#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #CAFE AALTO #Finnish Cuisine

CAFE AALTO Tokyo: A Finnish Delight in the Heart of Tokyo

On August 29, 2025, Tokyo will welcome the taste of Finland with the grand opening of "CAFE AALTO" in the Shin Marunouchi Building. This café is not just another eatery; it embodies the essence of Finland's cultural charm, art, and culinary excellence. Operated by Spiral, this venture reflects the perfect union of daily life and art.

A Taste of Finland

CAFE AALTO brings authentic Finnish flavors to Tokyo. Guests can indulge in traditional offerings such as cinnamon rolls, blueberry tarts, and salmon soup. Each dish aims to provide an authentic Finnish taste experience, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of this Nordic country.

The café’s interior is designed to echo the ambience of its flagship location in Helsinki, featuring original black leather and brass-framed chairs conceived by famed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The tables crafted from marble and wood enhance the café's welcoming atmosphere, all accentuated by the golden-hued Artek pendant lamp known as "GOLDEN BELL." The tableware, including the iconic tumblers from the iittala brand designed by Aino Aalto, further enriches the dining experience.

Visitors will find themselves immersed in a space where natural materials meet harmonious design, all while enjoying classic Finnish delicacies that evoke a sense of place and tradition.

Grand Opening Exhibition

To celebrate the café's opening, the first exhibition titled "The Presence of Impressions in Daily Life" will feature the works of Chiaki Kadota. Kadota's artworks are expressions of the impressions encountered in everyday life, reflecting on nature, particularly Finnish landscapes. The exhibition highlights new creations inspired by Aalto's vases and the serene views of Finnish lakes and forests visible from an airplane.

Kadota, born in Hokkaido in 1983, has transitioned from an illustrator to a painter, focusing on capturing the elusive beauty in daily experiences. Her work, which extends beyond traditional canvases, often incorporates various mediums, giving life to impressions often overlooked. Her recognition includes the SICF22 Wacoal Study Hall Kyoto Award.

The exhibition is free to attend and runs from August 29 through the end of December 2025, inviting audiences to appreciate the unassuming beauty of everyday life as interpreted by Kadota.

The Spiral Garden Experience

The establishment is part of the newly launched Spiral Garden, which opened on July 31, 2025, creating a multi-functional space that blends a gallery, shop, and café. Reflecting the concept of an "urban park," the Spiral Garden encourages visitors to easily encounter art and design within their daily lives. This innovative environment aims to provide a space where art can be appreciated casually, much like strolling through a garden.

Currently, the Spiral Garden is also hosting an exhibition titled "THINK? - Food as the Gateway to the World," featuring a collection of artists including Keita Sakai, Akiko Tokunobu, and others. This exhibition runs until September 30, 2025, showcasing various interpretations of food and its global connections.

In a city that thrives on cultural diversity and culinary excellence, CAFE AALTO promises not only to serve delightful Finnish dishes but also to enrich the local art scene through innovative exhibitions and experiences. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in this unique intersection of taste and creativity when the café opens its doors in 2025.