Hokkaido Melon Afternoon Tea [The Prince Park Tower Tokyo]

A refreshing tea time limited to summer, enjoyed alongside a magnificent view of Tokyo.

Hokkaido’s melons—cultivated in a climate defined by dramatic temperature swings between day and night—develop an intensity of aroma and a melting sweetness that has made them the region’s signature summer commodity. The Prince Park Tower Tokyo harnesses this agricultural specificity within its Lobby Lounge from July 1 through August 31, 2026, presenting an afternoon tea program that juxtaposes these sweet offerings against savories featuring distinctly northern proteins.

The seasonal menu operates within a three-hour framework (last entry at 18:00), though a condensed Late Afternoon Tea option—guaranteeing tower-view seating in a two-hour format starting at either 17:00 or 18:00—provides an alternative for those prioritizing the vista over extended hours.

The Culinary Program

Pastry presentations center on the Vacherin “Shiny Melon,” where crisp meringue encases juicy green-flesh melon, creating a textural dialogue between shatter and yielding fruit. This anchors a sweet selection that includes a fraisier paired with fresh mint and a granité composed like a frozen cocktail suspended in chilled melon soup. The savory dimension incorporates Hokkaido’s terrestrial and marine resources: a mini-burger sandwiches Ezo deer pâté—one of the island’s representative game meats—within milk-enriched buns, while carpaccio of water octopus arrives dressed with vibrant vegetables. A welcome Sencha Soda opens the progression.

The Menu

◆ Welcome Drink: Sencha Soda

<Sweets>

• Shiny Melon
• Milky Melon
• Melon Mint Cake
• Galette Bretonne
• Melon Mocktail
• Scones (Haskap, Milk)

<Savory>

• Ezo Deer Burger
• Water Octopus Carpaccio
• Vichyssoise
• Salmon Gelee

Ingredients and menus may change depending on procurement conditions.
Photos are for illustrative purposes.
Please check the official website for detailed contents.

Practical Information

In a Tokyo summer where the meteorological designation “kokusho-bi” (extremely hot day) has become standard vocabulary, this afternoon tea offers a literal and figurative cooldown—providing respite from the heat while transporting the aesthetic of Hokkaido’s fields to the capital’s skyline.

Venue & Access

Location: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Venue: Lobby Lounge (1F)
Address: 〒105-8563, 4-8-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo (MAP)
Nearest Stations: Shibakoen Station / Onarimon Station / Akabanebashi Station / Hamamatsucho Station / Daimon (Tokyo) Station

Dates & Hours

Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026
Standard Seating: 12:00 – 20:00 (Last entry 18:00) | 3-hour system
Late Afternoon Tea: 17:00 or 18:00 | Tower-view seat guaranteed | 2-hour system

Pricing

Standard Afternoon Tea:

• Weekdays: ¥8,000 per person
• Weekends/Holidays: ¥8,500 per person

Late Afternoon Tea:

• Weekdays: ¥7,500 per person
• Weekends/Holidays: ¥8,000 per person

Reservations

Phone: 03-5400-1170 (Available 10:00–18:00)
Official Website: Prince Hotels – Afternoon Tea 2026

The posted content may have changed. Please check the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest information.

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What are Hokkaido melons?

Hokkaido melons, particularly the Yubari King and Earl’s varieties, are specialty muskmelons grown in Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Unlike standard cantaloupes, these cultivars are bred for extremely high sugar content and uniform appearance, thriving in Hokkaido’s volcanic soil and wide day-night temperature variations that slow sugar accumulation while preserving structural integrity.

The cultivation methods differ significantly from conventional farming. Growers prune each vine to produce a single melon, concentrating the plant’s nutrients into one fruit. Farmers adjust the melon’s position regularly to ensure even sun exposure and prevent ground contact, and some cover the developing fruit with paper caps to prevent sunburn and moderate temperature. The distinctive net-like pattern on the rind develops through careful humidity management, with some farmers wiping the surface to encourage uniform cracking as the fruit expands.

Quality standards are stringent and standardized. Premium specimens exhibit symmetrical roundness, dense orange flesh, and sugar levels exceeding 15%, compared to 10-12% for typical grocery store cantaloupes. Professional inspectors grade the stem end, netting pattern, and fragrance. The stem is cut to leave a T-shaped base, a visual marker of proper harvest technique. Grade labels range from “fuji” (highest) to “yuki” (standard), with perfect specimens selling at auction for thousands of dollars.

In Japanese consumer culture, these melons function as high-value gifts rather than everyday fruit. The gifting season peaks during summer chugen and year-end oseibo exchanges, when presentation carries particular social weight. Department stores sell them in wooden boxes with documentation of their origin farm and individual tracking numbers. The season runs June through August, with prices reflecting both the labor-intensive growing process—some farmers spend over 100 days managing a single fruit—and the market value placed on flawless agricultural products in gift-giving contexts.

Peach Vacation Afternoon Tea

A luxurious moment to fully enjoy the sparkle of summer, woven together by fragrant peaches and mellow melons.

This seasonal afternoon tea celebrates summer’s peak produce through careful craftsmanship rather than novelty for its own sake. The pastry team has constructed a menu around two primary fruits—peaches and melons—treating each with precision that respects their distinct characteristics.

