9 2-Hour Experiences in Tokyo, Compared

1.Ninja Samurai 2-hour hands-on lesson by Japanese master in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $86Our pick

Join an English-language, two-hour ninja and samurai lesson in Shiomi, Tokyo, with a Japanese instructor trained in ninja arts. Wear rental ninja clothes, try Kuji-In meditation, handle ninja tools, practise with shuriken and a blowgun, then learn how to draw and use a samurai sword. Classes are limited to six people.

“This was a great experience and a lot of fun. We had an awesome instructor who was both informative and entertaining. He taught us how to use a ninja sword and let us practice with a real metal one (not a wooden one like others said they used on their tour). We threw ninja stars and blow darts at targets. We received a lot of personal attention since it was a small group of people. We took the train from the Yokohama station (which was easy) and had a delicious meal at an Indian restaurant when we got off the train before going to the class. We would highly recommend…”

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2.Tokyo 2-Hour Genuine Samurai Experience: Kendo in Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $118

Spend two hours at a northern Tokyo dojo learning kendo basics, etiquette, and samurai swordsmanship from an English-speaking instructor. You’ll put on a keikogi, hakama, and protective bogu, practise strikes with a bamboo sword, then try a tournament-style match. Equipment, water, and a Japanese hand towel are included. No prior kendo experience is required.

“Literally the best activity in Tokyo. Do not miss this opportunity for fun. It’s real martial arts but they make it incredibly fun.”

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3.Flagship 2-Hour Street Go-Kart Tour by Street Kart

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 94 reviews · 2 hours · from $64

Spend two hours driving a go-kart on Tokyo Bay’s public streets, crossing Rainbow Bridge and heading toward Tokyo Tower behind an English-speaking guide. Costumes, goggles, fuel, and guide-taken photos are included. You need the correct Japanese driving documents, a physical passport, and closed-toe shoes. Guides such as Alexis, Kinna, and Riley have helped lead tours.

“Really fun, glad we chose the 2 hour night tour. Tokyo Tower was all lit up and crossing rainbow bridge you could see the city all lit up. They really emphasize safety, took time to explain the cars and what to expect on the street. Costumes are a fun option. Riley was awesome, took a ton of pics which we had access to after. He gave each car a turn in front to get fun pics. Only thing I would recommend for night tours is for the guide to have reflective driving gloves so everyone can see hand signals from the back. Highly recommended tour and company. You will have…”

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4.Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Hopping Tour (2h)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 67 reviews · 2 hours · from $96

Join a local English-speaking guide for a walk through Shinjuku’s drinking lanes, from yakitori stalls in Omoide Yokocho to the tiny bars of Golden Gai. The tour includes three alcoholic drinks and six to eight foods in a group of up to eight. Guides have included Hiro, Ryota, Ash and Sean, though you cannot count on a particular host.

“It was an amazing experience! Our guide Ash was really nice and interesting, it was a pleasure to talk with him. We really had a great time experiencing the drinking habits of Japanese people and wandering in this colorful neighborhood :)”

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5.2-Hour Vegan and Vegetarian Ramen Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 33 reviews · 2 hours · from $96

In two hours, an English-speaking guide leads you from Shibuya to Shinjuku by train for four mini bowls of vegan ramen at two specialist shops. Try Hokkaido-style ramen and Tokyo tsukemen, hear how regional traditions shaped the dish, and ask about gluten-free noodles or non-vegan broth options.

“Great tour! It’s hard to find vegetarian ramen in Tokyo, so it was great to be able to try four types across two stops (we took the train between them). Highly recommend!”

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6.2-Hour Night Bike Tour of the City’s Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · from $73

Starting at Yoyogi Park’s main entrance, this two-hour English-language ride uses customized Bianchi and Fuji bikes lit with neon. You’ll pedal through Tokyo districts known for their night views, including Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi, and Tokyo Midtown, with Tokyo Tower as a highlight. Guides such as Kei can tailor the route to your interests.

“Favourite tour of our trip: flexible guide, scenic routes, and glowing wheels my teens loved. You must already ride confidently; this is not a lesson.”

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7.2-Hour Asakusa Food Hunt & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 2h 30m · from $76

In 150 minutes, an English-speaking guide leads a group of up to six around Asakusa, stopping at a fishmonger’s standing sushi bar, a family soba shop, a century-old rice-cracker store, and other local food spots before visiting Sensoji Temple. Expect 1 to 2 kilometers of walking and enough tastings for a full lunch.

“We really enjoyed our cultural food and walking tour. Max was able to bring us to 2 sit down restaurants and 2 other food stops. It's really worth it. Max was very good and informative. He was also patient with all our needs. He gave us the highlights of Asakusa.”

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8.Meiji Jingu Shrine & Inner Garden Guided Tour (2h)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours · from $48

Spend two hours at Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shinen Garden with an English-speaking guide. Learn the handwashing and prayer rituals, see the sake barrel offerings, try omikuji fortune-telling, and walk to the South Pond. Kiyomasa’s Well is a possible extra stop if time allows. Guides who have led the tour include Minoru, Kai, Kyo, and Takashi.

“Kai is erg aardig en vertelt veel over het heiligdom, maar ook de Japanse cultuur zelf. Erg leuke tour gehad!”

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9.2-Hour History Walking Tour & Local Food Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $16Best value

Walk Asakusa with an English-speaking local guide, from Senso-ji and Asakusa Shrine to street-food stops and specialty shops selling chef’s knives, samurai and ninja goods, and Japanese tableware. The two-hour tour starts and ends near Asakusa Station. Bring comfortable shoes and cash for temple offerings or food purchases.

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