Japan’s beauty is intoxicating, and its technological marvels are equally awe-inspiring. Since its successful transformation in the past, Japan has continued to redefine its identity as cultural foundations remain steadfast. For many visitors, the best part of their travels to Nippon/ Nihon usually includes a profound experience of ancient traditions inextricably weaved into everyone’s daily life. You can visit Japan at any time of the year and bring home something of value. There is a wealth of discoveries lying in wait if you are willing to participate instead of being merely a passive observer. You can attain a heightened understanding of a complex culture along with its irresistible aesthetics by choosing any of the best Airbnb experiences in Japan.
1. Wear a kimono or yukata in Osaka
Wearing a kimono in a traditional way involves several steps and some essential items. Sousei is offering a unique Airbnb experience in Osaka that is perfect for a couple or a family on holiday. Reserve a kimono or yukata to experience how it is like to put on a traditional garment properly. As part of the package, the ladies can avail of their hair-dressing service as well as receive a lovely drawstring bag from them. Your host will lead you to scenic parts of the city for a photography session while wearing Japanese kimono/ yukata. You can pay for the garment and bring it home! This experience is open to children and adults alike. You can also make a separate arrangement for a traditional tea ceremony after a photo opportunity.
Book Tours : Wear a favorite kimono and take it home
2. Explore fashion and yōfuku at Ginza
Ginza District is a popular upscale shopping area in Tokyo. Hiroyuki, a fashion stylist based in Tokyo, is offering his insights to help you find the best Japanese brands based on your taste. Let him guide you through packed shops for a treasure hunt, and maybe you will end up with bagfuls of great items to bring home. Hiro might be able to help you find your personal style if you don’t know it yet. Ginza District is one of the best places in the world to build a sustainable capsule wardrobe. If you already know what you want, allow your Airbnb experience host to lead the way to some of the most fabulous yet affordable finds in the area.
Book Tours : Tokyo Personal Shopping/ Personal Shopper Trip
3. Join a seihon workshop in Kyoto
After being mesmerized by Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji) and taken away by its golden reflection on the water, head out to nearby Kitano Hakubaicho district for an interactive Airbnb experience. Master bookbinder Tsutomu and Yoko (daughter, assistant, and interpreter) are opening the doors of their antique bookbinding studio to travelers who wish to participate in a Kyoto-style bookmaking workshop using traditional silk kimono fabric. You will learn how to stitch the interiors by hand, cut the book to size, assemble the cover and interior, and use traditional pressing tools. Bring home a souvenir from Kyoto that you made yourself!
Book Tours : Traditional Kyoto-style Bookmaking
4. Sample saké varieties in Kyoto tasting
Kyoto was once ruled by an emperor until the Meiji Restoration. During his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, drinking saké was a vital part of the ceremony. Since then, this alcoholic beverage has played a central role in Japanese tradition and figures importantly in daily life. In Kyoto, you can sign up for sake tasting and food pairing with tasty otsumami (snacks). You can always ask your guides who are experts in this alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice and has been around since 500 BC. Kotaro and Maria’s team promises a fun and educational Airbnb experience.
Book Tours : 1.5H Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
Japan Tour Guide
Jae Leung
Hello! I’m a HK born Singaporean based in Tokyo. I provide private custom tour all around Japan such as trips to Mt Fuji and Hakone.
5. Learn sumi-e and bookmaking in Kyoto
Sumi-e is a form of monochrome painting introduced by Zen monks. Its essence is simplicity –a form of visual arts that uses only black ink (sumi) on paper. Try your hand in sumi-e, make calligraphy, and bring home a Zen notebook with handmade washi paper that you’ve stitched and bound together. In two hours, you’ll be learning all these from Chikako. She is an artist and lecturer based in Kyoto. This Airbnb experience will give you a glimpse of practices in Japan dating back to the 12th century. It is open to aspiring artists and travelers who want to try something spontaneous, traditional, and hands-on!
Book Tours : Washi-Book Making & Sumie-Art, Kyoto
6. Cook Osaka takoyaki and eat all you can
Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Osaka always go together. After you have seen the majestic Ōsaka-jō, the ancient Shitennō-ji, the remarkable National Museum of Art, and the stunning Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, you’d definitely be looking for food. If you want to experience an eat-all-you-can takoyaki, you better reserve a slot for Hiroaki’s takoyaki making lesson. Find your way to Roots Hostel (1 Chome-9-11 Itachibori, Nishi Ward) after going sightseeing. There, your instructor will provide you with all the ingredients and cooking equipment. You will be making classic takoyaki as well as customized preparations. The best part is that you can eat as much takoyaki as you can make.
Book Tours : Experience Osaka food culture-TAKOYAKI
7. Make custom pottery with red Nara clay
Akahada-yama has been the source of red clay for pottery since the Nara period. The deposits of high-quality clay gave rise to a form of traditional pottery. Master potter Yokuro, at the behest of Lord Hidenaga Toyotomi in the 16th century, started this fascinating hobby. To keep the tradition going, a descendant of a family named Masashi is offering travelers a traditional pottery experience. Join him for two hours and make beautiful ceramics at his atelier cum gallery. Create forms and designs from your imagination, or take inspiration from your teacher. If you wish to, he will ship the baked and dried pottery so that you can display your own work at home.
Book Tours : Pottery w/ local rare clay in Nara
8. Create your temple stamp book in Kyoto
The father and daughter tandem of Tsutomu and Yoko are offering another unique experience in Kyoto. This time, you’ll be making a goshuincho (honorable temple stamp/seal book). You can choose the kimono silk cover and learn how to glue washi pages together. You will have the opportunity to use bamboo as a material and try out the tools in Tsutomu’s workshop. Take your time and savor the experience with someone who is a master of his craft. Afterward, your host will accompany you to a nearby shrine so that you can use your personalized goshuincho. A monk will stamp a page as proof of pilgrimage, and you will have a memento of an unforgettable experience in Japan.
Book Tours : Stamp-Book Making & Explore with Maestro
9. Take Kyūdō instruction in Hiroshima
Kyūdō (The Way of the Bow) was developed into a martial art during the Edo Period. Kenji is a kyūdōka and has been engaged in traditional archery for many years as a disciple and teacher. Experience the discipline of kyudo while staying in Hiroshima. Your Airbnb host will be happy to show you “The Way of the Bow” for an hour. You’ll be wearing a traditional uniform (Dogi and Hakama) and observe a demonstration before handling the equipment. Beginners are allowed to pull the arrow in this class so make the most of it. They say a sure hit brings good luck so do your best. Ganbatte!
Book Tours : Japanese traditional archery experience in Hiroshima
10. Drive a go-kart for an epic tour of Osaka
Do you have a valid international driving permit (IDP)? If yes, then dare to be part of an exclusive group that has driven a go-kart around Osaka! Although the route varies, you can still drive to Midōsuji Boulevard (the main thoroughfare), America-mura in the vicinity of Sankaku Koen (Triangle Park), Minami (Namba entertainment area), and Dōtonbori. Meet up with your Airbnb host Shuji at Fun Company HQ in Nippombashi. After documents are checked, choose a costume to wear (only if you want to), and receive an orientation on go-kart operation. When everything is in order, you’ll hit the road on the low riding go-karts and have an epic Airbnb experience with many Instagrammable pictures to show for it.
Book Tours : Street kart Osaka by driving Akiba-Kart
Make endless discoveries in Japan
Some historians believe that Japan got its nickname from the Malayan “Japung″ or the Chinese ″Riben” which literally translates to the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Although its origin remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: Japan is a wonderful place where endless discoveries await the intrepid traveler.
History
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