HOLIDAY DINING
GOURMET FARE GALORE FOR FESTIVE YEAR-END
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Winter is a time of great creativity driven by the reflections on everything that we have accomplished throughout the year and the possibilities that await us in the coming months. This is especially evident in the seasonal menus crafted by Japan’s premier hotels, which are where people from all over the world meet, bringing with them their own traditions and expectations for end-of-year celebrations.
Every one of these facilities has free rein to choose from this multitude of cultures and fuse it with Japanese sensibilities, culinary traditions and dedication to create something truly special. The possibilities are nearly endless, and each year brings with it new opportunities for Japan’s top hotels to wow guests and diners with unforgettable seasonal offerings served in an unrivaled atmosphere of style and luxury.
Anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of experiencing these winter menus firsthand knows that these are not simply decorative dishes served with a little seasonal window dressing. From the highest-quality Japanese beef to fresh seafood and a dazzling assortment of cakes — the unofficial symbols of the season — some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels in Tokyo and Yokohama are offering the tangible spirit of the holiday season itself. Experience it yourself or with that special someone to celebrate the year-end in the best way possible and make memories of a lifetime.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Grand Hyatt Tokyo is celebrating the holidays with a selection of experiences, menus and charity programs as part of the hotel’s “Love for Our Future” holiday theme, which showcases festive love while looking toward a sustainable future.
The hotel’s spectacular lobby decorations are inspired by a snowy forest, with a splash of color from upcycled ornaments in the 17 colors of the U.N. sustainable development goals. Across the hotel, charming cork ornaments created by people with disabilities are also available for purchase, with all proceeds going to Kids Earth Fund.
An alluring range of holiday menus are also available at the hotel’s 10 restaurants and bars to share the festive spirit. The Oak Door’s Festive Grand Brunch (Dec. 24 to 25 and Jan. 1 to 3) brings together all-you-can-eat appetizers and desserts with a choice of main dish, including a roast beef prepared over a 12-hour period.
For holiday sweets, The French Kitchen is offering a Noel Blanc Afternoon Tea Buffet from Dec. 1 to 25. These white confections evoke images of a white Christmas in Tokyo and include indulgent sweets like strawberry shortcake and white chocolate mousse.
For an extravagant end to the year, guests are invited to join Maduro’s glamorous New Year’s Eve countdown party. With free-flow Louis Roederer Cristal and Krug Grande Cuvee plans available, the hotel’s live jazz lounge is offering an unforgettable start to 2025.
URL: tokyo.grand.hyatt.com
Address: 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-4333-1234
Hirakawacho Kanaya by Kanaya Resorts
While not part of any hotel, the Hirakawacho Kanaya restaurant is operated by Kanaya Resorts, a hotel group that prides itself on “heartfelt Japanese hospitality” and high-quality service.
Kanaya Resorts has its roots as Nikko’s oldest resort hotel. Since opening the Kinugawa branch in 1931, the company has endeavored to perfect the art of hospitality. Now all that experience is being brought to the Hirakawacho Kanaya.
Though located in the center of Tokyo, the restaurant is a tranquil oasis where diners can get away from the hustle and bustle of one of the biggest cities on Earth in a calm and refined setting.
Paying homage to the original Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel, which has been a popular destination for international travelers, the Hirakawacho Kanaya fuses East and West via kaiseki (traditional Japanese multicourse meals) featuring fresh fish, vegetables and high-quality meat, all prepared to be enjoyed by everyone.
The Hirakawacho Kanaya offers diners a cozy space with nine counter seats and five private rooms, each of which can host up to 12 guests.
URL: https://hirakawachokanaya.com/en
Address: 1-5-9 Hirakawacho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, Kouseikaikan 1F
Tel: 050-3187-9581
InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8
The InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 offers unparalleled hospitality, harbor views, and easy access to the highlights of the city. These include Yokohama Chinatown and the Red Brick Warehouse, which harken back to the days when the iconic city served as the gateway to the country for people from all over the world.
Within the hotel walls, guests will find the Katabami sushi restaurant. A cozy hideaway with only nine counter seats, the restaurant connects guests to the maritime history of Yokohama in style with its elegant counter made from a single piece of Japanese cedar. Befitting such a rich yet intimate space, Katabami’s menu is simple and full of flavor thanks to its meticulous hand-preparation using seasonal ingredients and expert pairing with local sake.
Lunch is from 12 to 2 p.m. (last order) on weekends and holidays only, with dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. except on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which are reserved for private bookings of five or more people unless a holiday.
Sashimi as well as boxed sushi takeout including snow crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, vegetables and other ingredients over rice, are also available.
URL: https://www.icyokohama-pier8.com/en/
Address: 2-14-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref.
Tel: 045-307-1111
Royal Park Hotel
From Dec. 21 to 25, Royal Park Hotel’s Sumida teppanyaki (iron griddle) restaurant will offer diners a sumptuous all-you-can-eat Christmas buffet of barbecued wagyu short ribs, Japanese sirloin and other premium meats prepared in front of the guests’ eyes.
Various Christmas dinner courses, including seafood such as sauteed lobster and salmon and scallop chowder, as well as Kobe and Kyushu beef, will be available during the same festive period.
2024 is a special year for the Royal Park Hotel as it celebrates its 35th anniversary with a 7.5-meter Christmas tree display and gold-and-silver decorations in the lobby. The “Bright Christmas” decor, also featuring festive wreaths and other ornaments, will extend throughout the facility from Nov. 11 to Dec. 25.
A Santa Claus event is planned from Dec. 23 to 25 at the Symphony restaurant, where guests will have a chance to meet Santa at their table while enjoying a festive Christmas buffet of roast turkey and wagyu. The event may already be sold out, but no reservations are required for the free lobby concert on Dec. 24 and 25 that will feature popular songs, hymns, gospel music and more. Christmas cakes can be reserved until 7 p.m. on Dec. 15, (pick up from Dec. 21 to 25), with some for sale on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
URL: http://www.rph.co.jp/en
Address: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3667-1111
