Experience Tokyo's Vibrant Culture at Mezuru Tokyo's Afternoon Exhibition: Chapter 14

Mezuru Tokyo, part of the Autograph Collection, located at the waterfront of Tokyo, presents a luxurious and artistic experience titled "TOKYO WAVES". Beginning September 1, 2025, the hotel's 16th floor bar and lounge, "Whisk", will host a special afternoon tea program called "Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: Late Edition", in collaboration with the Sumida Hokusai Museum. This unique tea program draws inspiration from the renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, featuring a carefully curated menu that embodies the essence of Tokyo's cultural heritage.

This exhibition is the 14th chapter in the "TOKYO WAVES" series, dedicated to revisiting the landscapes and stories depicted in Hokusai's masterpieces. Building on the success of the previous six-month exhibition that showcased popular sweets inspired by Hokusai's works, this new chapter will introduce an additional five delightful sweets and savory items, each designed to be a unique culinary experience that reflects Hokusai's love for art and food.

A Flavorful Tribute to Hokusai

The afternoon tea will boast an inventive menu that includes sweets and savories inspired by Hokusai’s life and his iconic series. The highlight of the appetizer selection will be the daifuku mochi parfait, a delicate wrapping of mascarpone cheese and sweet red bean paste made from Hokkaido azuki. This fusion of Western and Japanese flavors promises a luxurious taste that melts in the mouth.

Accompanying the daifuku, guests will enjoy a warm mocktail reminiscent of traditional suimono, infused with the essence of the herbal mixtures attributed to Hokusai himself, creating a balance of refreshment and gentle sweetness.

The main menu features an exciting assortment of eleven items, combining both previously popular selections and new creations. Among them is the "Kadai Queso" inspired by Hokusai’s work depicting farmers, evoking the scene of oxen followed by farmers through the intricate textures of the dish. Other highlights include:
1. Granité Milk - Symbolizing the serene winter mornings with Mt. Fuji in view; a perfect blend of textures and flavors with a hint of cherry.
2. Rare Cheese Cone - A fine confection embodying the movements captured in Hokusai’s paintings, filled with luscious rare cheesecake.
3. Cigarette Hazel Ganache - Expressing the adult flavors of chocolate and the crunch of a delicate cookie, inspired by the rich scene of Hokusai's landscapes.
4. Tarte aux Pignons - A unique tart featuring the flavors of pine nuts and matcha almond cream, capturing the essence of Japanese ingredients in a Western dessert.
5. Passion Épice Jelly - A refreshing dual-layered dessert, merging warm wine spices and tropical fruits, reminiscent of Mt. Fuji reflected in a tranquil lake.

Each of these dishes is designed to transport guests into Hokusai’s world, allowing them to not just taste but also feel the stories and backgrounds of the scenes depicted in his art.

A Holistic Cultural Experience

The afternoon exhibition is set against the backdrop of the historical Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay, rekindling a connection to Japan’s rich cultural roots. The collaboration with Sumida Hokusai Museum ensures that visitors will be exposed to the broader context of Hokusai's influence beyond just his artistry in ukiyo-e.

Since its inception, many guests have enjoyed using the Tokyo Waterbus service connecting the museum and Mezuru Tokyo, emphasizing a leisurely and reflective journey through art and culinary delights. The afternoon tea program seeks to engage both local and international guests, creating a sensory journey that reawakens appreciation for Japan’s artistic heritage.

The late edition of the exhibition will beautifully blend art, music, food, and design, allowing guests to rediscover Japan through their senses. The Mezuru Tokyo team is committed to creating an innovative experience that not only celebrates Hokusai's legacy but also resonates with the dynamic spirit of Tokyo.

Event Details

- Duration: September 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
- Time: Weekdays at 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, and 18:00; weekends and holidays at 14:00, 14:30, and 15:00.
- Location: Mezuru Tokyo 16th Floor Bar & Lounge “Whisk”
- Price: ¥7,000 per person (tax included, service charge extra)
- Reservation: Required 24 hours in advance via website link

The Sumida Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the iconic artist, is the perfect partner for this initiative. It opened its doors in November 2016, celebrating Hokusai’s contributions to art and culture, and enhancing the overall mission of promoting Japan's artistic heritage through interactive experiences.

This afternoon tea program at Mezuru Tokyo is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to step into the world of one of Japan’s greatest artists and explore the vibrancy of Tokyo's culture.