5 cultural experiences to book in Tokyo

Most visitors to Tokyo love it for the food, drink and lightspeed city rhythm, and sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to plan what to do in the Japanese capital. From cosy cat-filled temples to gourmet expeditions, discover the best things to do in Tokyo below and make it a trip you’ll never forget.

1. Neko mania

Wander a little further off the beaten path on this tour and you’ll discover Gotokuji, an ancient Buddhist temple filled with thousands of cats. The story goes that a cat once invited a feudal lord into the temple – luckily helping him to avoid a thunderstorm. Since then, the maneki-neko (a fortune cat statue with its paw raised) has become synonymous with Gotokuji and cats are even carved into the wooden architecture of the building. Let a tour guide take you through the tranquil Setagaya complex to meet its many feline residents.

2. Stay golden

Navigating Tokyo’s nightlife is a mammoth task, but this three-hour tour takes the stress out of it. Diving headfirst into Shinjuku’s winding network of izakayas, the tour will take you to areas like Golden Gai – a neighbourhood tightly packed with small, cozy bars – and Omoide-Yokocho, where salarymen can be found demolishing yakitori skewers and pints of beer. Naturally, you’ll also be taken to red light district Kabukicho.

3. Wheel and deal

Japanese ceramics are known for their stunning craftsmanship and make for beautiful souvenirs for your loved ones. Add deeper meaning to your gifts by creating your own, under the guidance of the experts at Uzumako Ceramic Art School with a Japanese pottery trial class . Located just a stone’s throw from Tokyo Tower, even beginners can participate in this class and take home something handcrafted. 

4. Pinkies up

Love indulging in a cup of matcha? Tea is woven deep into Japanese culture and treated with reverence, resulting in extensive techniques, strains and blends to create the perfect cup. Join a tea class and learn from masters who have devoted their life to the leaves in Setagaya, where you’ll witness an authentic tea ceremony, learn the steps to make matcha, and create your very own Japanese sweets.

5. Heaven’s sake

Learn the ins and outs of sake on a tasting tour, where every question you’ve ever had about this Japanese alcoholic beverage will be answered. Things such as different temperatures, food pairings and even what cup to drink your sake from will be covered in this detailed class , led by a veteran sake sommelier. Best of all, the sake you’ll be served comes from family-owned businesses – meaning you’ll be able to support generations-old small businesses while sipping away.