Five experiences in Tokyo are listed on WizardTrip in this selection. They bring together a sumo show, costumed go-karting, a sushi class, a chopstick workshop and a food tour of Shinjuku. Each has between 5,074 and 10,262 reviews, with ratings of 4.9 to 5.0 out of 5 (as of 18 October 2026).
They are compared here on what the listings say: length, meeting point, language, meals, extra costs. The article also says which one to pick depending on what you feel like doing: watching sumo, driving, cooking, working with wood or eating in Shinjuku.
Things to do in Tokyo: what to know
The five listings describe outings of 1 to 3 hours. Each sets a common meeting point. The go-karting and the sushi class specify that hotel pickup is not included.
As for language, all five listings announce an English-speaking host or guide. The sumo show and the sushi class add Japanese. No listing mentions French.
Sumo show in Shinjuku: wrestlers, rituals and challenge
The sumo show in Shinjuku lasts 1.5 hours in a traditional-style venue. Two wrestlers face each other in the ring. A bilingual host explains the rituals: salt throwing, foot stomps, pre-match ceremonies.
After the bouts, spectators can step onto the dohyō, the sumo ring, for a friendly challenge. Participation is limited, with a lottery if requests are too numerous. You can also ask questions and take photos with the wrestlers. A welcome bottle of water is included.
The listing presents two professional wrestlers. Gerry, in September 2026, nonetheless writes: “The wrestlers are amateurs, so it isn’t an official match.” The listing consulted does not give the venue’s address.
Go-karting through the streets of Tokyo: license, age and route
The 2-hour go-kart tour lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, including 1.5 to 2 hours of driving depending on traffic. The group leaves from the shop, crosses the Rainbow Bridge and drives toward Tokyo Tower (333 meters) and the Odaiba district. The listing notes the tower and the bridge as drive-by passes without stops.
The price includes the kart, the costume, fuel, a lead guide in a kart, taxes and fees. Food, drinks, tips and comprehensive insurance are at your own expense.
Groups of more than six drivers are split in two, each with its own guide. Book together: the listing does not guarantee that you will drive together if the bookings are separate.
Wear flat, closed shoes. The listing asks you to avoid skirts, long dresses and loose clothing. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. The listing does not recommend the tour for pregnant travelers, or in case of a spinal injury or poor cardiovascular health. It requires a moderate level of fitness.
Sushi class and chopstick workshop: two hands-on workshops
The sushi class in Asakusa
The sushi class lasts 1 hour 40 minutes, a 3-minute walk from Asakusa station. English-speaking instructors guide you step by step to prepare maki sushi and nigiri. You then eat what you have prepared.
The listing describes a beginner class, open to families and solo travelers. It offers two packages, with or without sake. Four menus exist: standard gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian, halal and allergies. Strollers and service animals are accepted.
The chopstick workshop in Shinjuku
The chopstick workshop in Shinjuku lasts 1 hour, on the 10th floor of the Shinjuku West Building, reached by elevator. The nearest station is Shinjuku-Nishiguchi, on the Oedo Line, exit D5. From Shinjuku station, the listing indicates the West Exit or exit B16/15.
You cut your chopsticks from raw wood with a kanna, the small Japanese plane, then smooth them. Two types of wood are free. Premium wood and engraving are optional extras, whose price the listing does not give.
About the higher-quality wood, David warns in September 2026 that “the price shown is per chopstick, not per pair.” All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, according to the listing. Arrive 15 minutes early: a delay of more than 15 minutes may lead to a postponement.
Shinjuku food tour: 13 dishes in 3 hours
The Shinjuku food tour lasts 3 hours, for up to 12 people. The guide waits in front of the AOKI clothing store, with blue letters, near the west exit of Shinjuku station. The listing asks you to download WhatsApp so the guide can reach you.
Three neighborhoods take one hour each. Omoide Yokocho lines up narrow alleys filled with tiny izakayas and stalls. Kabukicho, an entertainment district, hosts a traditional Japanese restaurant. Golden Gai has more than 200 small bars.
You taste 13 dishes at 4 venues: a stall, an izakaya, a traditional restaurant and a gastrobar. Two drinks, with or without alcohol, are included. Tipping is optional.
The tour ends near the southeast exit of Shinjuku JR station. Some venues are in basements or on upper floors, with no elevator. The listing advises against the tour in case of poor cardiovascular health. Report any allergy or dietary restriction in advance.