The sweets selection layers technique with seasonal timing. The “Peach Verrine” demonstrates this through structure: sparkling wine jelly set over rich panna cotta, creating textural contrast that keeps the palate engaged. The peach tart uses fully ripened fruit, the kind that yields slightly under pressure and releases concentrated juice. For the “Melon Mousse,” white chocolate provides fat content that carries rather than competes with the melon’s subtle floral notes.

Seven varieties make up the pastry component, each with specific intent. The “Hat Mousse” references summer straw haberdashery; the “Bag-shaped Mousse” carries a Mallorca tile pattern that connects to Mediterranean vacation aesthetics. Financiers receive a saline element—unusual for the typically sweet format—to reset sweetness perception. The “Pesque Dolce,” a traditional French peach-shaped confection, anchors the menu in established technique.

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■ Chef’s Special Savories

Three composed items balance the sweetness density of the pastry program:

• Peach soup: Gentle sweetness with refreshing acidity, served chilled
• Summer vegetable pickles: Mirabelle plum provides sweet-sour brightness against raw and lightly processed vegetables
• Risotto arancini: Bite-sized, with crisp exterior coating and concentrated umami from the rice base, set over grilled zucchini

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■ Tea and Beverage Options

Plan	Inclusions
Standard Plan	All-you-can-drink tea, coffee, soft drinks
Tea Selection Plan	Above plus Mariage Frères teas and flavored teas

The Mariage Frères integration—this is the distinguished French house founded in 1854—offers a measurable upgrade for those who track tea provenance.

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■ Optional Additions

Item	Price	Notes
Tropical Sunset Parfait with Häagen-Dazs	From 2,990 yen (with café)	Yokohama and Omiya stores only; available for individual order
Tropical Sunset Mini Parfait with Häagen-Dazs	1,200 yen	—
Special Drink “Peach Float”	1,200 yen	—
Red Peach and Lychee Rose-scented Semifreddo	1,500 yen	Summer seasonal specialité
Tea Selection upgrade	500 yen	—
Message Plate	500 yen	—

The semifreddo merits particular attention: peach compote, rose-scented mousse, and lychee operate as a composed dessert rather than a simple parfait. The temperature gradient—frozen mousse against room-temperature compote—creates the “moment of elegant vacation” the menu describes.

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■ Lunch Set Options

Afternoon tea without savories; suitable for lighter appetites

Set	Price	Contents
Pasta Lunch	1,500 yen	Chilled cauliflower potage / Short pasta with small shrimp and salsiccia
Chicken Lunch	1,500 yen	Chilled cauliflower potage / Poule Basquaise: Basque-style tomato stew with selected chicken thigh

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Complete Menu

【Sweets】

• Peach Melba Verrine Style
• Bergamot-scented Hat Mousse
• Peach Tart
• Peach Couture Mousse
• Financier Fleur
• Pesque Dolce
• Melon and Citron Gateau

【Savories】

• Risotto Arancini
• Chilled Cauliflower Potage
• Summer Vegetable Pickles with Mirabelle Flavor

【Scone Stand】

• Tea / Plain (with White Peach Jam)

【Drinks】

See plan descriptions above; last order 90 minutes from seating

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Venue-Specific Details

◆ Omiya Riku / Cafe & Restaurant Shikitei

Dates	Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026
Closed	Tuesdays
Hours	11:00–16:30 (Last entry 15:00)
Pricing	Weekdays from 4,580 yen / Weekends & Holidays from 4,800 yen
Note	Consumption tax included; 15% service charge separate

Location details | Nearest stations: Toro Station, Kamomiya Station

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◆ Applause Square Tokyo Geihinkan

Dates	Select dates June 19 – August 29, 2026 (see full schedule below)
Weekday hours	12:00–14:00
Weekend/Holiday hours	1st session 12:00–14:00 / 2nd session 16:15–18:15

Date key: ◎ Dogs allowed | ☆ 1st session only | ★ 2nd session only

June	July	August
19 ◎Fri	3 ◎Fri	1 ◎Sat
26 ◎Fri	5 ★Sun	2 ☆Sun
28 ◎Sun	10 ◎Fri	7 ◎Fri
	12 ★Sun	8 ★Sat
	17 Fri	9 Sun
	20 ◎Mon (Holiday)	11 ☆Tue (Holiday)
	24 Fri	14 ◎Fri
	26 Sun	15 Sat
	31 Fri	16 ☆Sun
		28 Fri
		29 ★Sat

Plan	Weekdays	Weekends/Holidays
Standard Plan	5,000 yen	5,500 yen
Tea Selection Plan	5,500 yen	6,000 yen
With Lunch Set	from 6,500 yen	from 7,000 yen

Location details | Nearest station: Akebonobashi Station

Inquiry: 03-5368-4700
Note: Closed every Monday and Tuesday (except holidays) and dates specified by the company

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◆ Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama (Yokohama)

Dates	Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026
Closed	Tuesdays
Weekday hours	12:00–17:00 (Last entry 15:00)
Weekend/Holiday hours	14:00–16:30 (Last entry 15:00)
Pricing	Weekdays from 5,500 yen / Weekends & Holidays from 6,000 yen

Location details | Nearest station: Sakuragicho Station

Inquiry: 045-260-8845

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◆ Contact Information

Venue	Phone
Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant Shikitei	048-662-5551
Applause Square Tokyo Geihinkan	03-5368-4700
Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama	045-260-8845

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Official Website

All prices include consumption tax and 15% service charge unless otherwise noted. Items other than the “Tropical Sunset Parfait with Häagen-Dazs” must be ordered as a set with the afternoon tea. Menu contents may change based on ingredient availability. Listed content may have changed; confirm current details with the venue or official website.

