The historic Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, will offer a tour of the Hyakudan Kaidan (Hundred Stairs) from December 3 until December 25, 2022. This Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo is an incredible sight, and those with an interest in Showa-era architecture won’t want to miss it.

In 1988, part of the old Gajoen structure was torn down to make way for new structures along the Meguro River basin,  and the hotel underwent a large-scale renovation over a period of three years. The Hundred Stairs were originally built in 1935 and designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2009.

Over the years, the Gajoen has served as a restaurant and gathering place for visitors from both the Showa-era and Heisei-era. Filled with traditional Japanese aesthetics, the location is now filled with art and pieces of cultural significance. A number of special exhibitions are held throughout the year. 

Why not come enjoy this tour of a piece of Japanese history?

From October 1 until November 27, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo will hold a special event in conjunction with the film Sen wa, Boku o Egaku. Visitors to the hotel’s historic One Hundred Steps Staircase will be surrounded by a world of color and paintings made from India Ink.

Fisherman and Woodcutters Room with Colored Wood Carvings

Grapevine, Hiromasa Togami.

Atelier (Image courtesy of Toho)

The coming-of-age story Sen wa, Boku o Egaku won 3rd place in the 2020 Honya Taisho and the 2019 TBS King’s Brunch Book Grand Prize. The book received rave reviews from booksellers nationwide and has now been adapted into a live-action film by Norihiro Koizumi, best known as the director of the Chihayafuru film adaptation. The film will be released on October 21, 2022. As a tie-up project with the film, the One Hundred Steps Staircase, a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo built in 1935, will be the setting for an incredible display of paintings that appear in the film.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, is celebrating summer in the spookiest way possible. From July 2 until September 25, guests can enjoy the ‘Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~’ event, inspired by the tradition of telling ghost stories in summer to send a chill down your spine. Since opening, over 10,000 visitors have come to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. 

Each of the seven exhibition areas is connected to the stairway, and each has its own theme pulled from the overarching theme of light and darkness. From Light of Passion to Midnight Light, guests will be surrounded on all sides. As you ascend the stairs, a festive atmosphere transforms into a more frightening one. Although the ghosts are out to play, guests are welcome to enjoy the many art pieces and crafts on display. 

Sokyu Room / Lights of Passion

This Kabuki stage is filled with the passion of women who are addicted to love, a common theme in many traditional plays. The eye-catching Japanese umbrellas and lanterns will no doubt leave an impression, and the wistful music is titled Red Thread. The tale depicted here tells the story of a woman who becomes a haunting specter clad in flames of passion, sobbing and laughing in time with the song. 

Still Water Room / Inverted Light

The three trees crowned with horse heads were created by the artist Eros Nakazato. Guests will feel as though they’ve been transported to the middle of a meadow as they explore this fantastical room covered in traditional paintings. In the work The Reverse of the Reverse, there are no wild horses on the earth, and those who have been tamed by humans sway in a beautiful and sad way. To make this scarier, the story has been reimagined as guests look through a crystal ball–now, humans are ruled by horses

Starlight Room / Midnight Light

Passing through a corridor of suspiciously flickering yokai lanterns, you will find that the clock has struck midnight. In the darkness, as most humans are asleep, specters are having a lively party. Playful cats dance and play and a number of artistic works by contemporary artists are on display. The music played fuses Japanese and ethnic instruments, some of which are interspersed with the voices of creatures of the night.

Experience this immersive art experience that will delight all five senses through light and shadows while you can!

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, is celebrating summer in the spookiest way possible. From July 2 until September 25, guests can enjoy the ‘Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~’ event, inspired by the tradition of telling ghost stories in summer to send a chill down your spine. The art illumination exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jounen no Akari (Lights of Passion)

Bamboo Lights

Without light, there are no shadows. In this exhibition, light and shadow complement one another, portraying the popular 100 ghost stories in a new way. Last year’s event received critical acclaim as guests found themselves moving breathlessly from room to room, exploring the many incredible pieces put on display. Along the dusk-lit promenade, goldfish lanterns lead guests to the start of their mysterious adventure. The atmosphere changes from room to room, with bamboo lights and shadows surrounding you from all sides. 

An Immersive Light Art Space

Odawara Wind Chimes at Dusk

Luxurious Cherry Blossom Hairpins

Glass Lamp, Iroshita Studio

Flower Arrangement, Rikou Otsuka

As you ascend the stairs, a festive atmosphere transforms into a more frightening one. Although the ghosts are out to play, guests are welcome to enjoy the many art pieces and crafts on display, from flower arrangements by master ikebana artist Rikou Otsuka and sculptures by some of Japan’s most influential traditional creators. 

Enjoy Traditional Summer Ghost Stories with Light Art

Ghost Lanterns

Born from the Earth, Yasumaro Ozawa

Byakko, Yuji Nishijima

Inverted Light, Eros Nakazato

Mysterious music will drift through the air, making guests feel as though they’ve been transported into another world. The eerie space is lit by Ghost Lanterns made by a 200-year-old company in Fukuoka, and the venue is decorated with art blending ukiyo-e with contemporary styles. 

