- 1906
- Opened as the Mikasa Hotel
- 1925
- Ownership transferred
- 1985
- Designated an Important Cultural Property
Where History Meets Fine Dining.
an Important Cultural Property
Now accepting reservations.
Limited to 12 guests (first-come, first-served)
The Former Mikasa Hotel, an Important Cultural Property, stands as a symbol of Karuizawa’s development. Opened in 1906 (Meiji 39), the hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Over the years, it served as an intellectual salon for literary figures and a hub of international exchange where Japanese and Western cultures came together. Tonight’s dinner offers a one-night-only opportunity to experience this authentic history with all five senses.
This was an era when, alongside the spread of Western-style social customs epitomized by the Rokumeikan, the culture of formal dinner parties took root in Japan, particularly among the upper classes.
As Karuizawa developed into a summer resort, it attracted many international visitors and diplomats, becoming a cosmopolitan setting where cross-border exchange and social interaction flourished.
Once known as “Karuizawa’s Guest House,” this entirely Western-style wooden building is an Important Cultural Property and a symbol of Karuizawa, preserving the design and elegance of the Meiji era to this day.
The Former Mikasa Hotel, which normally closes at 5:00 PM, will open its doors after hours for one special night. In this distinguished setting, where eating and drinking are normally prohibited, guests will enjoy drinks alongside dishes that reimagine menus from the period for a modern palate. Music from the era of grand dinner parties and fresh floral arrangements will fill the space, bringing a moment from a century ago vividly back to life. It will be an extraordinary evening reserved exclusively for the evening’s guests.
Drawing on records preserved from the hotel’s past, a full six-course menu has been recreated for the present day. Inspired by classical cooking techniques and the use of ingredients, and informed by extensive research into historical materials, the menu brings the character and lingering resonance of Meiji-era Western-style dining culture into the present.
A pâté made with wild game, a popular ingredient of the era, wrapped in pastry and baked in the formal style of the time.
A country-style consommé enriched with a generous amount of broth from local vegetables, served in the classic manner with vegetables carved into small spheres.
Low-temperature cooked flounder with a traditional sauce of its own stock and mushrooms.
A simple salad dressed with a vinaigrette made from vinegar flavored with local fruit.
The Mikasa Hotel once had its own kiln for firing tableware. The pieces were made by mixing pumice from Mount Asama into the clay, a technique that was very difficult and made them rare and precious. This ware was highly admired at the time and is believed to have been used to serve the main course.
The beef fillet is encased in a salt crust made with bamboo charcoal and shaped to resemble a large Asama volcanic stone. It is cooked inside the crust, then broken out and served.
Our pudding recreates the style of the era: a simple, firm custard with a rich egg flavor.
Based at Restaurant Pinox in Itoshima, Fukuoka, he draws on his experience as a chef to work across a wide range of fields, from branding and hotels to weddings and regional projects. He also participated in a project selected by the Japan Tourism Agency. He serves as Creative Director for MAIAM Wines and ALY HOTEL and is the founder of VEIL Inc. His work goes beyond food, bringing together language, space, art, music, film, and operations into a single, cohesive experience. In doing so, he transforms the inherent appeal of places and brands into new forms of value, carefully reshaping what makes each place unique into an experience all its own.
There is no strict dress code. We ask that you come dressed appropriately for the occasion.
The application form includes a section where you can indicate and describe any food allergies. For details on what we can accommodate, or if you would like a vegetarian menu, please let us know in advance via the form.
Due to ingredient procurement and event preparation, the following cancellation fees apply:
Up to 8 days before the event: No cancellation fee (excluding actual costs such as bank transfer fees)
7 to 3 days before the event: 50% of the participation fee
2 days before to the day of the event (including no-shows): 100% of the participation fee
Participants are asked to arrive at and depart from the venue on their own.
Free parking is available at the venue (the former Mikasa Hotel).
If you are coming by car and wish to drink alcohol, please use a designated driver service or public transportation (taxi, local bus, etc.).
English-speaking staff will be available on the day of the event.
Guests from overseas and anyone who prefers assistance in English are welcome to join with confidence.
Photography for personal use is permitted. However, please note the following:
Photography for commercial or for-profit purposes requires prior application and approval.
Please refrain from using flash or doing anything that may disrupt the performance or program.
If you use a tripod, please protect its feet to avoid damaging the floor and other surfaces.
Please be mindful of other guests’ privacy and portrait rights.
Overnight stays are not available at the venue.
As participants arrive at and depart from the venue on their own, please arrange your own accommodation nearby if needed.
- Date & Time
- Saturday, Oct 31, 2026, 5:00–9:00 PM
- Venue
- The Former Mikasa Hotel, an Important Cultural Property
- Capacity
- 12 guests (first-come, first-served)