Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence with Special Tsukimi Event at Kagari and Soujuan
The renowned Japanese restaurants Kagari and Soujuan, located on the second floor of Keio Plaza Hotel, are marking their 20th anniversary this year. To express heartfelt gratitude to their loyal customers, a special tasting event themed "Summer Festival" will be held on Sunday, August 24. In addition, from July 1 to August 31, the restaurants will offer limited-time lunch and dinner menus that incorporate ingredients and dishes that have been popular since their opening.
Since their establishment on July 14, 2005, Kagari and Soujuan have aimed to propose a modern style of Japanese cuisine that emphasizes safety, freshness, and seasonal flavors. A key aspect of their approach has been the direct selection of ingredients from producers. Two decades ago, it was unusual for a restaurant to purchase seafood directly from fishing ports instead of going through fish markets, but this practice was championed by the chefs, particularly with a strong commitment to freshness.
Chef Toshiyuki Kato, who will receive the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Honor in May 2025, personally visited fishing ports across Japan to source the best seafood. Alongside this, he visited various farms to select organic, freshly harvested vegetables. This dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients has played a pivotal role in contributing to the regional economy and delivering dishes that encapsulate both local flavors and a sense of Japanese culture.
The strong desire to convey Japanese culture to customers intensified after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, leading to numerous restaurant events featuring elements of Japanese tradition, such as Arita ceramics, Mount Fuji, chopsticks, and Hinamatsuri. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the hotel industry faced unprecedented challenges. Keio Plaza Hotel was no exception, with repeated states of emergency leading to chaos in the operations. Despite efforts to reopen, customer numbers remained low, and sourcing ingredients became increasingly difficult. Yet, customer encouragement and supportive phrases like "Are you okay?" and "This too shall pass" kept the spirits up. Following the relief from the pandemic, an influx of inbound tourists has revitalized the restaurants, with total visitor numbers exceeding 2.03 million, leading up to the 20th anniversary on July 14, 2025.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, a one-day special tasting event will be held on August 24, alongside limited-time menus available from July 1 to August 31. This event will feature signature dishes inspired by the Summer Festival, including the intricately prepared “Ayumikan-yaki,” revival of the popular “Sakekasu gratin” with added Kobe beef, and accompanying premium sake. The limited-time lunch and dinner menus will showcase select Tokyo ingredients known as “Edo-Tokyo vegetables,” reflecting both Chef Kato’s founding philosophy and the vision of current Chef Daisuke Yagisawa. This blending of traditional flavors and contemporary culinary art represents the history of the two restaurants.
The Team's Heartfelt Message on the 20th Anniversary
Manager Haruko Izawa
Kagari and Soujuan have been loved by numerous customers since their inception. Thanks to everyone’s support, we are delighted to celebrate our 20th anniversary. In this tasting event, we aim to pour our immense gratitude into each dish prepared with care. I hope you will create wonderful memories this summer at the tasting event.
Chef Daisuke Yagisawa
Having inherited the pressure from the previous head chef, I have come this far with the support of many customers and staff. I constantly envision our guests’ smiles while working in the kitchen. The tasting event at Kagari will feature carefully chosen ingredients prepared using techniques that highlight their unique qualities. We look forward to welcoming you on August 24, carrying with us 20 years' worth of gratitude.
Exclusive Tasting Event Menu
The special tasting event is priced at ¥25,000 per person, including a welcome drink, service fee, and tax. Attendees can expect a visually pleasing and delicious selection of dishes. The sashimi will feature fresh fish direct from Karatsu in Saga, recognized for its advanced techniques to preserve fish freshness, along with a three-piece sashimi platter that includes Chef’s favorite fresh fish and tuna. Other unique dishes include the day-only “Ayumikan-yaki,” the past favorite “Sakekasu gratin” with Kobe beef, and a secret dish inspired by festive street food, keeping in mind the playful spirit of the chef.
The atmosphere on the dining day will further enhance the experience, with decorations echoing the Summer Festival theme, drawing guests into a festive mood.
Limited-Time Menus from July 1 to August 31
Lunch Menu “Kagari-Gozen” is priced at ¥5,600 per person, including service fee and tax.
The recommended lunch offers nostalgic flavors and seasonal ingredients curated over the 20 years of Kagari’s journey. Guests can savor three small dishes, including “Sesame Tofu,” “Smoked Salmon and Fresh Water Shield Jelly with Ikura,” and “Edo Green Microgreens” combined with roasted sesame, alongside crunchy shrimp tempura and refreshing cold dishes.