Culture and Crafts from Around Japan

Paper Lanterns from Ise

Bamboo Lights, Akarinowa

3D Knit Lights

Paper Fireworks

Summer fireworks have been recreated in colorful paper form by an artist in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, and materials found in a neglected bamboo grove in Shizuoka Prefecture were used to create the many iconic lights seen throughout the unique exhibition. Local craftsmen are at the heart of the event, with pieces brought in from areas all around Japan.

Wa no Akari Room

A concept room featuring gently flickering lights and lanterns is available to book for a limited time. Why not come spend your summer in this otherworldly atmosphere?

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, will hold a Taisho Romanticism exhibition from April 16 to June 12, 2022. The event will take place at the famous Hyakudan Staircase, a tangible cultural property designated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Selection of Exhibited Works 

[Minatoya Edo-period Illustrated Storybook Shop] Woodblock Print (Partial)

Matsuo Hiromi –  Cosmetics Department from  ‘Department Store Waltz’

Kimono from Shochiku Costume

Taisho Romanticism Tea Room

Online-only Special Ticket

Includes a Set of Reprinted Retro Postcards (Limited Quantity)

Taisho Maiden Memo Set (Limited Quantity)

Camellia Accessory (Limited Quantity)

Special Tour with Gallery Discussion (Limited Capacity, Date to be Determined)

Main Hall ©Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

First Staircase ©Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Large Guest Room ©Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

This year’s exhibition will feature collaborative exhibits with works by Yumeji Takehisa, a leading painter of the Taisho period, and popular illustrator Hiromi Matsuo’s famed piece Department Store Waltz. Coordinated displays of kimono and modern girl’s outfits based on the concept of Taisho Romanticism by Shochiku Costume will also appear, and guests can visit a modern coffee shop with retro stained glass windows by an artist belonging to the Stained Glass Artists Association.

After the Meiji Period when Japan was opening to the outside world, a new blend of cultures never seen before blossomed into the world of Taisho Romanticism. Come enjoy this unique atmosphere and learn more about this time period while you can!

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is known for highlighting the best of Japanese culture, with some rooms used for art exhibitions. To celebrate the coming of spring and the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the location is offering some sakura-themed menu items and a room with a sweeping view of Meguro River and the many sakura trees that line it. 

Special Sakura Kaiseki: ¥6,050 (Tax Included) / Available Weekdays from March 15 – April 8

Sakura Afternoon Tea: ¥4,950 / With Champagne: ¥6,820 (Tax Included), Available from March 14 – April 10

Lunch Set: ¥4,950 (Tax Included) / Available from March 14 – April 10

The hotel’s four restaurants are each offering limited-time cherry blossom items. The Japanese restaurant Tofutei will offer the Special Sakura Kaiseki Set, while the New American Grill Kanade Terrace has added cherry blossom petals to its popular seasonal afternoon tea. The Chinese restaurant Shun Yuki has a themed lunch set, 

Spaghettini with Shrimp, Bamboo Shoots and Sea Urchin: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) / Available from March 1 – March 31

The Italian restaurant Ristorante Canoviano is offering guests a spring-inspired course using seasonal ingredients. 

Cherry Blossom Viewing Bento: ¥4,320 (Tax Included) *Limited Availability

The hotel’s patisserie is selling a limited number of Cherry Blossom Viewing Bento sets perfect for taking on a picnic. 

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing Room: ¥89,000~ (Tax Included) / 1 room, 2 guests / Available from March 18 – April 7

For overnight stays, guests can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Suite. The executive lounge, exclusively for guests, also overlooks the river and is open for afternoon and evening tea. The food and drink menu changes every hour. 

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which is a museum and hotel fusion, is serving up a special Strawberry Afternoon Tea and Strawberry Cocktail at its restaurant New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE” from January 6 to February 11 and February 15 to March 19 next year.

Strawberry Afternoon Tea | ¥4,500, with champagne ¥6,200 (1 Person/Before Tax/Service Charge Not Included)

New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE” is known for its afternoon teas, which are made with seasonal ingredients, as well as its cocktails. Their new Strawberry Afternoon Tea will welcome in the New Year with a strawberry and rhubarb tart, strawberry fondue, strawberry and mascarpone soup, and other sweet and savoury selections.

Strawberry Cocktail | ¥1,600 (Before Tax/Service Charge Not Included)

The Strawberry Cocktail is of course made with fresh strawberries as well as mint and soda for a fusion of sweet and tangy. Those who don’t enjoy alcohol can rest assured they’ll enjoy this alcohol-free cocktail.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a museum and hotel combination, is home to New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE,” the hotel’s restaurant popular for its food grilled in the open kitchen, its afternoon teas made with seasonal ingredients, and cocktail lineup.

