Ring in 2025 at Tokyo’s "Dragon Palace": Hotel Gajoen’s New Year Celebration
Welcome the New Year in breathtaking style at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a venue steeped in history and artistic splendor. Continuing a tradition dating back to the Showa era, Hotel Gajoen invites you to experience a two-day New Year’s celebration from January 1st to 2nd, 2025, themed "Ryugu-jo" (Dragon Palace). Prepare to be captivated by a dazzling array of festivities designed for the whole family.
A Feast for the Senses
Hotel Gajoen, originally inspired by the desire to create a space where guests could "become intoxicated by genuine art," continues to embody this vision. The hotel’s founder, Rikizo Hosokawa, envisioned a place where everyday people could experience the luxury of a millionaire, earning the hotel the nickname "Ryugu-jo (Dragon Palace) of the Showa Era." This New Year’s celebration promises to uphold this legacy, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
Indulge in a delectable New Year’s buffet, showcasing the culinary mastery of Hotel Gajoen’s chefs. Partake in traditional Japanese workshops, immerse yourself in the energy of a lively festival, and enjoy captivating performances that will add a vibrant touch to your New Year’s experience.
Beyond the Buffet: Unique New Year Experiences
This year’s celebration offers even more ways to embrace the spirit of the New Year:
- New Year’s Special Stay: Elevate your celebration with a luxurious two-night stay from New Year’s Eve, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the hotel’s opulent atmosphere.
- Kimono Rental: Celebrate in traditional style with a beautiful kimono, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
- Hyakudan Kaidan Exhibition: Explore a special exhibition at the "Hyakudan Kaidan" (Hundred Steps Staircase), a designated tangible cultural property of Tokyo, adding a touch of historical significance to your visit.
Event Details
- Venue: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
- Nearest Station: Meguro Station
- Address: 〒153-0064 Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Shimo-Meguro 1-8-1 MAP
- Dates: January 1st (Wednesday/Holiday) – January 2nd (Thursday), 2025
- Time: 10:00 – 17:30 (Times vary depending on the activity; please check the official website for details.)
- Fees:
- Workshop: ¥1,000 (per session)
- Festival: ¥1,000 (4 sessions)
- New Year’s Location Photo Shoot: From ¥11,000
- Kimono Rental: From ¥17,000
- Inquiries: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Representative: 03-3491-4111
- Official Website: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/newyear
Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.
What is the Ryugu-jo in Japanese mythology?
In Japanese mythology, the Ryugu-jo, or Dragon Palace, is a legendary underwater castle that is home to Ryujin, the dragon god of the sea. This mythical palace, often described as being constructed of red and white coral and adorned with precious gems, is located deep beneath the ocean, accessible only through special privileges or tokens.
The Ryugu-jo is prominently featured in the folk tale of Urashima Taro. In this story, Urashima Taro is a young fisherman who rescues a turtle and is rewarded with a visit to the palace. His time there reveals the wonders and beauty of the underwater world, where a short stay equates to many years in the human world. This tale highlights the fleeting nature of time and the transient qualities of human life contrasted with the ongoing calm of the Ryugu-jo.
Symbolically, the Ryugu-jo represents otherworldly beauty, tranquility, and mystery, inspiring admiration for the ocean’s depths. It is a significant element in art and literature, illustrating the meeting point between human exploration and the divine within Japanese cultural narratives.