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What is Tokyo Geihinkan?

Tokyo Geihinkan, also known as the Tokyo State Guest House, occupies the former Akasaka Palace in Tokyo’s Minato ward. The building has served as one of Japan’s official state guest houses since 1947, when the Imperial household transferred it to government use.

The structure itself dates to 1909, when architect Katayama Tokuma completed it as a residence for the Crown Prince. Katayama worked in a Neo-Baroque idiom that looked toward European models—an approach shared by several prominent Meiji-era architects who had trained abroad. The result is a building that sits somewhat apart from the Japanese architectural mainstream of its period, though its construction involved Japanese craftsmen and materials throughout.

As a functioning guest house, the building receives foreign heads of state, monarchs, and diplomatic visitors. The Main Hall, with its ceiling chandeliers and parquet flooring, serves as the principal reception space. The Sairan Room contains woodwork by the Imperial Household carpenters, executed in traditional techniques that offset the building’s European envelope. The grounds follow formal garden conventions with some adaptation to the hillside site.

The Geihinkan opens to the public on designated days throughout the year, and has occasionally hosted seasonal dining events. These are ticketed affairs with limited seating, offering access to parts of the building not included in standard tours. The food and service follow the protocols developed for official hospitality. Whether the experience justifies the logistical effort and cost depends on one’s interest in the building itself—there is little else to warrant the trip, as the surrounding Akasaka district offers more convenient dining elsewhere.

For those who do visit, the value lies in observing how the space accommodates both its ceremonial functions and its occasional public role. The building was designed to impress, and it continues to do so. What has changed is the context: a residence built for an heir to an empire now serves a democratic state, and a space once entirely private now admits visitors who observe the machinery of diplomatic hospitality from a distance.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY LONDON AFTERNOON TEA ～ Inspired by Monet & Van Gogh～

When Two Artistic Visions Converge on Your Plate

Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh—two masters whose works rarely share the same physical space—find unexpected harmony in an afternoon tea experience that translates their paintings into edible form. Drawing from the collection of the National Gallery, London, this limited collaboration reimagines Water Lilies Pond and Sunflowers as a multi-course menu served across two distinctive Tokyo venues.

What distinguishes this event from conventional art-themed dining is its narrative foundation: both artists harbored a documented fascination with Japan. Monet constructed his Giverny garden with deliberate Japanese aesthetic influences, while Van Gogh collected Japanese prints and studied their compositional techniques. The tea service constructs a bridge between their European masterpieces and the “ideal place they hoped to visit someday”—realized here through Japanese ingredients and culinary interpretation.

The Experience: Two Artistic Sessions

The menu operates on a seasonal rotation tied to the artists’ respective palettes.

Monet Session (July 1–31, 2026): “Harmony of the Water Surface”

The July service translates Monet’s preoccupation with light on water into transparent and layered constructions. The Muscat and White Wine Jelly captures shifting luminosity through suspended clarity, while Pistachio and Raspberry Mousse and Matcha Tapas render the greenery of Giverny’s pond edge. The cumulative effect suggests standing at the water’s perimeter—an impression that accumulates across successive bites rather than arriving all at once.

Van Gogh Session (August 1–September 13, 2026): “Yellow Palette”

The August-September transition shifts to the saturated warmth of Arles. A Mango and Coconut Verrine delivers concentrated fruit intensity, while a soup course evokes the Provençal sun that Van Gogh chased during his most productive period. The menu favors bold, unmodulated color over subtle gradation—appropriate to an artist who wrote that he wanted to express “hope” through yellow.

The Full Menu

Desserts

• Pistachio and Raspberry Mousse with Spinach Biscuit
• Mango and Coconut Verrine
• National Gallery Chocolate Plate
• Grape and White Wine Jelly
• Lime and Milk Chocolate Tart
• Mango Passion Baked Cheesecake
• Orange Passion Cream Puff

Savories

• Domestic Pork Rillettes Japonisme Style
• Salmon and Dill Pickle Tartlet with Shiso Aroma
• Shrimp and Turnip Mousse with Peruño-flavored Jelly

Scones & Condiments

• Scones (Milk / Tea varieties)
• Condiments (Confiture / Clotted Cream)

Beverage Service

Standard Plan
One cup of Mariage Frères tea (the established French house founded 1854) plus unlimited access to tea selections, coffee, and soft drinks.

Tea Selection Plan
Expanded Mariage Frères selection plus unlimited access to the Standard Plan’s beverage range.

Prices below include 15% consumption tax and service charge.

