Experience a Culinary Journey Through France at Meiji Memorial Hall's Kinkei Restaurant

The Meiji Memorial Hall, situated in the heart of Tokyo's Minato Ward at 2-2-23 Motoakasaka, is set to participate in Japan's largest gourmet event, the Diners Club France Restaurant Week 2025, running from September 20 to October 20, 2025. This exciting culinary event invites guests to embark on a flavorful voyage through various regions of France, all from the comfort of the stylish lounge and dining space, Kinkei.

An Invitation to Delight in French Cuisine

The theme of this year’s event, “A Culinary Journey Through France,” aims to make French cuisine more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Diners will indulge in a special dinner course that captures the essence of traditional French cooking, inspired by regions such as Normandy, Bordeaux, and Basque. The Kinkei restaurant offers a beautifully designed space where history and modernity blend, creating a unique dining atmosphere paired with exquisite culinary delights.

Gourmet Delights Await

The carefully curated menu features an array of delectable dishes, allowing guests to experience the diverse flavors of French cuisine. Some highlights include:

- Appetizer: Sorbet of Normandy Cider with Black Pudding Brulee
- Appetizer: Seasonal Burgundy-Style Morels
- Fish Dish: Oven-Baked Sea Bass with Dijon Mustard and Beurre Blanc Sauce
- Main Course: Sous Vide Kintoa Pork from the Basque region served with Pipérade
- Dessert: Calisson de Aix and a selection from the famous 51 ice cream series

Reservations are required to enjoy this exclusive experience. Guests are encouraged to book their table prior to their visit to savor these exceptional culinary creations.

A Brief Overview of the Diners Club France Restaurant Week

The Diners Club France Restaurant Week is an initiative that encourages a broader audience to embrace French gastronomy through specially priced course meals available during the event. This makes it an ideal opportunity for non-members and food lovers alike to immerse themselves in the richness of French flavors.

Chef Hiroshi Nose, the Executive Chef of the Western Cuisine at the Meiji Memorial Hall, emphasizes the significance of this event. He mentioned, “We have curated a ‘Course Exploring Various Regions of France’ exclusive to Restaurant Week 2025. This menu beautifully intertwines seasonal ingredients from both France and Japan, aiming not just to please the palate but to evoke the senses through aroma as well.”

The Elegant Atmosphere of Kinkei

The Kinkei Lounge/Dining is set amidst lush gardens, providing an open and inviting ambiance. The interior retains the historical charm of the Akasaka Imperial Residence Dining Hall, offering a luxurious backdrop for dining. Besides a diverse western menu, the dining area also houses a stylish bar counter for guests to enjoy a more decadent experience. The restaurant operates under a strict reservation policy, ensuring an intimate and personalized dining experience for each guest.

Operating hours for Kinkei are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with last orders at 9:00 PM. The lunch menu is served from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a tea menu from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (with coffee service starting at 10:00 AM and running until 11:00 AM).

About Meiji Memorial Hall

Originally completed in 1881 as the Akasaka Imperial Residence Dining Hall, the Meiji Memorial Hall has served various significant roles in Japan's history, including hosting meetings for the drafting of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan. Today, it is not only a popular wedding venue but also hosts various events including parties, conferences, and dining experiences.
In 2020, it was designated a Tokyo Cultural Asset, recognizing its historical and architectural value. The Kinkei café and restaurant offer a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle, allowing guests to savor original cakes, traditional Japanese and Western sweets, and expertly brewed coffee in a serene setting.

Guests can easily access the Meiji Memorial Hall via public transport, just a short walk from various stations including Shinanomachi, Aoyama Ichome, and Kokuritsu Kyogijo.

So step into this perfect blend of culinary delight and historical resonance and reserve your table today to enjoy this truly unique experience at Meiji Memorial Hall’s Kinkei restaurant. Book here: Reservations.