We are holding a premium “OMOTENASHI”
experience event for the first time in Tokyo
during the enchanting season of
trees turning red and yellow!

Tokyo is the central city of Japan, and Kokyo Gaien National Garden is located right in the center of Tokyo.
At this unique venue,
we will host a hands-on event where you can immerse yourself in various aspects of Japanese culture.
Enjoy nodate (outdoor tea ceremony), explore an ukiyo-e exhibition,
and savor cuisine prepared by a two-Michelin-star chef who expresses the Edo-period’s iki (refinement) through French culinary techniques.
The Special experience in “The Heart” of Tokyo will be held on an unprecedented scale
by reserving a part of Kokyo Gaien National Garden just for us.
This is a special opportunity to savor the beautiful autumn scenery of Japan
and feel the Japanese hospitality of “OMOTENASHI”.
Why don’t you participate in the premium event to enjoy the colorful autumn foliage
unique to the season, experiencing Japanese culture?

Click here to apply

Information

Dates:

November 20–21, 2024 (Wednesday–Thursday)

Hours:

9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. JST(subject to change)

  • * In case of rain, the event may be subject to change.

  • * In case of rain, the event may be subject to change.

Location:

Lawn Square and Former Imperial Guards Headquarters in Kokyo Gaien
National Garden’s Kitanomaru Garden

Programs

Full event package with meal:

Approximately 3-hour experience including the contents of
① nodate (outdoor tea ceremony)
② ukiyo-e viewing
③ creative dishes, as detailed below.

100,000 yen per person for each session
(day or night slots, both are available)

Day : 10:30 to 14:00 JST(subject to change)
Night : 15:30 to 19:00 JST(subject to change)

Short event package without meal:

Approximately 90-minute experience
including the contents of
① nodate (outdoor tea ceremony)
② ukiyo-e viewing, as detailed below.

20,000 yen per person for each session
(slots available from morning to evening)

Multiple slots are available from 9:30 to 15:30 JST
(subject to change).
For more information, click the “Click here to apply for a
ticket.” button.

Application start date: October 1 JST (Tuesday)

  • Eligible applicants: 18 years old or older

  • * The best time to see autumn foliage varies depending on weather conditions.

  • * The content may be changed due to weather conditions or other factors, including holding the event at a
    different location in Kitanomaru Garden.

  • * Since the event will take place outdoors, we recommend bringing rainwear, insect repellent, etc.

  • * After the event, we will ask participants to complete a questionnaire.

Click here to apply

Special experience

Premium “OMOTENASHI” Experience

A first-time event
at an exclusively reserved venue

A first-time event at a privately reserved venue:
The Kitanomaru Garden in the
Kokyo Gaien National Garden and
the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters,
which is designated as an
important cultural property of Japan.

  1. Enjoy your tea surrounded
    by autumn foliage!

    Nodate
    (outdoor tea ceremony)
    experience at Kokyo Gaien
    National Garden

    Nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) will be held at Kitanomaru Garden Lawn Square. You can observe the ceremony and enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.
    Experience the traditional hospitality of Japan, omotenashi, along with the scenery surrounded by autumn foliage.

  2. Experience iki of the Edo period!

    Admire special
    ukiyo-e prints in
    a historic building
    designated as
    an important
    cultural property.

    This is a special exhibition displaying the rare ukiyo-e collection of the Mitani family, with a heritage dating back to the Edo period and the collection is a designated cultural property of Chiyoda Ward.
    Why don’t you take a peek into the Edo period through ukiyo-e?
    The exhibition will take place at the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters building, which is also designated as a nationally important cultural property.
    Furthermore, we have reserved the building exclusively for this event, allowing you to step inside, which is currently closed to the public. Its beautiful historical architecture is a must-see.

    Photo by Ken Kato　
    Exclusive opening

  3. A one-of-a-kind fusion of
    tradition and modernity!

    Try iki-inspired
    creative dishes prepared by
    a two-star chef

    A unique culinary experience featuring dishes that express traditional Japanese culture through French culinary techniques. Kitanomaru Garden Lawn Square in Kokyo Gaien National Garden will be exclusively reserved and a two-star chef will prepare exclusive dishes inspired by the Edo theme of iki for this event.

    Hajime Koto

    Born in Hokkaido, Hajime Koto was trained by the Alain Ducasse Group and Michel Bras Toya Japon. He lived in the south of France during his training. After returning to Japan, he further honed his skills in his hometown of Hokkaido. In Tokyo, he became Japan’s youngest French chef in history to receive a two-star Michelin rating at the age of 29. In 2017, he established the haute couture/restaurant/maison brand HAJIME KOTO.

    Navigate to the official website: LA MAISON HAJIME KOTO

Click here to apply

OMOTENASHI spots

  • OMOTENASHI spots

    Former Imperial Guards Headquarters

    The two-story red brick building has a simple Gothic style with an octagonal tower at the central entrance, and a slate roof. While the brick government buildings of Marunouchi and Kasumigaseki are disappearing, the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters building is one of the few remaining Western-style buildings of the Meiji era that retains its original form.

  • “OMOTENASHI” spots

    Lawn Square and Kitanomaru Garden

    Ieyasu Tokugawa built Edo Castle in the Edo period. The vast land for the castle was once divided into Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru, Nishinomaru, Kitanomaru, and Fukiage. Of these, Kitanomaru is currently the Kitanomaru Garden.

    Photo provided by The National Gardens Association Kokyo Gaien National Garden

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