Plan	Weekdays	Sat/Sun/Holidays
Standard	¥5,800	¥6,300
Tea Selection	¥6,300	¥6,800

Optional Additions

Item	Price	Availability
Special Drink (¥1,300)
“Monet Blue ~White Grape and Water Lily Style~”		July 1–31, 2026
“Passionate Sunflower ~Mango & Roasted Coconut~”		August 1–September 13, 2026
Special Dessert (¥1,800)
“Water Lilies and Water Surface Grape Parfait”		July 1–31, 2026
“Sunflowers and Sunlight Mango Parfait”		August 1–September 13, 2026
Lunch (¥2,000)
“Wind of Giverny: Colorful Summer Vegetable Genovese”		July 1–31, 2026
“Colors of Southern France: Pork Fillet Confit”		August 1–September 13, 2026

Venues & Schedule

Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral — “St.GRACE Lounge & Dining”

Location details

• Access: 2-minute walk from Omotesando Station
• Dates: July 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31 / August 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31 / September 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 2026
• Hours: Weekdays Part 1: 12:00–14:00, Part 2: 14:30–16:30

Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club

Location details

• Access: Near Meguro Station
• Dates: July 4, 5, 9, 10, 17, 20 (Monday/Holiday), 23, 24, 26, 30 / August 2, 6, 7, 23, 27, 28 / September 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 13, 2026
• Hours: 12:00–14:00 (single seating)

Note: Shirokane operates on July 20 (holiday) with two seatings: Part 1: 12:00–14:00, Part 2: 15:00–17:00.

Practical Information

• Overall Period: July 1 – September 13, 2026
• Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays at both venues (except holidays), plus designated company holidays

Reservations & Inquiries

• Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral: 03-5766-8838
• Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club: 03-5475-3388

Official Website: https://www.bestbridal.co.jp/guestparty/event%5Ftheme/2026event%5Ftheme-9/

Posted content subject to change. Confirm current details through official venue channels.

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What is the National Gallery London?

The National Gallery London holds a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. It sits at the north side of Trafalgar Square, where it has occupied its current building since 1838, though the institution itself was founded in 1824.

The collection covers the major European schools, with particular depth in Italian Renaissance, Dutch Golden Age, and French Impressionist work. Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Velázquez, Turner, and Constable are all represented here. The gallery also holds the two artists featured in this Tokyo exhibition: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888) and several of Monet’s water lily paintings, including The Water-Lily Pond (1899).

The National Gallery differs from many European museums in that it was not assembled from a royal collection. It was created by Parliament specifically for public access, with free admission written into its founding principles. That policy continues today. The building, designed by William Wilkins and expanded several times since, houses the collection in a sequence of galleries that allow visitors to move chronologically through Western painting.

The gallery’s educational role has been substantial. Its early directors established conservation practices and scholarly standards that influenced museums elsewhere. Its collection has remained relatively stable compared to institutions that sell and acquire aggressively, which means the works on view have shaped several generations of public understanding about what painting can do.

Summer Peach Afternoon Tea【Tokyo Marriott Hotel】

Launching “Summer Peach Afternoon Tea,” a limited-time summer afternoon tea featuring peaches from “Maruto Farm” in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Afternoon tea at the Tokyo Marriott Hotel offers a rare opportunity to experience the progression of Japan’s four seasons within the verdant setting of Gotenyama—an enclave of nature that persists despite its urban location. For July and August, Pastry Chef Satoru Ishiwa has crafted a collection of sweets centered on peaches from Yamanashi Prefecture’s “Maruto Farm,” a grower whose produce seldom reaches general markets. The selection is deliberate: varieties are chosen to peak precisely during their serving window. The first half of the season features cultivars prized for their yielding, melting texture—”Hikawa Hakuhou” and “Hakuhou” among them—while the latter half transitions to firmer, intensely sweet varieties including “Asama Hakutou” and “Kawanakajima Hakutou.” Approximately ten cultivars will appear sequentially across the two-month period.

Eight sweets place peach at their center. The parfait layers tonka bean brulée with the fruit’s sweet, mellow aroma; a shortcake demonstrates how restraint can amplify flavor; and a rare cheese mousse assumes the rounded form of a peach itself. Four savory items—including lobster penne and a chilled peach soup—round out the menu. The setting matters: Gotenyama’s greenery and bright summer light provide the backdrop for an experience that arrives, appropriately, with the scent of ripe fruit.

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<Upper Tier>

・Yamanashi Peach and Tonka Bean Brulée Parfait

Seasonal Yamanashi peaches and jelly layered with chantilly cream and black tea crumble, garnished with tonka bean brulée and peach.

・Peach Rare Cheese Mousse with Embedded Yamanashi Peaches

A piece that catches the eye with its large peach shape, featuring Yamanashi peach compote wrapped in a light, peach-flavored rare cheese mousse.

・Yamanashi Peach Shortcake

Finished with Yamanashi peach compote, sponge cake, and red peach and raspberry cream. Despite its simple composition, it is a masterpiece filled with the pastry chef’s commitment to flavor.

・Pink Poppin’ Chocolate Peach Ganache

Poppin’ chocolates filled with red peach confiture and white peach ganache.

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<Lower Tier>

・Yamanashi Peach Tarte Flan

A pie crust tart filled and baked with a rich, vanilla-scented custard flan, luxuriously topped with Yamanashi peach compote.

・Peach and Framboise Sablé Sandwich

Peach and framboise butter cream sandwiched between pink raspberry sablés, accented with framboise jam for a touch of flavor.

・Yamanashi Peach Compote and Jersey Milk Blancmange

Yamanashi peach compote and peach jelly layered over rich, creamy Jersey milk, finished with a refreshing taste.

・Peach Scone served with Kochi Prefecture Guava Confiture

Scones with dried peaches kneaded in, with a meticulous blend of ingredients to create a moist texture despite being egg-free. Please enjoy it with a slightly tart guava confiture from Kochi Prefecture.

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<Savories>

・Octopus and Itaya Shell Marinade with a Lime Accent

Octopus and Itaya shell marinated in a refreshing lime dressing.