The “Kagari-Gozen” provides a delightful culinary experience encapsulating the essence of Kagari’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and elegant presentation.
*Dinner & Lunch Course
Since their establishment on July 14, 2005, Kagari and Soujuan have aimed to propose a modern style of Japanese cuisine that emphasizes safety, freshness, and seasonal flavors. A key aspect of their approach has been the direct selection of ingredients from producers. Two decades ago, it was unusual for a restaurant to purchase seafood directly from fishing ports instead of going through fish markets, but this practice was championed by the chefs, particularly with a strong commitment to freshness.
Chef Toshiyuki Kato, who will receive the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Honor in May 2025, personally visited fishing ports across Japan to source the best seafood. Alongside this, he visited various farms to select organic, freshly harvested vegetables. This dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients has played a pivotal role in contributing to the regional economy and delivering dishes that encapsulate both local flavors and a sense of Japanese culture.
The strong desire to convey Japanese culture to customers intensified after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, leading to numerous restaurant events featuring elements of Japanese tradition, such as Arita ceramics, Mount Fuji, chopsticks, and Hinamatsuri. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the hotel industry faced unprecedented challenges. Keio Plaza Hotel was no exception, with repeated states of emergency leading to chaos in the operations. Despite efforts to reopen, customer numbers remained low, and sourcing ingredients became increasingly difficult. Yet, customer encouragement and supportive phrases like "Are you okay?" and "This too shall pass" kept the spirits up. Following the relief from the pandemic, an influx of inbound tourists has revitalized the restaurants, with total visitor numbers exceeding 2.03 million, leading up to the 20th anniversary on July 14, 2025.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, a one-day special tasting event will be held on August 24, alongside limited-time menus available from July 1 to August 31. This event will feature signature dishes inspired by the Summer Festival, including the intricately prepared “Ayumikan-yaki,” revival of the popular “Sakekasu gratin” with added Kobe beef, and accompanying premium sake. The limited-time lunch and dinner menus will showcase select Tokyo ingredients known as “Edo-Tokyo vegetables,” reflecting both Chef Kato’s founding philosophy and the vision of current Chef Daisuke Yagisawa. This blending of traditional flavors and contemporary culinary art represents the history of the two restaurants.
The Team's Heartfelt Message on the 20th Anniversary
Manager Haruko Izawa
Kagari and Soujuan have been loved by numerous customers since their inception. Thanks to everyone’s support, we are delighted to celebrate our 20th anniversary. In this tasting event, we aim to pour our immense gratitude into each dish prepared with care. I hope you will create wonderful memories this summer at the tasting event.
Chef Daisuke Yagisawa
Having inherited the pressure from the previous head chef, I have come this far with the support of many customers and staff. I constantly envision our guests’ smiles while working in the kitchen. The tasting event at Kagari will feature carefully chosen ingredients prepared using techniques that highlight their unique qualities. We look forward to welcoming you on August 24, carrying with us 20 years' worth of gratitude.
Exclusive Tasting Event Menu
The special tasting event is priced at ¥25,000 per person, including a welcome drink, service fee, and tax. Attendees can expect a visually pleasing and delicious selection of dishes. The sashimi will feature fresh fish direct from Karatsu in Saga, recognized for its advanced techniques to preserve fish freshness, along with a three-piece sashimi platter that includes Chef’s favorite fresh fish and tuna. Other unique dishes include the day-only “Ayumikan-yaki,” the past favorite “Sakekasu gratin” with Kobe beef, and a secret dish inspired by festive street food, keeping in mind the playful spirit of the chef.
The atmosphere on the dining day will further enhance the experience, with decorations echoing the Summer Festival theme, drawing guests into a festive mood.
Limited-Time Menus from July 1 to August 31
Lunch Menu “Kagari-Gozen” is priced at ¥5,600 per person, including service fee and tax.
The recommended lunch offers nostalgic flavors and seasonal ingredients curated over the 20 years of Kagari’s journey. Guests can savor three small dishes, including “Sesame Tofu,” “Smoked Salmon and Fresh Water Shield Jelly with Ikura,” and “Edo Green Microgreens” combined with roasted sesame, alongside crunchy shrimp tempura and refreshing cold dishes.
The “Kagari-Gozen” provides a delightful culinary experience encapsulating the essence of Kagari’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and elegant presentation.
*Dinner & Lunch Course
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