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Celebrating a Time-Honored Tradition at Kagurazaka's Irori Yakiniku Gion

On October 1, 2026, Kagurazaka Irori Yakiniku Gion, operated by Vintage International Co., Ltd. and led by director Gentaro Michishita, will kick off the Irori cooking season with an exclusive event for the press—the "Irori Opening Press Day." This event will symbolize not only the arrival of autumn but also the start of a new year in the Irori tradition.

The opening ceremony will feature Rev. Nobuhisa Wakamiya from the Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine, who will purify the 80-year-old traditional wooden house where the Irori is located, praying for safety and prosperity throughout the year. Following this, the first fire of the season, referred to as the "Hi-Ire no Gi," will be lit. For those involved, this day marks a significant cultural moment as they gather around the fire, a method of cooking that has connected people throughout generations in Japan.

The Heart of Japanese Cuisine

Historically, the Irori was the heart of Japanese domestic spaces—it provided warmth, facilitated cooking, and served as a gathering point for family and guests. It is not merely a cooking facility but the very essence of Japanese dining culture, promoting social bonds through shared meals.

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps traditional practices, the team at Kagurazaka Irori Yakiniku Gion strives to communicate the importance and beauty of the Irori experience. The phrase "When people gather around a fire, they grow closer" resonates strongly within this mission.

The Ritual of Lighting the Fire

The event will unfold with various rituals, starting with prayers and purification – a traditional blessing for the Irori and its culinary delights. The charcoal used for cooking comes from Yachi Forestry, which has refined black charcoal over a century, renowned for winning the Prime Minister's Award for its quality. The fire will inspire a beautiful, warm glow, illuminating a feast of Japanese black wagyu beef and seasonal delicacies prepared right at the Irori.

The ceremony will not only mark the commencement of the season but also capture in photographs and videos the narrative of Japanese food culture and its seasonal transitions.

A Sensory Experience in a Historic Setting

Located in a historic wooden building that once served as a ryotei (traditional Japanese inn), Kagurazaka Irori Yakiniku Gion was opened on May 9, 2024, due to the strong support of our patrons. Every table is equipped with an Irori, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the utmost authenticity of Japanese cuisine.

Led by head chef Michihisa Kato, a former cook at the prestigious Nadaman in the Imperial Hotel, diners can expect a gourmet experience. The restaurant features additional artistic elements, including original pottery from Tochigi Prefecture and calligraphy pieces by renowned artist Hiroko Suehiro.

Kagurazaka Irori Yakiniku Gion aims not merely to serve meals but to provide a deep cultural experience that engages all five senses. Increasingly, international guests are drawn to the immersive nature of this unique dining experience. To domestic visitors, we reintroduce the richness of Japanese culture, while to foreign customers, we offer experiences exclusive to Japan.

Making Irori the Autumn Highlight

The PRESS DAY will not present new menu items but will shine a renewed light on the significance of the Irori as a pillar of Japanese dining culture. It’s about gratitude for fire, a wish for the new year’s safety and prosperity, and igniting the first flame of the season. This endeavor aims to firmly establish October 1 as a cherished autumn tradition in Kagurazaka, saying, "October 1 is our New Year’s Day" for Irori enthusiasts.

Seasonal Gatherings Every Month

Post-October, Kagurazaka Irori Yakiniku Gion will celebrate the changing seasons with monthly special events. On September 8, 2023, we collaborated with Shigeru Hayashi, a prominent figure in the Japanese wine scene, for a unique evening with head chef Michihisa Kato.

Continued celebration of seasonal ingredients and exciting culinary collaborations will remain central to our offerings. Exclusive news will be shared through our LINE group, reserved for our valued clients, offering a unique opportunity to get insider information.

Details of the Exclusive Press Event

Event: Irori Opening 2026 Press Day
Date: October 1, 2026, Thursday
Location: Kagurazaka Irori Yakiniku Gion
Address: 3-6-56 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Participants: Media from television, newspapers, magazines, and web media

The schedule includes media registration, ritual prayer by the shrine priest, fire lighting ceremony, followed by the opportunity to taste the irori cuisine and conduct interviews.

This event is open exclusively to select media due to the historic setting that limits participation. Applications must be submitted by September 25 at noon for consideration.

Please visit our official website for further inquiries and to find our application form for the Press Day.

With anticipation, we look forward to welcoming media personnel to join us in fostering a new autumn custom in Kagurazaka while exploring the richness of Japanese culture through our Irori.