・Lobster and Penne Composition

An appetising dish combining the umami of lobster with basil-scented penne.

・Salami and Mascarpone Stick Sandwich

A simple sandwich of salami and mascarpone cheese. A hint of framboise flavor is tucked in as an accent.

・Chilled Red Peach Soup served with Prosciutto Bread

A chilled soup that brings out the gentle sweetness of red peaches, served with crispy prosciutto bread.

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【Tea or Coffee】

Brand changes and refills are free

・”TWG Tea” 8 types of tea selection

・ 5 types of coffee variations

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Recommended Plan: “Yukata de Afternoon Tea”

A special arrangement links summer attire with the afternoon tea experience. Guests select their preferred yukata for dressing and hair styling at the Aiko Yamano Beauty Salon within the hotel, then proceed to the open atrium of Lounge & Dining G—surrounded by Gotenyama’s greenery—for fruit-forward afternoon tea.

Period	Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time	11:30～ / 14:00～
Location	Aiko Yamano Beauty Salon (dressing/hair set); Lounge & Dining G (afternoon tea)
Price	¥27,300 per person

Includes yukata, obi, geta, dressing, hair set, and afternoon tea

Complete reservation system required up to 7 days before the date of use. Cancellations 3 days or less before incur a 100% cancellation fee.

From Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the afternoon tea menu content will change.

The above prices include consumption tax and service charges.

The described contents of the offer are subject to change.

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Basic Information

Venue	Tokyo Marriott Hotel
Nearest Stations	Kita-Shinagawa Station / Shinagawa Station
Address	〒140-0001 4-7-36 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo [MAP]
Specific Venue	Lounge & Dining G
Period	Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026
Time	13:00～ / 15:30～
Price	¥7,500 per person

Reservations: advance reservation system for 2 or more people, up to 2 days in advance.

The above prices include consumption tax and service charges.

The described contents of the offer are subject to change.

Official Site

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The posted content may have changed. Please check the official website of the venue/organizer for the latest information.

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What is Maruto Farm?

Maruto Farm sits in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan’s most productive peach-growing region. The family operation has cultivated stone fruit since the mid-1960s, working without synthetic pesticides or the hormone treatments common in commercial orchards. Their hand-pollination method—brushing pollen from flower to flower with rabbit-hair brushes—dates to the farm’s founding and remains unchanged despite the labor intensity.

The farm’s reputation rests on two cultivars developed through decades of selective breeding: the Momoko, which balances acidity against concentrated sweetness, and the less common Yumeaki, prized for its near-white flesh and pronounced honey aroma. Yamanashi’s geography shapes these characteristics. The valley traps heat during the day while elevation allows rapid cooling at night. Volcanic soils from the surrounding Minami Alps range lend subtle mineral notes that persist in the finished fruit.

Harvesting runs from mid-July through August. Workers move through the orchards daily, testing individual peaches for sugar content using refractometers before clipping stems by hand. Rejected fruit—roughly sixty percent of the crop—goes to processors for jam or juice. The remainder enters a tiered grading system: approximately twenty-five percent qualifies for standard retail, fifteen percent for department store gift boxes, and the remaining ten percent for partnerships with hotels and inns that specify harvest-to-service intervals of forty-eight hours or less.

Tokyo Marriott Hotel’s pastry kitchen established contact with Maruto Farm in 2017, initially through a mutual supplier who handled logistics for both properties. After two seasons of sample testing and visits by the farm’s quality manager to the hotel’s Shinjuku location, the properties arranged direct procurement. The afternoon tea menu receives allocations from the top tier, with specific weight requirements (minimum 280 grams) and brix measurements (minimum 13 percent) written into the purchase agreement. The farm’s output of qualifying fruit varies annually with weather conditions; the 2023 harvest yielded 8,400 kilograms meeting Marriott specifications, against 11,200 in the previous year.

Mori no Beer Garden / Jingu Gaien

Enjoy BBQ at Jingu Gaien! Look forward to magic mugs that keep drinks cold and a plan debuting for the first time in 2026.

“Mori no Beer Garden” will open again this year within Jingu Gaien Nikoniko Park. In 2026, a new area will debut where you can experience BBQ with authentic Weber grills from the Weber company—an American brand renowned for its charcoal kettle grills since 1952. With the “Weber BBQ Plan with All-You-Can-Drink (6,980 yen),” you can fully enjoy US sirloin, domestic pork belly, and more. Additionally, as a standard plan, a barbecue menu featuring a welcome plate, three types of meat, and vegetables is available. With reasonable pricing for children, it is also perfect for families! A welcome point is the availability of beer servers and sour servers connected directly to refrigerators, as well as magic mugs that maintain coldness—ensuring your beverage stays chilled even during humid Tokyo evenings. Heat countermeasures have also been implemented, such as the installation of “Cool Mist Line (R)” cooling devices within the venue.

■ Heat Countermeasures
Mist showers, large fans

■ BBQ Style
Hands-free BBQ (Empty-handed BBQ)

■ Beer Handled
Kirin

■ Craft Beer Handled
4 types

■ Reservations
Web reservations available, no reservation OK (same-day seats available)

■ Number of Seats
900 seats (900 outdoor seats)
*Maximum capacity per group: 900 people
*600 seats under tents
13 tables of New Hands-free Weber BBQ seats under tarp tents

■ Rainy Weather Response
Outdoor but has a roof and can be conducted; conducted outdoors using tarps, parasols, etc.

