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?

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.

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 

    A printer from Takahashi Kobo, the oldest ukiyo-e woodblock print studio in Japan, founded over 160 years ago, will demonstrate printing.
    Don't miss the printer's demonstration of printing multiple blocks for each color to complete the work.

    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. We also offer a variety of drinks to match your meals.

    Menu (tentative)

    LIEN
    FONTAINE - PARFUMÉ AU VIN JAUNE
    LIEN - fountain of light, scent of yellow wine

    RICHESSE
    JEUNE DE LEGUMES DE SAISON SERVIS TIEDE - JUS DE ROTI
    RICHESSE - seasons and vegetables: current of the times

    HERITAGE
    BOUEF BRAISER , PUREE DE POMME DE TERRE - SAUCE VIN ROUGE
    HERITAGE - braised beef with potato purée - red wine sauce

    ASSIETTE DESSERT
    PLATS DE JOUR
    ASSIETTE DESSERT - dessert of the day

    *Some menu items may be subject to change due to availability of ingredients.

    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

    *This experience is only available as a full event package.

  4. It is a liqueur made from koji
    and passed down since
    the Sengoku period.

    “Me” is the revival of the beloved Edo period “drinking mirin” with modern koji-making techniques.

    Founded in 1596, Toshimaya* is Tokyo’s oldest sake brewer and has been featured in kabuki and ukiyo-e prints.
    Kanda Toshimaya, located in its original location in Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, has revived mirin, a popular drink in the Edo period, by applying modern koji-making techniques while paying close attention to ingredients and production methods.
    “Me” has a honey-like yet refreshing sweetness and is served at some of the world’s most prestigious hotel bars. In this experience, Kanda Toyoshimaya President Kimura, will serve “Me” prepared in an exclusive recipe.
    Enjoy the experience of Edo lifestyle and culture through “Me” accompanied by creative cuisine.

    *Current name: Toshimaya Honten Co., Ltd.

    Drinks menu provided by "Toshimaya" (planned)
    ・“Me”
    ・A hot cocktail that combines "Me" with Japanese ingredients
    ・Junmai daiginjo rita
    ・dance in the rain(Junmai ginjo)

    *This experience is only available as a full event package.

  5. Japan’s proud traditional
    performing art

    Preserving and passing on tradition
    Japanese traditional dance and instrumental performance by REI

    REI is a team of young people who are proud of traditional Japanese performing arts and want to promote their value to the world. The group is made up of traditional Japanese dancers and classical music performers who play traditional Japanese instruments such as shamisen, koto, fue, and narimono.
    This team of young people aims to spread the appeal of the traditional arts and preserve culture and places for performing them. They seek new possibilities while preserving traditions, thereby contributing to various art scenes around the world, not limited to theaters.
    Enjoy traditional Japanese performances in a special setting of Kitanomaru Garden in the Kokyo Gaien National Garden while savoring your meal.

    The Japanese musical instruments performance will feature three kotos with different numbers of strings (25 strings, 17 strings, and 13 strings) and a shinobue flute. The Japanese dance performance will be a bare dance of the Nagauta piece "Shizu to Tomomori."
    Enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts, which are usually performed in indoor theaters, in a special, private space with autumn leaves as a backdrop.

    *This experience is only available as a full event package.

    For the full package "Night Plan" that includes a meal, the grass area around Kitanomaru Park will be specially lit up.
    Enjoy your meal while taking in the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves illuminated by the lights.

    *This experience is only available as a full event package.

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

Recommended drop-by spots

National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Special collaboration
An art museum dedicated to showcasing Japanese modern and contemporary art

Located within Kitanomaru Garden, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo is an ideal place to visit in addition to the Former Imperial Guards Headquarters. Visitors can enjoy the flow of Japanese fine arts from the end of the 19th century to the present day all at once. Don’t miss the “Room with a View,” a resting room overlooking the Imperial Palace.

