The Essence of Omotenashi: A Premium Cultural Experience in Tokyo’s Historic Garden
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Autumn in Tokyo is a breathtaking season, with parks and gardens transforming into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold. This time of year also brings countless opportunities to experience the best of Japanese culture and hospitality, or omotenashi (おもてなし).
For the first time, Tokyo will host an extraordinary event designed to showcase the elegance of traditional Japanese culture, set amidst the beauty of Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
In “The Heart” of Tokyo event, visitors can enjoy an immersive cultural experience, from open-air tea ceremonies to fine cuisine, all against the stunning backdrop of autumn foliage.
What is the Special Experience in “The Heart” of Tokyo?
This exclusive two-day event will be held at the iconic Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a historical landmark in the heart of Tokyo. Reserved exclusively for this occasion, the garden will host a variety of traditional Japanese cultural experiences, allowing visitors to step into a world that combines history, art, and hospitality.
Participants will have the chance to explore rare ukiyo-e artwork, savor dishes crafted by a two-star Michelin chef, and enjoy live traditional Japanese performances. This immersive experience aims to showcase the beauty of Japanese tradition through the lens of modern-day Tokyo.
The Special Experiences
1. Nodate Experience at Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Begin your journey with the nodate, an outdoor tea ceremony held in the picturesque Kitanomaru Garden Lawn Square. Here, you’ll savor matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets, embracing the serene beauty of autumn leaves. The tea ceremony embodies omotenashi, reflecting the Japanese spirit of hospitality in a calming, natural setting.
2. Ukiyo-e Prints Exhibition at the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters
Step back in time with a visit to the ukiyo-e prints exhibition at the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters. This historic building, usually closed to the public, has been specially opened for this event. Showcasing a rare collection from the Mitani family, the exhibition includes works dating back to the Edo period. Visitors can also witness a live demonstration by Takahashi Kobo, the oldest ukiyo-e woodblock studio in Japan, offering insight into this intricate art form.
3. High-End Culinary Experience at the Kitanomaru Garden Lawn Square
At the Kitanomaru Garden, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience prepared by two-star Michelin chef Hajime Koto. Chef Koto’s menu reflects Edo-period aesthetics, presented through French culinary techniques. With dishes like braised beef and seasonal vegetables, each course embodies the sophistication of Japanese tradition fused with modern flavors. The garden is lit up for evening diners, enhancing the ambiance and highlighting the beauty of Tokyo’s autumn colors.
4. Edo Period Mirin Tasting Experience
Experience a taste of Edo-era Tokyo with a mirin tasting by Toshimaya, Tokyo’s oldest sake brewer, founded in 1596. Known as “Me,” this mirin has a distinct honey-like sweetness and is crafted using traditional koji-making techniques. Toshimaya’s president, Kimura, will guide participants through this tasting, sharing the significance of mirin in Edo culture.
5. Traditional Dance and Music Performance
The event also includes a traditional dance and music performance by REI, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting Japanese performing arts. Enjoy classical Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, koto, and shinobue, accompanied by a graceful dance performance. The natural setting of Kitanomaru Garden adds an enchanting element, as you witness these age-old art forms in an open-air, autumnal setting.
Available Packages
Full Event Package with Meal
This three-hour package offers the complete experience, including the tea ceremony, ukiyo-e viewing, and the high-end culinary experience. Available for both day and night slots, the evening sessions also include a special lighting display, illuminating the surrounding autumn foliage.
- Price: 100,000 yen per person
- Time:
Day Slot: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Night Slot: 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Short Event Package without Meal
Ideal for those with limited time, this 90-minute package includes the nodate tea ceremony and ukiyo-e viewing. With multiple time slots available, it offers flexibility for visitors who want a brief yet enriching cultural experience.
- Price: 20,000 yen per person
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Multiple slots available)
Event Information
- Dates: November 20–21, 2024 (Wednesday–Thursday), 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (subject to change)
- Location: Kokyo Gaien National Garden, Kitanomaru Garden Lawn Square and Former Imperial Guards Headquarters
- Eligible Applicants: 18 years old or older
“The Heart” of Tokyo event is a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture in an intimate and authentic setting, surrounded by Tokyo’s stunning autumn colors. From traditional tea ceremonies to fine dining and live performances, this event offers a memorable experience that captures the essence of Japanese omotenashi and tradition. Join us in celebrating autumn in Tokyo and be part of an event that unites the beauty of the past with the elegance of the present.
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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