LOUNGE /
TRAVEL
November 10, 2021
HOSHINOYA Tokyo's Vision for New Normal Dining: "Tokyo Chochin Kaiseki"｜HOSHINOYA Tokyo
HOSHINOYA Tokyo
A New Form of Dining Adapted to Current Circumstances
HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a Japanese ryokan in Otemachi, Tokyo, launched its new normal dining experience, "Tokyo Chochin Kaiseki," on October 13, 2021, designed for the with-coronavirus era.
Lantern-Shaped Partitions Developed with a Traditional Lantern Maker
The installation of partitions in restaurants and the regular wearing of masks have become established new lifestyles in response to the coronavirus. As a measure against infection, "mask dining," where people refrain from large gatherings and wear masks during conversations while dining, only removing them to eat, is recommended.
However, many people struggle with the hassle of putting masks on and off, and the inability to read facial expressions through masks, leading to uncertainty about others' thoughts and reactions. The purpose of dining together is to deepen camaraderie and build trust through food and conversation.
Therefore, HOSHINOYA Tokyo has developed "Tokyo Chochin Kaiseki" as a way to enjoy dining with peace of mind, even without masks.
Drawing inspiration from chochin (lanterns), which are deeply familiar in Japanese customs and culture, they developed lantern-shaped partitions. Within these custom-made chochin-shaped partitions, which illuminate faces and food with a soft glow, guests can enjoy meals and conversation freely while preventing the spread of droplets.
The chochin used as partitions were crafted by Kojima Shoten, a long-established lantern maker in Kyoto founded in the Kansei era of the Edo period. Artisans meticulously created the original chochin-shaped partitions, from the framework to the painted designs.
Thanks to the chochin's characteristic flexible shape, entry and exit are easy. By using a thin, 0.15mm transparent vinyl on the front of the lantern, conversations can be enjoyed comfortably without voices being muffled, while still seeing each other's faces.
Additionally, the chochin are equipped with a light bulb inside, gently illuminating the faces of those within and the dishes. Within the chochin, measuring 75cm in diameter and 102cm in height, guests can dine at their leisure.
The venue is a private space of approximately 40 square meters, equipped with chochin-shaped partitions. This space is ventilated approximately 5.5 times per hour, about 11 times the standard rate.
The front of the chochin-shaped partition is fitted with vinyl to prevent droplets from reaching others, while the back remains open for ventilation, allowing guests to enjoy meals and conversation without masks with peace of mind.
HOSHINOYA offers an unparalleled escape, with each resort providing a unique theme. This dining space embodies functional beauty, fitting the concept of a "towering Japanese inn" evolved for the modern age.
*This dining experience is available only to overnight guests and their invited companions.
Tokyo Chochin Kaiseki
Price:
Venue rental: 30,000 JPY per group (tax and service charge included)
"Nippon Cuisine ~Fermentation~" course: 21,780 JPY per person (tax and service charge included) *Accommodation fee not included
Reservations: Required at least 5 days in advance via the official website (https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/)
Capacity: 1 group per day
*The maximum capacity will be set in accordance with Tokyo Metropolitan Government's infection prevention guidelines at the time of booking.
*This facility has obtained the "Infection Prevention Thorough Check Certificate for Restaurants, etc." issued by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Eligible guests: Overnight guests of HOSHINOYA Tokyo and their invited companions