This autumn, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is serving up its new “Shine Muscat Parfait,” an richly-sweet and elegance-scented dessert made using Shine Muscat grapes.

Shine Muscat Parfait ¥2,800 | With Champagne ¥3,600 (Before Tax & Service Charge)

The parfait is layered with Kyoho grape and shampagne jelly, crémet d’Anjou which is made from fresh cheese, and maqui berry granola. It’s topped with blackcurrant sherbet and tuile.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo has announced that it will serve up a Halloween Afternoon Tea and Black Halloween Cocktail for the whole month of October at its restaurant New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE.”

New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE” is popular not only for its grilled food which cooked up in the open-style kitchen, but its afternoon tea service and cocktails too which are served using seasonal ingredients.

Halloween Afternoon Tea: ¥3,800 | With Champagne: ¥5,300 (Per Person/Tax & Service Charge Not Included)

“Halloween Night” is the theme this October at the restaurants where guests can expect to tuck into a blood-curdling, but delicious, assortment of pumpkin, grape, purple sweet potato, and other October delights for the afternoon tea. Such delights include a skull-topped, red and black verrine layered with Black Forest chocolate cake and other scary secrets, witchy bon bon chocolates, a cafe au chocolat littered with marshmallows shaped like monsters, and more. On the savoury side of things, there’s a pumpkin and pine nut salad, chestnut potage—the looming list goes on.

Black Halloween Cocktail | ¥1,500 Tax & Service Charge Not Included)

The restaurant’s refreshing Black Halloween Cocktail is made with a licquer containing black pearls and also has in it fresh blackberries and blueberries.

Private Half Space: ¥5,000 (Before Tax/Booking Required) | Private Full Space: ¥10,000 (Before Tax/Booking Required) *Can be used for 4+ people

The restaurant itself will also receive a Halloween makeover, offering a chic and stylish yet spooky atmosphere.

Takashimaya Shinjuku has revealed a new line of African print yukata made using materials from West and Central Africa. The collection will be released on the second floor of Takashimaya Shinjuku from June 24 to 30.

Hitomi Suzuki (鈴木仁美) is working to preserve traditional West and South African dyeing techniques. Using materials sourced from these countries, she has created yukata, bags, fans, and other items to sell in Japan.

The print feature vivid colours and eye-catching patterns—the kind you want to wear around the house during the lockdown for summer, or for a remote drinking party.

Walt Disney Japan has announced that pre-sales for its new and original Disney themed yukata will open via shopDisney in Japan from June 9, 2020. Designs range from popular picks such as the Mickey Mouse yukata from last year to new designs like Alice in Wonderland.

The Mickey Mouse yukata has a white base which combined traditional Japanese prints of hemp leaves and a checked pattern with plum blossoms and Mickey. Dressing up in this gives off grown-up yet cute vibes.

The new Alice in Wonderland yukata has a navy base and features prints from the popular Disney movie made into a Japanese style design. It also comes with an obi sash featuring characters from the film on it in a casual manner, so it blends in well and isn’t too flashy. shopDisney will also sell a bag, fan and other items with this design too so you can coordinate a style with the yukata.

Several items for kids will also be sold, such as a cute Elsa-inspired yukata, a Toy Story 4 jinbei, a Bunny shoulder bag, and more.

A TSUM TSUM series of summertime yukata will also be sold from June 9, 2020 which will include Mickey & Friends designs.

©Disney
©Disney/Pixar

Felissimo has joined hands with popular Kyoto-based store Subikiawa to launch a new collaborative series of items. They are now available to purchase via Felissimo’s official website.

Who are Subikiawa?

Subikiawa is a tableware store known to all in Kyoto that’s open around three days a month. “Tabletop Circus” is the theme of their hand drawn tableware series which is mainly centred around glassware. Subikiawa first began their collaboration series with Felissimo back in 2016. Since then, they have teamed up to make yukata, jinbei, pyjamas, clothes, and moreーall with Subikiawa’s cute illustrative designs.

The new yukata and jinbei they have developed for this summer features a colourful underwater theme with various fishes, pebbles, and water plants.

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Yukata – ¥5,500 (Before Tax)

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Yukata (Women’s) – ¥7,300 (Before Tax)

The collection features yukata and jinbei made with designs so that parents and kids can dress up together. The clothes are made from 100% slub cotton yarn, giving them a nice feeling against the skin. The waist is also fitted with string so that even beginners to yukata can tie them easily.

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Nail Seals (1 Set) – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Bib Kit (1 Set) – ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

The new collection also includes nail seals to make your fingertips bright and beautiful, as well as an embroidery kit to make your own cute bibーthis is part of Felissimo’s brand Couturier. The bib is soft and made using 100% Banshu-ori cotton fabric. Banshu-ori is a fabric from Hyogo Prefecture. The cotton is also dyed before being woven so the colour won’t fade as quickly when washed.