Top 8 Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of those cities that feels endlessly profound. Even if you visit dozens of times, you’ll still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like a whole other world. (I know this because I’ve already been there about 10 times!)

One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is through 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 a way you rarely get when wandering around on your own. I’ve done a lot of Airbnb experiences in Tokyo over the years, and I think these are much better than the traditional tours you can find on Get Your Guide. (Arigato Travel is the next step up and the city’s best traditional travel agency, so don’t miss it.)

To help you choose from the many experiences you can find, here are some of my favorite experiences in Tokyo that combine cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and just the right amount of fun.

Learn how to make authentic sushi with an experienced chef

Sushi-making classes are common in Tokyo, but this Airbnb experience stands out because it takes place at an omakase restaurant. These classes are taught by a sushi master (or his apprentice). It’s not just about learning how to cook rice or cut fish. Learn why certain cuts are important, how chefs season rice differently depending on their style, and how ingredients are combined to emphasize texture and flavor. The classes are hands-on and incredibly accessible. This is a small group experience in the morning, so you’ll be well-fed and enjoy a delightful breakfast before heading out to explore Tokyo. I really liked it.

Shibuya nightlife with unlimited drinks

this is my favorite Tokyo nightlife tour. Host Suemi and her friends will give you the best time. This Shibuya nightlife tour takes you to 3-4 izakayas that are very old-fashioned and have no local presence. You can enjoy unlimited food and drinks and it is a really nice experience. My guide Shugo was outgoing, spoke English, handled large group dynamics well, was pleasant, explained the culture of the izakaya restaurant in detail, and stayed until the end of the Experienced. He was great!

Suemi and her friends also run unlimited sake tasting classes, which were some of the best sake classes I’ve taken in Tokyo. They explain in incredible detail how sake is made and use lots of visuals so it’s really easy to understand. Being a small group of 6 people made the experience truly unique. If you experience sake, be sure to try it. (They also have a whiskey tasting experience, which I haven’t done yet, but I’m sure it would be just as good).

Shinjuku Izakaya Tour

This experience is similar in spirit to the Shibuya Nightlife Tour, but set in one of Tokyo’s other major nightlife hubs. Shinjuku is filled with small izakaya places, many of which are hidden in narrow alleys or upstairs spaces that you can’t enter on your own. On this tour, Yuma (a knowledgeable sake sommelier) takes you to a few of these small local spots and shows you how izakaya culture really works.

During your trip, you’ll sample different styles of sake and learn how to read menus, how to order, and how locals typically drink and eat in this environment. Yuma is outgoing, fun, and very good at explaining things clearly without overwhelming you. It’s sociable and relaxed, and it’s a great way to experience Shinjuku’s nightlife without getting lost or intimidated.

Historic Tokyo Walking Tour

This was one of the most educational experiences I had in Tokyo. Instead of focusing on the typical tourist areas, this tour explores quieter neighborhoods that retain strong connections to the city’s past. The host is an instructor who specializes in Japanese history and traditional culture, and the depth of information shared throughout the walk is truly impressive.

You’ll visit places like Nezu Shrine, walk through red torii gate tunnels, 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 two-and-a-half hour walk that’s never rushed and will give you a much clearer understanding of how Tokyo became the city it is today. I learned a lot from this tour.

Tokyo Coffee Culture Tour

Tokyo has a burgeoning coffee culture and this tour showcases it to you. Explore the less visited areas of Jimbocho and Kanda, learning about old teahouses and modern specialty cafes. You’ll learn brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and how Japan developed its meticulous approach to coffee.

The tour includes visits to historic cafes, specialty shops that dominate Tokyo’s third wave, and wagashi shops where you can learn how traditional Japanese sweets go well with coffee. A truly thoughtful and unique afternoon experience.

Organic Matcha Tea Ceremony

This one-hour experience is a great introduction to matcha and Japanese tea culture. You will learn about the history of matcha, its role in Japanese society, and how to distinguish between high-quality matcha and low-grade matcha. Your host will guide you step by step through the traditional preparation process. You can whip up and taste authentic matcha in a quiet, traditional setting that feels like you’re away from the busy streets of Tokyo. It’s short but memorable, and will give you a much deeper appreciation of what you can see around Japan while traveling.

Tokyo Ramen Tour

Ramen is synonymous with Japanese food. This tour will help you understand why ramen inspires such devotion. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll visit several ramen shops, each emphasizing a different style or approach.
You’ll learn about ramen’s origins, modern trends, and regional variations as you taste everything from classic bowls to more experimental or fusion styles. The guide provides easy-to-follow explanations of broth types, noodle textures, and toppings. This tour will fill you up, so come hungry!

Shibuya and Harajuku Street Art Tour

This tour takes you through Shibuya and Harajuku to see murals and installations hidden in alleyways and less conspicuous spaces. Street art has a much quieter, more underground vibe in Tokyo (Japanese people aren’t very fond of murals on buildings). So it will be really interesting to learn where street art is allowed and how the culture thrives in such a restrictive environment. The tour also includes visual examples before and after the creation of the mural, providing helpful context. I think this is one of the most interesting and unique Airbnb experiences and a really great opportunity to see a side of Japan that most people don’t get to see!

There are a lot of Airbnb experiences in Tokyo, and while they may be missing a few truly great experiences (I’m only one person, after all), these eight experiences will get you off to a good start. Most traditional organized tours are all cliche experiences, so try at least one when you’re in Tokyo. Airbnb tours are much more fun!