Top Tokyo Unique Experiences

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways—a small group of no more than eight people means that you can easily access tiny bars with just a few seats. Between drinks and snacks (included) your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Tour one of the world’s largest seafood markets with a guide as you learn how fish is caught, distributed, and sold. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.

Take a fascinating 'deep dive' into Japanese seafood cuisine during this combination walking tour of Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and cooking class. Shop for the freshest ingredients amidst the labyrinth-style aisles of Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, showcasing everything from sushi-grade tuna to octopus tentacles. Then head to the largest gourmet cooking school in Asia as you learn to prepare traditional-style ‘washoku’ food items like sushi and a Japanese omelet. An English-speaking guide, transport, cooking ingredients and tools, and lunch with a beverage are all included.

-our instrctor has more than 10 years experience in Battodo (swordsmanship) -plus acquired silver medal once, bronze medal twice in the all Japan championship during the past 3 years. -our instructor is bilingual in English and Japanese, he explains participants about not solely key points culture and history of samurai and classical martial arts. == -Guided by an instructor swordsman with more than 10 years of experience -Demonstration by instructor swordsman with more than 10 years of experience -Experience using real swords used in the past -The only serious facility in Asakusa

Enjoy the perfect sushi-lover’s experience during this visit to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, followed by a sushi-making class led by master instructor and lunch. Get lost in the labyrinth of seafood stalls with your guide at the world’s largest seafood market, then head to your cooking workshop, where you learn to make sushi favorites including rolls and nigiri alongside your class of Tokyo locals. Your combined Tsukiji and sushi-making class also includes subway transport to the market.

Raise your sword like a true samurai warrior during this flexible-length training session in Tokyo. Discover the samurai practice of ‘Kenbu Tachibana Ittoryu’ style, a special sword performance that’s been around for more than 80 years. During your class you’ll don a samurai outfit and train with the ‘katana’ (single-edge samurai sword) and enjoy a photo shoot to help commemorate your experience. Your outfit rental, an instructor and photo and video footage from the session are included.

In 4 hours, you will experience Japanese culture and hospitality at home. Experiences include origami, handmade udon, Japanese food, sushi and tempura. Experience matcha and Japanese sweets after meals. We make with you. Drinks (sake, beer, shochu and soft drinks) are free. As a souvenir, Keiko writes your name on colored paper in calligraphy. Through this experience, you will become a member of your home (homecoming TAKA) and make friends all over the world. The next time you visit our home, we welcome you as a family!

Learn the ancient arts of the ninja during this fun-filled introduction to key ninja techniques, culture and weapons. Get suited up in an authentic ‘ninja gi’ outfit as you begin your mental and physical training with an instructor in the ways of the ninja. Among the skills you’ll learn during your session are meditation and ‘Kuja-kiri’ (well-wishing), the ‘Embu’ (ancestor dedication) and an introduction to ninja weapons like the blowgun and ‘shruiken’ (ninja star), among others. You’ll also gain a newfound appreciation for key ninja philosophies like protecting others, community and freedom and have plenty of time for photo-taking at the end.

Orient yourself on your first day in Tokyo, and see the city through the eyes of a local. During this customized tour with your personal host, learn how to navigate and use Tokyo’s transport system. Choose from the city’s most famous attractions, or explore up-and-coming neighborhoods. Understand cultural practices, find the best places to eat, and get advice on Tokyo’s nightlife scene.

Learn to make two styles of sushi during a cooking lesson that ends with a delicious sushi lunch. Your sushi chef-instructor shows you how to prepare ‘gunkan maki’ and ‘nigiri’ sushi with simple utensils that help you easily make sushi. Hear insightful commentary from the instructor throughout the lesson, then enjoy the meal that you helped to prepare. Upgrade your experience to include a sake or tea tasting session (additional cost).

Refine your cooking skills and enrich your knowledge of Japanese cuisine during a kaiseki ryouri (haute cuisine) cookery class in Tokyo. In a small group, limited to a maximum of 10 people, prepare up to eight different dishes featuring Wagyu beef, Japanese vegetables, and traditional seasonings. Then, sit down to feast on the fruits of your labors, accompanied by sake and green tea.

See Tokyo like a local with this trip around town, complete with a local host. You'll get to visit many of the city's top attractions and off-the-beaten-track gems, with stops to eat and drink at local cafes. Your guide will also be on hand to give you advice and recommendations as you plan for the rest of your trip.  

Master the basic techniques of Japan’s most famous food during a 3-hour sushi making class in Tokyo. In a small group limited to ten, you’ll prepare sushi fillings and toppings, such as fish, soup stock, and sushi rice, before rolling three varieties of sushi. Then, feast on the fruits of your labors accompanied by grated wasabi, miso soup, and green tea.  

