The 8 Best Airbnb Experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of those cities that seems endlessly deep. You could visit dozens of times and still discover new food stalls, hidden shrines, late-night bars, quirky subcultures, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different worlds. (I know because I’ve been there about 10 times already!)

One of my favorite ways to explore Tokyo is through an Airbnb. 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 you tour on your own. I’ve done a lot of Airbnb experiences in Tokyo over the years and I think they are often better than the traditional tours you find Get your guide (Nevertheless Arigato Travel They are next level and the best traditional tour company in town so don’t miss them).

To help you choose from the endless 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 a trained chef

Sushi-making classes are common in Tokyo, but this Airbnb experience stands out because it takes place in an omakase restaurant. This class is taught by a sushi master (or his student). You don’t just learn how to shape rice or fillet fish; You’ll learn why certain cuts are important, how chefs season rice differently depending on style, and how to combine ingredients to highlight texture and flavor. The class is surprisingly practical and accessible. It’s a small group experience that takes place in the morning so you can have a fun and enjoyable breakfast experience before heading out to explore Tokyo. I absolutely loved it.

Nightlife in Shibuya with unlimited drinks

This is my country favorite Tokyo nightlife tour. Host Suemi and her friends are having the best time ever. This Shibuya nightlife tour takes you to 3-4 izakaya areas that are not very touristy and full of locals. You get unlimited food and drinks which is a really great experience. My guide, Shogo, was outgoing, spoke English, handled large group dynamics well, was entertaining, explained the izakaya culture in detail, and stayed in the past when the experience was over. It was great!

In addition, Suemi and her friends also manage Unlimited sake tasting classAnd it’s the best sake class I’ve had in Tokyo. They go into amazing detail about how sake is made and use a lot of visuals, so it’s really easy to understand. It’s a small group of six people, which made the experience really great. If you’ve ever tried sake, give this a try. (They are also A Whiskey tasting experience I haven’t done this yet but I bet it’s pretty good.)

Shinjuku Izakaya Tour

This experience is similar in spirit to a Shibuya nightlife tour but is located in one of Tokyo’s other major nightlife hubs. The Shinjuku area is full of small izakaya locations, many of which are hidden in narrow alleys or upstairs spaces that you would never think of entering on your own. On this tour, Yuma (a knowledgeable sake sommelier) takes you to many of these small local spots and walks you through how izakaya culture 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 confusing you. It’s social, relaxing and a great way to enjoy Shinjuku nightlife without feeling lost or intimidated.

Historical walking tour of Tokyo

This is one of the most educational experiences I have had in Tokyo. Instead of focusing on the usual tourist areas, this tour explores the 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 trip.

You’ll visit places like Nezu Shrine, walk through the Red Torii Gates Tunnel, explore the ancient 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 trip that never feels rushed and gives 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 thriving coffee scene and this tour does a great job of showing you that. Explore Jimbocho and Kanda, two less-visited neighborhoods, for both old-school kisaten and modern specialty cafés. You’ll learn about brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and how Japan developed such a precise approach to coffee.

The tour includes visits to historic teahouses, specialty shops leading Tokyo’s Third Wave movement, and even wagashi shops where you’ll learn how traditional Japanese sweets are paired with coffee. It is a thoughtful and unique afternoon experience.

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 differentiate between high-quality matcha and lower-quality varieties. The host guides you through the traditional preparation process step by step. You’ll whisk and taste authentic matcha in a tranquil, traditional setting that feels worlds away from the busy streets of Tokyo. It’s short but memorable, and gives you a much deeper appreciation for something you’ll see everywhere while traveling in Japan.

Tokyo Ramen Tour

Ramen is synonymous with Japanese food, and this tour helps you understand why it inspires such devotion. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll visit several ramen shops, each highlighting a different style or approach.
You’ll learn about ramen’s origins, modern trends, and regional variations as you sample everything from classic dishes to experimental or fusion styles. The guide explains broth types, pasta textures, and toppings in an easy-to-follow way. Come hungry because this tour will fill you up completely!

Shibuya and Harajuku Street Art Tour

This tour takes you through Shibuya and Harajuku to see murals and installations hidden in alleyways and less obvious spaces. Street art is a quieter, more underground scene in Tokyo (the Japanese aren’t too keen on murals on their buildings) so learning about where it’s allowed and how the culture thrives in such a restricted environment is really interesting. The tour also includes visual examples of the murals before and after they were created, adding useful context. I think it’s one of the most interesting and unique Airbnb experiences and gives you a really good look at a side of Japan that most people don’t see!

There are a lot of Airbnb experiences in Tokyo and I know I’m probably missing some really great 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 because most traditional organized tours are all cookie-cutter experiences. These Airbnb tours are more fun!