Japanese Kokedama, Whisky Tasting And Exclusive Eats—Clear Your Calendar For These Curated Crawls

It's easy to get stuck hitting up the same spots in your city—the same well-trodden path of pubs, restaurants, walking spots and post-weekend stories that leave you feeling like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. Luckily, Urban List and RedBalloon are here to break the cycle. We've partnered up with the memory-making experts to curate a series of two-stop, Melbs-based experiences to enjoy with your nearest and dearest. 

The beauty of Melbourne is there's always something new to do—memories to make and ways to connect with loved ones. The struggle is knowing where to start. These curated crawls are designed to help you see the city in a whole new light and create stories worth sharing along the way. So whether you're planning a catch-up for mates, dates, or anything in between, we've done all the hard work for you.

PSA: they're only running for a short time and spots are limited, so read on for what's on offer and get booking ASAP. 

Japanese Kokedama Workshop & Modern Tokyo Dining

For anyone unfamiliar: kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in moss-covered ball of soil. In this RedBaloon x Urban List experience, you'll get to take a one hour workshop where you'll create your own kokedama with the guidance of an expert florist. With finger food and a welcome drink included, it's a fun way to mix up date night, but can also be booked for groups of up to eight—so why not get the gang together for a crafty catch up?

With your new creation in tow, you'll then head around the corner to Umami Tokyo, where you'll dine on a five-item set menu of two entrees, one small dish, one bowl of ramen and a dessert. Picture Japanese faves like tuna sashimi, pork belly, miso eggplant and mochi. 

On top of a fun (and tasty) day, you'll get to proudly display your kokedama at home—and even see them when you visit the loved ones you workshopped with. A sweet reminder of a day well spent. 

THE DETAILS 

What: Japanese Kokedama Workshop & Modern Tokyo Dining (two-stop experience)
When: Friday, Saturday and Tuesday, 7 October–16 November
Where: 99 Toorak Rd, South Yarra and 206 Chapel St, Prahran
Cost: $224 per person
For more information, head here.

Japanese Whisky Tasting & Izakaya Feast

Another day appreciating Japanese culture, this RedBalloon x Urban List crawl is for those enjoy a good tipple.

Kick things off with a Japanese whisky tasting where you'll get to sip on four specially selected whiskys, featuring some of the country's most renowned blends. As you savour each drink, you'll learn about where they're from and how they're made—leaving with not just an appreciation of a good drop, but maybe some new intel to share at dinner and cocktail parties. 

To keep the night going, make tracks to the nearby Bincho Boss for an indulgent Izakaya dining experience. Traditionally, Izakaya venues serve laid-back vibes with small, shareable plates like yakitori, sashimi, pickles and rice and noodle dishes, and that's exactly what you'll find at Bincho Boss. A relaxed spot with an elevated edge, the Izakaya experts here are dishing up four tasty courses. From snacks to start all the way through to dessert, you'll get to try bites like grilled edamame, chicken yakitori and a matcha and white chocolate terrine. Made to share, spend the night trying different dishes, comparing notes and debriefing on the day that was.

THE DETAILS 

What: Japanese Whisky Tasting & Izakaya Feast (two-stop experience)
When: Monday–Sunday, 7 October–16 November, excluding public holidays and Sunday 2 November
Where: 270 Russell St, Melbourne and 383–385 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Cost: $169 per person
For more information, head here. 

Experiences must be booked in advance and spots are limited, so grab your favourite person and book your RedBalloon x Urban List experience now—hit your city and switch up today into a story you'll be telling tomorrow. Explore more here. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by RedBalloon and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Images: Supplied