■ Accepted Payment Methods
Credit card, QR code, electronic money, cash

Basic Information

Venue / Nearest Station	Meiji Jingu Gaien<br>Shinanomachi Station (5 min walk) / Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station (5 min walk) / Gaienmae Station (8 min walk) / Aoyama-itchome Station (10 min walk)
Location	〒160-0013<br>1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo<br>MAP
Venue	Mori no Beer Garden / Jingu Gaien
Event Period	2026/04/22 (Wed) ～ 2026/09/30 (Wed)
Hours	Regular:<br>Start: Weekdays 16:30～, Sat/Sun/Holidays 12:00～<br>End: Weekdays, Sat/Sun/Holidays all until 22:00<br>*Last order: Food and drinks 30 minutes before closing<br><br>【Summer Time】July 18, 2026 (Sat) ～ August 31, 2026 (Mon):<br>Weekdays 14:00〜22:30 (L.O. 21:30) / Sat/Sun/Holidays 12:00〜22:30 (L.O. 21:30)
Inquiries	03-5411-3715<br>https://www.royal-holdings.co.jp/contact/<br>*Phone reception hours 11:00～20:00
Official Site	https://www.morinobeergarden.com/ — Click here for reservations

*Listed content may be subject to change. Please check the official website of the facility or store for the latest information.

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What is Jingu Gaien?

Jingu Gaien is a 330,000-square-meter park in central Tokyo, running from Shinanomachi through Aoyama to Gaienmae. Established in 1926 as an outer garden to Meiji Shrine, it functions as one of the city’s substantial green spaces, positioned among areas better known for commerce than for trees.

The park’s most recognizable feature is Icho Namiki, an avenue of ginkgo trees that turn yellow in autumn. The area also includes the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, sports facilities such as Meiji Jingu Stadium, and lawns used for recreation and occasional events.

Jingu Gaien sits at a particular intersection: it is more open to the surrounding city than Meiji Shrine proper, yet still buffered enough to function as parkland. The terrain varies slightly, the tree canopy is mature, and the built environment retains elements from its early decades. These characteristics allow it to accommodate seasonal programming without requiring extensive temporary infrastructure.

The park’s value to residents is largely a matter of logistics. It offers unprogrammed space—room for unscheduled picnics, walks, or gatherings—within reach of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi. This proximity has made it a practical venue for evening events during warmer months, where the transition from daytime park use to nighttime activity happens without much friction. The ginkgo avenue, lit after dark, becomes a corridor between the daytime and evening functions of the space.

What distinguishes Jingu Gaien is not its transcendence of urban conditions but its negotiation with them. It remains visibly part of Tokyo rather than apart from it, which limits its capacity for retreat but expands its utility. For a city where truly undeveloped land is scarce, this compromise—accessibility traded against seclusion—represents a recognizable kind of value.

Lemon Afternoon Tea at Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu

An afternoon wrapped in refreshing acidity during summer in Kichijoji. “Lemon Afternoon Tea” is being held, featuring tea leaves from a local Kichijoji specialty tea shop.

As summer heat intensifies, Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu offers a seasonally limited afternoon tea built around the aroma and sharpness of lemon. The menu delivers exactly what the season demands: visually cooling sweets and light-tasting savories that satisfy without weighing you down in humid weather.

What Sets This Apart

Most hotel afternoon teas in Tokyo follow a predictable formula—heavy on cream, chocolate, and richness. This summer iteration deliberately inverts that approach. The partnership with Tea Market Giclef Kichijoji Main Store, a respected local specialty shop operating in the neighborhood, gives guests access to carefully sourced leaves that change character with temperature and steeping time. The atrium space on the hotel’s second floor provides natural light and vertical breathing room rarely found in central Tokyo hotel lounges.

The Menu

Sweets are arranged to move through different expressions of citrus:

• Verrine: Layered mango passion fruit jelly, panna cotta, and lemon jelly with aloe—textural contrast in a glass
• Citron Tart: Sharp acidity as the dominant note
• Lemon Opera-style cake: Lemon buttercream meeting chocolate’s depth
• Lemon Vanilla Mousse: Gentle sweetness with a mellow finish
• Lemon Cream Cookie Sandwich: Light, handheld, approachable

Savories are calibrated for summer appetite:

• Chickpea hummus with fragrant spices and prosciutto
• Chilled corn soup (served separately)
• Smoked salmon and avocado tart
• Cold beef canapé with remoulade sauce
• Egg sandwich

The welcome drink—sparkling lemon tea with active carbonation—cleans the palate before the tiered service begins.

Scones arrive with clotted cream and mixed berry jam: plain and tea varieties.

Beverages pull from Tea Market Giclef’s selection: Darjeeling, Assam, Jasmine, Earl Grey, Classic Chai, Darjeeling Earl Grey Blend, Rooibos Classic, Lemon Garden, plus Organic Forest Coffee, Café Latte, and Espresso. Unlimited refills and exchanges are permitted.