Get acquainted with a real-life geisha during a cultural experience in Tokyo. An intimate encounter designed for travelers interested in Japanese culture, this tour includes a geisha performance, traditionally featuring songs, dances, and games, and refreshments such as tea and sweets. Learn about the history of the geisha and upgrade to include lunch and unlimited drinks.

Learn the Japanese art of archery with this experience in Tokyo. Put on a traditional uniform and try your hand at kyudo (archery) under the instruction of a guide. Get matched with a bow and arrows for your height and practice shooting at a straw bale. Move on to the shooting range and get advice for improving your technique.

Chado, a tea ceremony that has roots in Zen, was established in Japan more than 400 years ago. Its fundamental form and style has never changed, and there are still many people studying and enjoying the culture worldwide. A Tea room is a space in which people experience mindfulness, and the tea-making process provides spiritual discipline. This is a chado school licensed from Urasenke Chado School in Kyoto, one of the biggest chado schools in the world. Ms. Mika Soka Haneishi, the owner of the school is a first degree instructor of Urasenke. She has been practicing Chado for over 23 years. This is not tourism—it is rather an immersion in culture.

Understanding Tokyo can seem like an impossible wish for foreign travelers. Take the mystery out of your visit on this guided tour with a local. Before your tour, your guide contacts you to get a feel for what interests you. On your customized tour, they take you to see the city's must-see sites, as well as underexplored local neighborhoods and hidden gems. Along the way, they share insights into local life giving you a better sense of Tokyo culture.

Roll your way to an afternoon of fun during this 2-hour sushi-making class taught by a professional chef. Don the traditional ‘happi’ coat worn by sushi chefs as you learn the skills and history of the sushi-making trade. Learn about the origins of sushi and watch a master at work preparing fresh fish. Then follow the instruction of your chef instructor as you prepare 2 rolls of sushi and 8 nigiri. Enjoy the fruit of your efforts for lunch, accompanied by a beef hotpot. A souvenir sushi-making certificate is also included.

Become a real ninja for the day during this 60-minute experience at the Jidai Academy Dojo in Tokyo. If you’ve ever want to learn about the techniques and culture of the ninja, this entry-level class is a great starting point. Don a real-life ‘ninja gi’ outfit to begin your training, making sure to pose for a few photos first. Among the skills you’ll learn are meditation and ‘Kuja-kiri’ (well-wishing), the ‘Embu’ (ancestor dedication) and an introduction to ninja weapons like the blowgun and ‘shruiken’ (ninja star), among others. You’ll also discover the ninja philosophy of ‘ku’ or no-self, focusing on minimizing conflict.

Follow a knowledgeable guide through one of the world’s largest fish markets during this food tour of east Tokyo. Start with a stroll around the outer Tsukiji Market, and taste specialty foods and drinks such as Japanese omelettes, sushi, fried fish cakes, sake, and tea—enough to add up to lunch. Then continue on to the Asakusa district to sample sweets at a cafe. You'll experience Japanese culture through its food, just like the locals do.

Master the basics of home-cooked Japanese cuisine in a comfortable setting. Head to the instructor’s own home for hands-on cooking lessons and learn how to prepare a meal from scratch, with one main dish plus two sides. Choose from Japanese classics like deep-fried chicken or seaweed-wrapped sushi rolls, and partake in the time-honored art of cuisine in the capital—then dine on your home-prepared delicacies.

Savor authentic Tokyo food on this "izakaya" tour of Sangenjaya, a vibrant neighborhood that’s away from the city tourist trail. You’ll tour the Japanese pubs, known as izakaya, where after-work drinkers and friends go to socialize over local snacks and beer. Giving you an insight into Tokyo culture, the experience is perfect for those looking for a taste of local life with delicious Japanese food that won’t be found on any tourist menus.

You’ll explore Shinjuku with one of our friendly hosts, sampling different varieties of Japanese rice wine - better known as sake! Whether you’d prefer a tiny izakaya (traditional Japanese bar, which actually means ‘stay in sake shop’) or a standing bar (a tachinomiya) where only 10 can squeeze in at a time, the choice is yours! Discover the different temperatures, varieties and ways of enjoying sake with your host! Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You'll also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Learn how to make a variety of Japanese tofu dishes in a comprehensive cooking class. This inclusive experience can be customized for vegans, vegetarians, or specific allergies/dietary preferences. Enjoy walking through a shopping arcade with your teacher, before starting a cooking class. At the end, you’ll enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch of the dishes you’ve created.