■Address:

3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

■Hours:

10:00 to 17:00 (Fridays and Saturdays open until 20:00) *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing

■Closed:

Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open but closed on the following day.)

Website

■Languages offered:

Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean

<Let's Talk Art! (English)>

English-speaking volunteers will guide visitors through the collection of masterpieces of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. This program is recommended for first-time visitors.

■Date and time:

Wednesday, November 20; 10:30 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. (2 sessions)

■Duration:

30 min.

■Admission:

Free of charge (admission fee to the exhibitions of the museum’s collection is required)

Photo by Ken Kato
Optional tours
  1. Guided tour of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Our certified guides will give you detailed explanations about the history and remains of each area of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The tour takes place regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    ■Tour times 

    Japanese-speaking guides: starting 10:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.
    English-speaking guides: starting 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

    ■Tour duration:

    Approximately 60 to 90 minutes

    ■Departure location:

    In front of the Ote resting place (inside Otemon Gate)

    ■Participation fee:

    Free of charge (no registration required)

    <Special tour available!>

    On Wednesday, November 20, at 14:00 p.m., the participants of this event can join an English-guided tour of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
    We hope you will enjoy the special tour in addition to the event!

    ■Date and Time:

    November 20 (Wed.), starting at 14:00 *Duration: approx. 60 to 90 min.

    ■Meeting place:

    National Archives of Japan
    (splitting spot : Otemon Gate)

    ■Participation fee:

    Free of charge (no registration required)

  2. National Archives of Japan
    Japanese-style book-binding experience

    This institute preserves old books and materials to make them widely available to the public. They include those inherited from the Edo shogunate, as well as official documents featured in textbooks, such as the Constitution of Japan. Visitors can browse the institute’s collection and view its permanent and themed exhibitions.

    ■Address:

    3-2 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Hours:

    [Opening hours]9:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Last entry to the reading room is at 4:30 p.m.
    [Closed]Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays
    New Year holidays (from December 28 to January 4 of the following year)

    Website

    <Japanese-style book-binding experience available!>

    Our staff will teach you how to use “watoji,” a traditional Japanese book-binding method! You can take home the notebook you made. No registration required.

    ■Date and Time:

    November 20 (Wed.) and 21 (Thu.)
    Both days: 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00
    *Duration: approx. 15 min.

    ■Participation fee:

    Free of charge

  3. Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier
    Boat ride

    Chidorigafuchi is the moat that stretches to the west of Kitanomaru Garden. It is known as one of the best places to view cherry blossoms.
    You can rent a boat at a ward-owned boat pier on the greenway along Chidorigafuchi and enjoy the view of the autumn leaves from the water.

    ■Address:

    adjacent to Sanbancho 2, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Opening hours:

    10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    ■Closed:

    Mondays

    ■Fees:

    500 yen for 30 minutes, 1,000 yen for 60 minutes

    Website

     

    <Boat riding experience!>

    Reservations are not required. Rowing boats and pedal boats are available. Enjoy a boat ride in addition to this event!

Spots
  1. Toshimaya Rita-Shop

    Founded in 1596, Toshimaya* is Tokyo’s oldest sake brewer. Toshimaya Rita-Shop is a concept store that opened on the brewer’s original site in Kanda, the birthplace of Toshimaya.
    It is the only liquor store that stocks Toshimaya’s three flagship brands: Rita, Oku-no-kami, and Kinkon.

    ■Address:

    1-13-1 Uchi-kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Hours:

    11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

    ■Closed:

    Sundays and national holidays

    Website

    * Current name: Toshimaya Honten Co., Ltd.

  2. Ohya Shobo

    Founded in 1882, Ohya Shobo is an antiquarian bookstore in Kanda Jimbocho. The store offers all sorts of genres that were published during the Edo period. In addition to books printed and bound in Japanese style, old maps, ukiyo-e prints, and old photographs from the end of the Edo and Meiji periods are available. Ohya Shobo is our partner, selling its books during this event.

