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A Unique Culinary Experience at Tokugawa Garden Restaurant

This spring, from April 18 to June 14, 2026, guests at the Garden Restaurant Tokugawa in Nagoya can indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant is coinciding with the special NHK Taiga Drama exhibition titled "Toyotomi Brothers!" hosted by the Tokugawa Art Museum.

A Sensory Delight

The restaurant not only offers a meal but invites you to enjoy the world of the Toyotomi brothers through all five senses. The menu is designed to immerse you in the historical context while tasting exquisite French cuisine.

Daisuke Kikuchi, the head chef at the Garden Restaurant Tokugawa, speaks passionately about the concept behind the special menu. He pondered what it would feel like if the two brothers, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Toyotomi Hidenao, were dining at the restaurant today. This imaginative journey led to the creation of dishes that encapsulate their legendary stories and the ingredients associated with them, elevated through modern French culinary techniques.

Signature Dishes

Here’s a glimpse of some standout dishes that you can expect:

1. Premier Dish: Sea Bream with Pickled Moriguchi and Caviar
This dish brings together the sea bream beloved by Hideyoshi and the local delicacy, Moriguchi pickles, known to be named by him. The artistic presentation evokes the grandeur of the Toyotomi's golden age, reminding diners of Osaka Castle.

2. Chaud: The Compassion of Yamato – Turnip, Yuba, Consommé, Truffle
A tribute to Hidenao, who supported his brother and focused on agricultural policies. This dish includes Yuba (tofu skin) linked to their governance in Yamato, wrapped in a contemporary consommé infused with truffle. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of Hachijo miso powder on yuba chips to encapsulate Hidenao's genuine and warm personality.

3. Dessert: The Golden Tea Room – Matcha, Strawberry, Gold Leaf
Inspired by Hideyoshi’s fondness for the golden tea room, this dessert features rich matcha pound cake and cream adorned with gold leaf, crafting an image of the extravagant culture of the era. The highlight is a live element where matcha sauce is poured right in front of the guests, turning dessert into an interactive experience.

In addition to these signature dishes, locally sourced ingredients from Aichi Prefecture such as wild eel, Aichi duck, and sea bass are incorporated to create a unique culinary experience that intertwines the historical setting of Tokugawa Garden with the story of the Toyotomi brothers.

The Exhibition Collaboration

The exhibition "Toyotomi Brothers!" runs concurrently, detailing the tumultuous journey of these influential leaders during Japan's Sengoku period. The exhibition highlights their destructive times, major battles, and interpersonal relationships with notable figures like Nobunaga Oda and Ieyasu Tokugawa amidst approximately 140 different art pieces and historical artifacts.

More Information

• - Dining Period: April 18 (Saturday) to June 14 (Sunday), 2026 (Closed Mondays)
• - Service Times: Lunch and Dinner
• - Price: ¥13,000 (excluding tax and service charge)
• - Reservation Method: Available via the official website or by phone.
• - Reservation Link

About the Head Chef

Yukiyo Kobayashi, born in 1983 in Aichi Prefecture, started his culinary journey at Nagoya Marriott Associa and further honed his skills at Michelin-starred venues in France. Since June 2020, he has been leading the culinary team at the Garden Restaurant Tokugawa.

About Tokugawa Garden Restaurant

Nestled in the historic Tokugawa Garden in Nagoya, the Garden Restaurant offers a serene dining environment that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design. Guests can enjoy superb French cuisine while absorbing the beauty of the garden’s changing seasons, all while reflecting on the history of the Tokugawa era.

Contact Information

• - Address: 1001 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
• - Phone: 052-932-7887
• - Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order 1:30 PM) / Dinner 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Last Order 8:00 PM)
• - Closed: Mondays (unless public holiday falls on a Monday)
• - Official Website
• - Instagram