Want to experience daily life in Tokyo, from the perspective of a local gourmand? 

Book a Tokyo ‘lifestyle tour’ to explore upper-class neighbourhoods such as Yoyogi Hachiman, which are less commonly visited by tourists. This is where you can uncover Tokyo’s best-kept culinary secrets, such as its gourmet chocolateries, artisanal bakeries, and award-winning restaurants. 

Have specific lifestyle interests or Tokyo attractions in mind? Feel free to customise a tour that is perfectly suited to your needs.

Book a Tokyo lifestyle tour with Michi Travel Japan

To hover above the world’s largest (and arguably coolest) metropolis, especially by night, is a surreal experience reminiscent of the original Blade Runner movie. After all, the 1982 cult classic did take inspiration from the sights and sounds of Tokyo!

Via Klook, you can easily book a 15-minute helicopter day ride, where you can see majestic Mount Fuji from a distance. For a touch of romance and intrigue, opt for a night flight to admire Tokyo in all its glittering glory. 

Prefer a longer helicopter ride, even up to two hours? Visit GetYourGuide to customise a tour. 

Do note that if you intend to scuba dive while in Tokyo, you may be at risk of delayed decompression sickness if you board a helicopter soon after. To be safe, be sure to schedule these experiences at least 24 hours apart.

Book a helicopter tour with Klook

Book a helicopter tour with GetYourGuide

Where’s the best place to learn how to make sushi? At a Michelin-starred Tokyo sushi restaurant, of course!

Opened in 2017 by veteran Japanese chef Kenji Owana, Sushi Owana has already reached the pinnacle of culinary success, by earning one Michelin star in 2020 and 2021.

With only the finest ingredients, and under the expert tutelage of Sushi Owana’s chefs, you'll learn the right way to make three types of sushi: makizushi (rolled sushi), nigiri sushi (thinly sliced fish on vinegared rice), and gunkan maki (boat-shaped sushi). 

Expect a full-on sensory experience, where you’ll grate fresh wasabi, inhale sharp herbal aromas, make sushi rolls using a bamboo mat, and use your hands to shape warm beds of sushi rice (called shari). 

Book a sushi making class at Sushi Owana

In Japan, ‘saké’ refers to any alcoholic drink, but the foreigner’s definition of saké is a little different—we’re actually talking about nihonshu, a Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

You can easily get a crash course on saké online, but nothing beats having a sommelier walk you through the nuances of saké tasting. Ninja Food Tours runs a saké tasting session where you will sample six high-quality saké brands from family-owned breweries, as well as learn how saké flavours are sensitive to temperature, and even the shape of a saké cup!

You’ll also receive guidance on the proper way to select and pair saké with food. To put your newfound skills to the test, be sure to select the dinner option, which includes a full-course Japanese meal.

Book a Tokyo saké tasting tour with Ninja Food Tours

Where will you find the best of Tokyo’s culinary talents? It depends on whom you ask.

However, you can’t go too far wrong by following the recommendations of Michelin-star chef Yoshihiro Narisawa (famed for his French-inspired cuisine)—this naturally includes his own Tokyo restaurant, Narisawa. Alternatively, use the Michelin or World’s Best 50 lists as your guide.

For an ultra-luxurious stay in Tokyo, book one of the five exclusive suites at BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel. It’s where glamour reaches its peak with a private penthouse lounge only for suite guests, and a ‘sky spa’ overlooking the Tokyo cityscape. 

Need help to plan your Tokyo escapade? Contact our friendly team today!