you’ll whisk and taste authentic matcha in a serene setting that contrasts Tokyo’s bustling streets. Short but memorable.
Tokyo Ramen Tour
Ramen is a devotion here, and this roughly three-hour tour helps you understand why. You’ll visit multiple shops showcasing different styles, from classic bowls to experimental and fusion approaches. The guide explains broth types, noodle textures, and toppings so you know what you’re tasting. Come hungry — this tour fills you up.
Shibuya and Harajuku Street Art Tour
This takes you through Shibuya and Harajuku to find murals and installations tucked in alleyways and less obvious spaces. Street art in Tokyo is quieter and more underground than in many cities, so learning where it’s allowed and how the culture thrives in restrictive conditions is fascinating. The tour often includes before-and-after visuals of murals, giving helpful context and showing a side of Japan most visitors miss.
Final notes
There are many Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo and I’m likely missing some great ones, but these eight are a solid start. Try at least one while you’re in town — many conventional tours feel cookie-cutter, while these offer more personality and local insight.
Book Your Trip to Tokyo: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights; it searches many sites and airlines worldwide.
Book Your Accommodation
Hostelworld has the biggest hostel inventory and best deals. For guesthouses and budget hotels, Booking.com often returns the cheapest rates. For recommendations, check lists of favorite hostels and hotels and a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. My favorite providers:
– SafetyWing (for most travelers under 70)
– Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
– Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for Money-Saving Travel Companies?
See a resource page listing recommended services and discounts used while traveling.
If you’ll travel around Japan, consider the Japan Rail Pass (7-, 14-, or 21-day passes) — it can save a lot on intercity travel.
Want More Information on Tokyo?
Check a robust destination guide for more planning tips and neighborhood info.