Service Details

Venue	Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu, Lounge & Dining “SORAE” (2nd Floor)
Nearest Station	Kichijoji Station, 8-minute walk
Address	〒180-0004, 2-4-14 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo [MAP]
Period	June 1 – August 31, 2026
Time	14:30–17:30 (L.O. 17:00), 2-hour seating
Capacity	Weekdays: 15 servings / Weekends & holidays: 20 servings
Evening Session	17:30–21:00 (L.O. 20:30), weekdays only, except Wednesdays, 6 servings
Price	¥6,000 per person (includes 12% service charge and 10% consumption tax)
Reservations	Required

Official Website

Photos are for illustrative purposes. Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability. Guests with food allergies should inform staff in advance. Alcohol service declined to drivers and those under 20, per legal requirements.

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The posted content may have changed. Please check the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest information.

What is Kichichijoji?

Kichijoji sits in western Tokyo, about fifteen minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line. It has become something of a benchmark for livability in the city—frequently topping resident surveys while remaining relatively low-key compared to its eastern counterparts.

The neighborhood organizes itself around Inokashira Park, a substantial green space built around a pond that serves multiple purposes depending on the season. In early April, the cherry Blossom trees draw substantial crowds for hanami, while the rest of the year sees a steadier stream of joggers, musicians, and families. The Ghibli Museum sits within the park grounds, designed specifically to house the studio’s work without the conventional layout of a traditional animation museum—no fixed route, no photography, an admission system that requires advance tickets purchased through specific convenience store chains.

The retail and food landscape in Kichijoji operates on several registers simultaneously. Sun Road provides the covered arcade experience common to Japanese suburbs, functional and unpretentious. Harmonica Yokocho, by contrast, retains the physical footprint of its postwar black market origins—narrow passages between compressed structures now housing roughly sixty bars and restaurants, most with fewer than ten seats. The concentration of vinyl record dealers, small publishers, and independent clothiers in the surrounding blocks is not accidental; several date to the 1960s and 1970s, predating the current wave of interest in such businesses.

What distinguishes Kichijoji from comparable neighborhoods is not any single amenity but the persistence of its irregular built environment. Height restrictions have prevented the tower development visible in Shibuya or Ikebukuro, and the street grid retains enough inconsistency to accommodate unexpected structures. This has attracted a particular demographic mix—families who have owned property for decades, students from the nearby university district, and more recent arrivals working in creative fields or remote arrangements. The resulting atmosphere has been durable enough to function as a recognizable setting in film and television, typically shorthand for a certain manageable pace of urban life.

BBQ Garden Overlooking Tokyo Skytree(R) / World Beer Museum

Choose from two courses: American BBQ or Korean BBQ! An open-air beer restaurant on a rooftop overlooking Tokyo Skytree, where you can enjoy empty-handed BBQ and 100 types of draft beers from around the world.

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Perched on the 7th floor rooftop of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, this beer restaurant delivers what few venues in the capital can match: direct sightlines to the 634-meter Tokyo Skytree while you eat. The terrace seating puts the tower overhead during daylight hours, then shifts to a panoramic cityscape as evening falls and the urban landscape lights up. The space has been designed with photography in mind—designated Instagrammable seats and photo spots are integrated throughout, and the overall aesthetic leans toward stylish rather than casual.

The operational concept centers on removing friction from outdoor dining. Guests arrive without equipment—the kitchen handles all grilling—while heat management comes via large fans and outdoor spot coolers that keep the terrace functional through Tokyo’s humid summers.

Beer selection represents the venue’s other primary draw. The restaurant ranks among Japan’s largest dedicated beer establishments, with 100 draft varieties sourced internationally. Domestic options from Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo anchor the list, supplemented by 100 types of overseas craft beers. This breadth allows for progression through styles over the course of an evening, or direct comparison between regional brewing traditions.

Two distinct BBQ courses structure the food offering:

• American BBQ Course: Grilled steaks and specialty hamburgers, calibrated for pairing with fuller-bodied beers
• Korean BBQ Course: Samgyeopsal, UFO chicken, and specialty cold noodles, served alongside Korean beer selections

The split format lets groups align their meal with specific occasions or preferences without leaving the venue.

Additional service elements include all-you-can-eat BBQ options, dedicated kids’ menus, and indoor contingency seating—when weather turns, operations either move inside or continue under the rooftop’s permanent roof structure.

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Practical Information

Category	Details
BBQ Style	Empty-handed (equipment provided, no preparation required)
Heat Countermeasures	Large fans, outdoor spot coolers
Beer Range	100 types of overseas craft draft beers; plus Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, Sapporo
Total Capacity	320 seats (150 outdoor terrace seats)
Group Maximum	300 people
Reservations	Web reservations available
Payment Methods	Credit card, QR code, electronic money, cash
Rain Response	Move indoors, or continue outdoors under roof coverage

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Access & Location

Venue: World Beer Museum Tokyo Skytree Solamachi Store

Nearest Stations: Tokyo Skytree Station / Honjo-Azumabashi Station / Oshiage <Skytree-mae> Station

Address: 〒131-0045 Tokyo-to, Sumida-ku, Oshiage 1-1-2 Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 7F

MAP

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Operating Schedule

Event Period	March 1, 2026 (Sun) – October 31, 2026 (Sat)
Hours	11:00 – 23:00
Last Order	Food 22:00 / Drinks 22:30
Regular Holiday	None

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Contact

Phone: 03-5610-2648 (11:00–23:00)

Official Website: https://www.zato.co.jp/restaurant/worldbeermuseum/worldbeermuseum_tokyo/

The published content may be subject to change. Please check the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest information.

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Gallery

What is Tokyo Skytree?

