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Discover the Essence of Japanese Winter Cuisine at Hoshinoya Tokyo

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, the culinary world transforms to celebrate the rich flavors of the season. Hoshinoya Tokyo, a luxury ryokan, is set to launch its exclusive winter menu starting December 1, 2025. This year, they focus on traditional Japanese home-cooked meals that have faded away, offering a unique exploration of nostalgic flavors combined with contemporary techniques.

Unique Winter Menu Offerings

Hikizuri (Aichi Prefecture)

Originating from Aichi, Hikizuri is a local dish that refers to a chicken sukiyaki hot pot. Hoshinoya has reinvented this classic, transforming it into a delicate and refreshing dish featuring a main component of ballotine* chicken, accompanied by shiitake mushrooms and nama-fu wrapped around chicken breast marinated in a special sauce for three hours. The preparation allows for an explosion of flavors and textures, perfectly balanced with a purée of Jerusalem artichokes and a sauce made from shungiku (chrysanthemum greens). Visually stunning and delicious, this dish showcases the spirit of Aichi’s culinary heritage.

Narae (Tokushima Prefecture)

Narae is a traditional dish from Tokushima, historically made with a base of narazuke (pickled vegetables) and seven components combined. The Hoshinoya version features a creamy tarter made from fermented soybeans, combined with delicious ingredients like narazuke and lily bulbs, served with crispy fried Ise shrimp. The buttery, creamy richness envelops the tanginess and saltiness of the pickles, resulting in a depth of flavor that is light yet satisfying. This dish highlights the umami of various ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Tachikama (Hokkaido)

Drawing inspiration from 'Tachikama', a type of fish cake made using the milt of Alaska pollock, Hoshinoya Tokyo has crafted a dish that features intense flavors condensed into a sauce, paired with seasonal grilled fish. Accompanied by aromatic baked risotto and a refreshing turnip salad, this dish brings together the deep flavors of the milt sauce with the delicate, mild taste of the fish and the rich acidity of the risotto—providing a delightful contrast on the palate.

Mikan Mochi (Wakayama Prefecture)

Hailing from Wakayama, Mikan Mochi is a comforting winter dish combining steamed mandarin oranges with mochi rice. Hoshinoya Tokyo has elevated this beloved home-cooked dish into a sophisticated dessert, where mandarin juice is set with kudzu starch and agar, topped generously with fresh mandarin pieces. This innovative dessert offers a unique texture, combining the chewiness of kudzu with the juicy vibrancy of the fruit, perfectly embodying the flavors of winter.

Dining Information

Overview of Winter Menu

• - Duration: Starting December 1, 2025
• - Pricing: 33,880 yen per person (including tax and service charges; accommodation fees separate)
• - Reservations: Accepted until the day prior via the official website
• - Target Audience: Guests staying at Hoshinoya Tokyo
• - Note: Menu items and ingredients may vary based on availability.

About Chef Ryosuke Oka

Ryosuke Oka, born in 1985 in Shiga Prefecture, brings a wealth of experience to his role as the executive chef at Hoshinoya Tokyo, appointed on May 1, 2023. With a background steeped in French cuisine, including stints at esteemed establishments such as Kobe Kitano Hotel and Pierre Gagnaire, his culinary philosophy emphasizes respect for local ingredients and the principles of Japanese seasonality. Oka aspires to create dishes that can only be enjoyed in a particular region, blending traditional Japanese ingredients and techniques with innovative French methods to elevate culinary experiences.

The Hoshinoya Tokyo Dining Experience

Located on the first basement level of Hoshinoya Tokyo, the dining area embraces a traditional Japanese aesthetic while incorporating modern sensibilities. Guests are greeted by earthen walls and fine stone flooring leading to serene tatami rooms where they can enjoy their meals comfortably. Hoshinoya Tokyo is designed as a retreat from the bustling city, providing a tranquil ambiance that perfectly complements the exquisite dining experience.

About Hoshinoya

As a pioneer in luxury accommodation, Hoshinoya aims to provide guests with an extraordinary and unique experience inspired by local culture, history, and seasonal offerings. Their establishments aim to transport visitors away from the daily grind through beautifully crafted moments within the rich tapestry of Japanese hospitality.

For more information, visit the official Hoshinoya website.