    ■Address:

    1-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Hours:

    11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    ■Closed:

    Sundays and national holidays

    Website

  3. Houraiya Honten

    Founded in 1868, this Japanese confectionery store in Tokyo’s Kudan district has a 150-year history. The display case is filled with beautiful fresh sweets expressing each season, as well as Japanese sweets such as dorayaki and chestnut buns. They are handmade one by one with care.

    ■Address:

    2-4-15, Kudan-minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Hours:

    9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
    10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)

    ■Closed:

    Sundays and national holidays

    Website

  4. Science Museum

    The Science Museum is a comprehensive museum of science and industrial technology. It introduces modern and near-future science and industrial technology. Many exhibits are hands-on and participation-oriented experiences that allow each visitor to view and touch exhibits while deepening their interest in science and technology according to their knowledge and interests. The museum holds several experience-based programs daily, such as experiment shows and craft classes.

    ■Address:

    2-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Hours:

    9:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. (last admission is at 4:00 p.m.)

    ■Closed:

    Wednesdays

    Website

  5. Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan

    The museum was opened under the name Sannomaru Shozokan in 1993 in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, following the donation of art objects in 1989 by the then Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus Hirohito and Empress Emerita Kojun to the government. The art objects had been passed down from generation to generation in the imperial family. In 2023, the museum transferred its management and operation from the Imperial Household Agency to the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, and was partially reopened under a new name, the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan. The museum is committed to passing on cultural assets inherited from the imperial family to the next generation and serving as a center for introducing the relationship between the imperial family and culture to a wider audience.

    ■Address:

    In the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace; 1-8 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Opening hours:

    9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. * Last admission is at 4:30 p.m.

    ■Closed:

    Mondays (If a Monday is a national or another type of holiday, the museum will be open but closed on the following weekday.)

    Website

    ■Languages offered:

    Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean

  6. Idemitsu Museum of Arts

    The museum introduces a wide range of East Asian antiques such as Japanese calligraphy and paintings and Chinese and Japanese ceramics. Exhibited works include the collection from the founder of Idemitsu Kosan. With a panoramic view of the Imperial Palace area, the museum lobby is a popular place to relax after viewing many artworks.

    ■Address:

    9th Floor, Teigeki Bldg., 3-1-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Hours:

    10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission is at 4:30 p.m.)
    Fridays until 7:00 p.m. (last admission is at 6:30 p.m.)

    ■Closed:

    Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday or a substitute holiday, the museum will be open but closed on the following day.)
    New Year holidays and exhibition replacement periods

    Website

    ■Languages offered:

    Japanese, English

  7. Hibiya Library & Museum

    A cultural complex facility is located within Hibiya Park. The facility combines a “library,” a “museum” that showcases historical and various cultural information, and a “college” that offers various courses. Visitors can learn about the history of Chiyoda and view its cultural properties in the permanent exhibition room on the first floor, as well as view old books from the Meiji and Taisho periods in the special research room on the fourth floor. There is also a cafe and a restaurant.

    ■Address:

    1-4 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Opening Hours:

    Monday to Friday 10:00 to 22:00
    Saturday 10:00 to 19:00
    Sundays and national holidays 10:00 to 17:00

    ■Closed:

    The third Monday of each month

    Website

  8. Kudan-Kaikan Terrace

    Kudan-kaikan Terrace was built in 1934 with a Western-style exterior and a Japanese-style tile roof, a design that perfectly blends Western and Eastern styles. This building, which has left its mark on history, is a registered tangible cultural property and has been visited and loved by many high ranking people as an exceptional space. The building reopened in 2022 maintaining its original elegance.
    Don’t miss the view from the rooftop, where you can see the Budokan, the torii gate of Yasukuni Shrine, and a moat, as well as enjoy the calming four seasons' shifting landscapes.

    ■Address:

    1-6-5 Kudan-minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    ■Opening Hours:

    7:00 to 23:00 (Sundays and national holidays: 8:00 to 20:30)

    Website

Optional tours & Recommended spots