Six years of hospitality in Kyoto
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO will mark its sixth anniversary with a series of special events on 3 and 7 November 2026. The programme also looks ahead to HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE, scheduled to open on 15 December. Rather than celebrating only the existing hotel, the events connect two regions through cultural performance and food.
The hotel describes its guiding idea as embracing Japan's beauty, with the Kyoto garden providing a distinctive stage. A successful anniversary programme should deepen guests' encounter with local traditions rather than simply add decorative ceremony. The organisers have chosen performances and collaborations that relate to the places involved.
A November afternoon of regional dishes
A brunch buffet will be held at FORNI on 3 November, priced at JPY 9,800 per adult and JPY 5,000 for children aged six to ten, with younger children complimentary. The service is scheduled from noon until 4 p.m., with final entry at 2:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required.
The buffet theme refers to the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, connecting Kyoto, Hakone and Nihonbashi in a historic route associated with the Mitsui family's commercial origins. Chefs from both hotels will contribute. This gives the meal a geographic narrative that can interest visitors unfamiliar with the historic road.
A garden evening with Noh
A free Noh performance for hotel, restaurant and spa guests is scheduled on 3 November, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the performance beginning at 5:30 p.m. A performer from the Kanze school will present Hagoromo, a work associated with Mount Fuji, tying the programme to the approaching Hakone opening.
The organisers plan kagaribi fires and the atmospheric setting of the courtyard garden. Seating is limited, and many visitors may watch while standing. Guests should check the access requirements and arrive according to the hotel's guidance rather than assume the complimentary event offers reserved chairs to everyone.
A chefs’ collaboration on 7 November
The four-hands dinner on 7 November brings Chef Tetsuya Asano of TOKI together with Chef Hiroyuki Kurosu of SANKEI, the new Hakone hotel's planned Japanese restaurant. Asano has been selected to represent Japan at Bocuse d'Or 2027, while Kurosu has previously earned a Michelin star for three consecutive years.
Their collaboration will combine approaches associated with Japanese and French cooking. It is a one-night event rather than a permanent menu. The programme also includes the debut of HOTEL THE MITSUI's original Champagne, developed with Domaine Guy Charlemagne, connecting the evening's food with a specific beverage collaboration.
A limited table with a clear price
The gala dinner begins at 6 p.m. after doors open at 5:30 p.m., and is limited to 40 guests. The published price is JPY 37,950 per person for food, with beverages charged separately. That distinction matters for diners comparing the event with inclusive dinner packages elsewhere.
Guests should confirm allergies, menu details and the chosen pairing arrangements directly with the hotel. A limited-capacity dinner can sell out before the event date, and reservations should be made through the official channel. The posted figures include Japanese tax and service charges, but there are no advertised discounts.
A celebration that points towards Hakone
The anniversary programming is designed to introduce the culinary personalities and regional influences behind the new Hakone property while honouring Kyoto's established hospitality identity. For frequent visitors to Japan, that offers an opportunity to follow the brand's evolution in different landscapes.
On 10 October the November events remain ahead, and availability may change before the dates arrive. Travellers should not treat an announcement as confirmation that seats have been secured. Cultural curiosity and a carefully scheduled evening will bring more to the experience than attempting to attend every activity.
