Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies: First Premium Food Experience Tour by Artisans in Kagurazaka

Launch Date: Tuesday, July 9 – Aimed at Foreign Tourists

~ Delivering Artisanal Food Experiences to Discerning Foreign Affluent Visitors ~

Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies: First Premium Food Experience Tour by Artisans in Kagurazaka

Launched ‘Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies’ for Foreign Tourists

EDO KAGURA Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shinya Yamada; hereinafter “EDO KAGURA”) launched a premium food experience tour, “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies” starting Tuesday, July 9, 2024, aimed primarily at foreign tourists. The first edition of “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies” includes a “Tofu Making Class” and a “Parfait and Tea Pairing Experience.”

EDO KAGURA has been offering premium tours focused on traditional crafts and cultural experiences, such as “Kagurazaka Refined Wander,” but this is our first foray into food-related experience tours. The food experience tours provided by tofu masters, patissiers, and tea sommeliers are intended primarily for affluent foreign families seeking “authentic” experiences. We expect that the hands-on food experiences guided by artisans in Kagurazaka, a gourmet town with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, will enhance the satisfaction of travelers during their visit to Japan.

Background and Content of “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies”

“Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies” is offered in collaboration with “Katsuno Tofu,” the only remaining traditional tofu shop in Kagurazaka, and “Couches de bonheur,” which operates on the off days of the members-only sushi restaurant “Sushi Kiraku.” The combination of “Katsuno Tofu,” established 82 years ago, and “Couches de bonheur,” which just started operations this year, represents an exquisite blend of the old and the new characteristics of Kagurazaka. This unique mix is embodied in “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies,” showcasing the culinary experiences that the town of Kagurazaka can offer.

About “Katsuno Tofu”: Tofu Making Class

“Katsuno Tofu” is a traditional tofu shop founded in 1942. It is said to be the tofu loved by former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka (1918-1993). The shop supplies tofu and aburaage to nearby ryotei and restaurants. The taste, recognized by ryotei, often surprises first-time customers with its rich flavor and deliciousness. In addition to offering traditional tofu, the shop has also started developing and selling new products like “TOFU sweets” and offering tofu-making classes to meet contemporary needs.

Kai Moriyama, the tofu master at Katsuno Tofu, was born and raised in Kagurazaka. She began holding tofu-making classes to preserve the culture of “handmade tofu.” The taste of “handmade tofu,” made only from high-quality soybeans and “Nigari,” is so rich that everyone can taste the difference from supermarket tofu. With the support of our interpreter guides, even foreign visitors can comfortably participate.

About “Couches de bonheur”: Parfait and Tea Pairing Experience

“Couches de bonheur” means “layers of happiness” in French. Patissier Sayumi Ono, who has honed her skills in hotel course desserts and lounge cakes in Hakone, makes parfaits in front of customers while wearing a kimono. The fruits selected with a focus on their origin, the surprising and profound flavors of each layer, and the rich taste from the first bite to the last, make these parfaits truly exquisite. The parfaits, made with multiple layers, embody the “layers of happiness” and are a perfect realization of the word parfait. Customers can also enjoy matcha, which they prepare themselves along with the parfait.

Additionally, guests can enjoy three cups of tea selected by tea sommelier Ryosuke Takano. The carefully selected teas from around Japan, as well as from around the world, are paired perfectly with the parfait, offering a soothing experience. Ryosuke Takano is an innovative tea sommelier who sources pesticide-free tea from tea fields nationwide and provides tea pairings and tea cocktails to restaurants. With the support of our interpreter guides, even foreign visitors can comfortably participate at “Couches de bonheur.”

Future Development

EDO KAGURA plans to add more premium food experience tours by artisans, such as wagashi (Japanese sweets) making, following the first edition of “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies.”

Kagurazaka is a town with about 400 years of history. As exemplified by the first edition of “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies,” it is a rare town in Japan where the past and present harmonize, and tradition and cutting-edge blend together. We aim to provide special food experiences in Kagurazaka, attracting foreign affluent visitors to experience the beauty of Tokyo’s food culture. Kagurazaka is rich in traditional crafts, performing arts, and culture. We hope to achieve a synergistic effect between food experiences and traditional cultural experiences. At the same time, we will limit the number of participants to small groups, ensuring consideration for local residents and aiming for sustainable tourism free from over-tourism.

We plan to conduct sales through our own website, as well as in collaboration with accommodation providers and travel agencies. The development of the tourism industry cannot be achieved by a single company. It is necessary for stakeholders in each field to collaborate in uncovering and promoting tourism resources. We look forward to hearing from many accommodation providers and travel agencies willing to collaborate on “Kagurazaka Artisan Delicacies” and the already available “Kagurazaka Refined Wander.”

Company Overview

Company Name: EDO KAGURA Inc. (Travel Agency, Regional-8490)

Representative: Shinya Yamada

Location: 1-31-16 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 169-0075

Established: December 2021

Business: Travel agency, clothing rental business for travelers

URL: Company HP: https://edokagura.com/

Online Store: https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/ and https://ninjakotan.com/