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower and landmark in Sumida City, Tokyo. At 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan. Completed in 2012, it took over primary broadcast duties for the greater Tokyo region from the older Tokyo Tower.

The tower has two observation decks: one at 350 meters and another at 450 meters. On clear days, visitors can see Mount Fuji in the distance. The lower deck features a glass floor section and a restaurant; the upper deck, called the “Tembo Galleria,” has a sloping ramp that spirals upward to the 451.2-meter summit.

At ground level, Tokyo Skytree Town houses shops, restaurants, an aquarium, and a planetarium. The complex connects directly to Oshiage Station, making it accessible by train, subway, and bus lines. The area draws roughly 30 million visitors annually.

The tower’s design has practical roots. Its height was chosen to clear nearby buildings for broadcast signals, and its tripod base and central shaft are engineered to withstand earthquakes and typhoons common to the region. The exterior lighting changes seasonally—white for winter, blue for summer—based on traditional Japanese color schemes.

Tokyo Skytree operates as a commercial facility managed by Tobu Railway Group and Tobu Tower Skytree. Broadcast equipment occupies the upper sections; the remainder supports tourism, retail, and observation functions.

Step Back to the Sengoku Period: Summer Festival with Lord Hideyoshi and Lord Toshiie at Nagoya Sword World

On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Nagoya Sword Museum—known as “Nagoya Sword World”—transforms its Main Building 2nd Floor lobby into a spirited summer festival ground where history and family entertainment converge. This single-day event, titled “Summer Festival with Lord Hideyoshi and Lord Toshiie,” offers visitors the rare opportunity to interact with two of Japan’s most pivotal historical figures while experiencing traditional festival culture within the context of one of the nation’s premier sword collections.

The afternoon brings together Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi—the warlord who completed the unification of Japan—and Lord Maeda Toshiie, the distinguished warrior and founder of the Kaga domain, both portrayed by members of the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai®. Adding to the spectacle, the Jingasa-tai Odori-mai will perform traditional dances in conical war hats, creating an atmosphere that bridges the museum’s martial artifacts with the lively entertainment of the Sengoku period.

What distinguishes this festival from standard summer matsuri is its integration with the museum’s unique identity. While visitors explore the blade collections that define Nagoya Sword World, they can also participate in classic carnival activities including target shooting (shateki), ring toss (wanage), and capsule toy vending machines—each offering substantial prizes. The program extends beyond games to include a formal tea ceremony demonstration, curated photo opportunities with the warlord reenactors, and informative gallery talks that contextualize the weapons within Japan’s festival traditions.

For families considering attendance, July 24 presents a significant financial incentive: admission is free for children of elementary school age and younger exclusively on this date. This represents a departure from standard pricing, which typically charges junior high and elementary students at the door. To accommodate this offer, parents should notify the staffed reception at the museum shop on the 1st floor of the North Building upon arrival, as admission tickets will be issued for eligible children.

Event Details

Date and Time
Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 (final admission at 16:30)

Venue
Nagoya Sword Museum “Nagoya Sword World”
Summer Festival Venue: Main Building 2nd Floor, Lobby in front of the entrance gate

Admission Fees

• General: 1,200 yen
• Seniors (65 and older): 1,000 yen
• University/High school students: 500 yen
• Junior high/Elementary school students: Free admission only on Friday, July 24
• Preschool children: Free
• Persons with disabilities (including one companion): Free *Please present your disability certificate.
• Groups (20 or more people): 300 yen discount for General admission / 100 yen discount for non-General categories

Note: Since admission tickets will be issued for children of elementary school age and younger, please notify the staffed reception at the museum shop on the 1st floor of the North Building.

Access

• 10-minute walk from Yabacho Station on the Nagoya City Subway Meijo Line
• 9-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Nagoya City Subway Tsurumai Line
• 12-minute walk from Fushimi Station on the Nagoya City Subway Higashiyama Line

Contact
Nagoya Sword Museum “Nagoya Sword World”
Email: [email protected]
Homepage: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000077.000023091.html

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Nagoya Sword World is a historical theme park and museum located in Aichi Prefecture, exploring Japanese sword craftsmanship and Sengoku period military history. The facility centers on a reconstructed Edo-period castle town, where timber-framed buildings house both permanent exhibitions and working forges. Smiths demonstrate traditional folding and tempering techniques using the same grades of tamahagane steel and pine charcoal that defined the era’s metallurgy.

The collection features authenticated nihontō historically linked to Central Japan’s warlords, including several blades attributed to the region’s major clans. Rather than presenting these weapons in isolation, the park examines their physical construction within the context of 16th-century warfare. Visitors can observe the differential hardening process that produces the hamon (temper line), examine the grain structure of traditional steel, and discuss with artisans how smiths balanced hardness against brittleness when forging weapons intended for battlefield use.

The programming particularly investigates the military alliance between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Maeda Toshiie, two figures who established their power bases in this region. Historical reenactments and seasonal performances analyze the political strategies and logistical challenges that defined this relationship. The annual Summer Festival expands these themes through extended theatrical programming and temporary exhibitions drawn from private collections.

Educational offerings range from wood sword training for younger visitors to advanced seminars on metallurgical analysis and blade appraisal. The facility accommodates various levels of prior knowledge, providing structured entry points for newcomers while maintaining the technical precision required by serious researchers. This approach allows direct engagement with martial traditions without compromising the historical accuracy of the demonstrations or the safety of the participants.