A Spring Feast in a Private Tokyo Sanctuary
From March 2 to April 30, 2026, Hanagasumi, nestled within the historic Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo’s Moto-Akasaka, is offering the “Haru Zanmai Gozen” (Spring Feast Set) exclusively for weekday lunches. This special set, priced at JPY 8,470 per person (tax and service charge included, with private room fees waived), promises an unparalleled dining experience in a tranquil, private setting.
The “Haru Zanmai Gozen” Menu: A Symphony of Seasonal Delights
The “Haru Zanmai Gozen” is a meticulously crafted menu that celebrates the season’s bounty, showcasing the delicate balance and seasonal beauty that define traditional Japanese kaiseki.
The full menu includes:
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Appetizers: Silken Yuba, Sea Bream Sakura Sushi, Fried Lucky Shrimp, Rapeseed Flower & Prosciutto Roll, Smoked Salmon Hoshomaki.
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Sashimi: Tuna, Aori Squid, accompanied by Wasabi and Tosa Soy Sauce.
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Grilled Dish: Spring Soy Milk Gratin with various vegetables, chicken, bamboo shoots, broccoli, taro, konjac, and mugwort gluten.
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Simmered Dish: Sea Bream wrapped in Doumyoji rice, infused with cherry blossom aroma, served with silver gin-an sauce and arare.
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Tempura: Shrimp, Tara-no-me (angelica tree sprouts), Udo (Japanese spikenard), Asparagus, served with tempura dipping sauce.
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Main Dish: Bamboo Shoot and Shirasu Rice, Red Miso Soup, Pickles.
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Dessert: Hojicha Ice Cream, Shiratama dumplings, Black Beans, Strawberry, Kuromitsu (black sugar syrup), and Gold Leaf Syrup.
Each dish is a testament to the chef’s artistry, reflecting the delicate balance and seasonal beauty that define traditional Japanese kaiseki, a multi-course meal that is as much about presentation as it is about taste.
Hanagasumi: A Haven of Tranquility and History
Hanagasumi offers a serene escape, a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis outside. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Meiji Jingu Gaien, its charming stone-paved approach leads to fully private dining rooms, some featuring Western-style seating and others traditional horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu) arrangements. It’s a place where the grandeur of Japanese tradition meets modern comfort.
The Meiji Kinenkan itself boasts a rich history. Originally built in 1881 as the State Banquet Hall of the Akasaka Temporary Imperial Palace, it later became the venue for the Imperial Conferences debating the draft of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan. This historical significance has earned it the nickname “Kenpo Kinenkan” (Constitution Memorial Hall). In 2020, its Main Building was designated a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, recognizing its architectural and historical value. Dining here is not just a meal; it’s an experience imbued with a sense of history and cultural reverence.
Plan Your Visit: Reservations and Access
Reservations are required for this special spring lunch. Online reservations can be made here:
https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/meijikinenkan-hanagasumi/reserve
Important Notes:
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Availability: March 2 (Mon) – April 30 (Thu), 2026, weekdays only.
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Serving Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (last order).
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Menu items may be subject to change. Please inform the restaurant of any food allergies at the time of reservation.
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Due to partial restoration work on the Main Building from January 1 to October 24, 2026, access to Hanagasumi will be exclusively via its dedicated entrance. Details are available on the official website.
Location and Contact:
Meiji Kinenkan
Address: 2-2-23 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3403-1171 (Main Line, Japanese only)
Access:
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3 minutes walk from Shinanomachi Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line)
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6 minutes walk from Aoyama-itchome Station (Ginza, Hanzomon, Oedo subway lines, Exit 2)
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6 minutes walk from Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station (Oedo subway line, Exit A1)
Parking is available.
For more information, visit:
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Meiji Kinenkan Official Website: https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/
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Hanagasumi Restaurant Official Website: https://www.meijikinenkan.gr.jp/restaurant/hanagasumi/
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Restaurant Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meijikinenkan_gourmet/
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Restaurant Official X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mk_sekirei
Savoring Japan’s Aesthetic: A Future of Sophisticated Kawaii
This culinary offering from Hanagasumi exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail and appreciation for seasonal beauty that underpins Japanese culture. Such experiences, blending historical elegance with contemporary gastronomic artistry, play a vital role in showcasing the deeper layers of “Kawaii” – not just as cute, but as an aesthetic that embraces beauty, harmony, and exquisite craftsmanship to a global audience. It’s an invitation to savor the delicate charm of Japan, one exquisite dish at a time, and perhaps inspire a new appreciation for the sophisticated side of Japanese lifestyle abroad.
