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 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.

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.

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.

Indulge your inner foodie and learn to make ramen and gyoza like a pro with this cooking class in Tokyo. After visiting a local market and heading to a spacious kitchen, enjoy a hands-on experience with a local chef and discover how to prepare the perfect noodle soup (ramen) and minced pork dumplings (gyoza). Then, savor your creation in a fun atmosphere.

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic drink that’s also known as rice wine. It can be tricky as an outsider to know which type of sake to order, and what the difference is between terms such as “junmai” and “junmai ginjo”. Eliminate language barriers, and boost your sake knowledge by having a tasting session with a sake sommelier in Tokyo. Try three types of sake with detailed explanations of the best way to drink them, and tasty snacks included.

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.

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.

Visit an area that few people gain access to these days, on this interesting day trip to Fukushima from Tokyo. See where the tsunami hit in 2011, and the former residential zones that are now abandoned. Travel to within 12 miles (20 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, damaged during the earthquake, but stay safe with the help and knowledge of your guide.

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.  

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.

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.

Step into the shoes of a traditional samurai warrior during this photoshoot in Tokyo. Choose from seven different 'kacchu' designs, the Japanese samurai armor, including some worn by famous warriors such as Date Masamune. Strike a pose with a spear or sword while the professional photographer snaps away; you'll take home digital copies of your favorites.

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.

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.

Tokyo is known for its incredible food and culinary expertise. Make the most of your Japan trip by having a private cooking class, and learning tips that you can use at home. By having a private cooking class, you can ask questions along the way, and learn at your own pace. Your Japanese local teacher will show you how to make several authentic home-cooked dishes, and you can eat them when you’ve finished too.

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.

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.  

Most culinary tours in Japan only cover classics like ramen and udon, but you discover out-of-the-box treats during this adventure lovers’ food crawl. Meet an expert foodie for a daring expedition through the savory streets of Ginza, packed with local eateries. Get a taste of only-in-Japan delicacies like blowfish (fugu) and horse meat, while also making time for standbys like sushi and yakitori.

Explore the izakaya bars of the Ueno, Shinbashi or Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo with an expert local guide. Your 2-hour tour takes you into popular local spots that most visitors never see. Delve into the heart of Japan’s izakaya — a casual bar that serves up small plates of delicious Japanese fare (think tapas). Your guide translates the menus and helps you to choose a range of tasty food and drinks at three different venues. Don’t miss this chance to experience local culture and food traditions firsthand.

Samurai fans—this is the one for you! Be a Samurai warrior for an hour on this unique Samurai Armor Photo Studio experience. You won’t have to bring anything with you as all Samurai armor is provided. Choose your favorite color and style of armor and helmet, then get ready for a professional photo shoot with props, such as swords or spears. You’ll learn fascinating insights about Samurai, and after the shoot, you’ll receive a Samurai license, a t-shirt, and an SD card with copies of your photos.

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.

Learn to draw manga from a professional manga artist in Nakano. During this class, use the manga tools provided to you, such as screen tone, manga pens and ink and manga paper. Whether you're just starting out or a practicing manga artist who would like to hone your skills, the instructor will tailor their teaching to your skills. Take home your completed piece of art as a souvenir.