The five experiences compared
| Sumo show | Costumed go-karting | Sushi class | Chopstick workshop | Food tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 hours | 2 to 2.5 hours | 1 hour 40 minutes | 1 hour | 3 hours |
| Meeting point | Address not specified in the listing | At the shop, 30 min before the start | 3-minute walk from Asakusa station | 10th floor of the Shinjuku West Building | In front of the AOKI store, west exit of Shinjuku station |
| Language | English and Japanese | English | Japanese and English | English | English |
| Group size | Not specified | 18 maximum | 30 maximum | 32 maximum | 12 maximum |
| Meals and drinks | Welcome bottle of water | Not included | Sushi you prepare yourself | Not mentioned | 13 dishes and 2 drinks |
| Included | Show, commentary, lottery-based challenge | Kart, costume, fuel, guide, taxes | Ingredients and English-speaking instructor | Workshop, tools, standard wood | Guide and tastings at 4 venues |
| Options and extras | None indicated | Comprehensive insurance not included | Package with sake | Premium wood and engraving cost extra | Optional tip |
| Cancellation | Full refund up to 24 hours before | Full refund up to 24 hours before | Full refund up to 24 hours before | Full refund up to 24 hours before | Full refund up to 24 hours before |
| Price from | ¥12,000 | ¥16,500 | ¥9,000 | ¥1,000 | ¥13,000 |
Children, wheelchairs, rain: practical questions
Can you go with children?
Go-karting is reserved for ages 18 and over. The sumo show, the sushi class and the chopstick workshop accept strollers. At the sumo show as at the food tour, infants must sit on an adult’s lap.
And in a wheelchair?
Only the chopstick workshop announces full wheelchair access. The food tour warns that stairs may be necessary. The other three listings do not specify accessibility.
What happens if it rains?
The go-karting and sumo show listings indicate a possible cancellation in bad weather. The other three mention nothing of the kind. Booking is confirmed instantly, except for go-karting, which is confirmed manually.
Which one should you choose?
- You want to see a Japanese tradition live: the sumo show, 1.5 hours with a challenge and photos.
- You are 18 or older and hold a license valid in Japan: costumed go-karting through the streets of Tokyo.
- You are traveling as a family: the sushi class or the chopstick workshop, both open to strollers.
- You want to eat local: the Shinjuku food tour, with 13 dishes and 2 drinks.
- You want a souvenir in one hour: the chopstick workshop, with optional engraving.
For the rest of your stay, the city’s tours, shows and activities are gathered on the Things to do in Tokyo page. To broaden the trip, see the Japan page.
Frequently asked questions
What unusual experiences can you have in Tokyo?
Five experiences feature in this selection: a sumo show, costumed go-karting, a sushi class, a chopstick workshop and a food tour. They last 1 to 3 hours.
Do you need an international permit for go-karting in Tokyo?
Yes. You need the original passport and an international driving permit in the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. For France, Belgium, Switzerland and a few other countries, the listing requires the national license and its Japanese translation from the JAF. The minimum age is 18.
How long is a sushi class in Tokyo?
The Asakusa sushi class lasts 1 hour 40 minutes, a 3-minute walk from Asakusa station. You learn to make maki sushi and nigiri, then eat them. Arriving more than 15 minutes late counts as a cancellation.
What does a food tour in Shinjuku include?
The 3-hour tour includes 13 dishes at 4 venues, 2 drinks with or without alcohol and an English-speaking guide. The venues are a stall, an izakaya, a traditional restaurant and a gastrobar. The group has 12 people at most, and tipping is optional.
Are these activities available in English?
Yes: all five listings announce an English-speaking host or guide. The sumo show and the sushi class add Japanese. No listing mentions French.
Can you cancel an activity booked in Tokyo?
Yes. All five listings fully refund a cancellation made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. The go-karting and sumo show listings also mention a possible cancellation in bad weather.
Activities mentioned in this guide
Shinjuku Food Tour in Tokyo Local Eateries4.9(10,263 reviews)From €76From€76View activity
Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience with Photo4.9(5,052 reviews)From €70From€70View activity
Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo - 2 Hours4.9(5,246 reviews)From €96From€96View activity
Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class5.0(5,136 reviews)From €52From€52View activity
Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class5.0(5,867 reviews)From €6From€6View activity
All activities in Tokyo, with their prices and reviews: Things to do in Tokyo
