Unkai, Tokyo: The Art of Kaiseki in an Enchanting Setting

ANA InterContinental Tokyo: Contemporary Elegance Reimagined

Freshly renovated in 2025, the ANA InterContinental Tokyo enjoys a prime location serving both as a tranquil haven and an ideal starting point for exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo. Following a complete transformation, the hotel unveils 801 redesigned rooms that blend contemporary elegance with touches inspired by Japanese origami. Situated in close proximity to iconic neighborhoods such as Ginza and Roppongi, the establishment offers guests easy access to the major cultural and entertainment attractions of the Japanese capital. Surrounded by a lively urban scene, the ANA InterContinental Tokyo provides a unique experience where modern luxury meets authentic Japanese hospitality, allowing travelers to discover the city's treasures while enjoying unparalleled comfort. It was during our stay at this hotel (read the article here : Discover the Reinvented Charm of ANA InterContinental Tokyo) that we had the opportunity to discover Unkai Japanese Restaurant with its exceptional cuisine and stunning setting.

The Captivating Beauty of the Japanese Garden

Located on the third floor of the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Unkai Japanese Restaurant captivates with its atmosphere of refinement and serenity from the very first steps. The setting is beautifully enhanced by a traditional Japanese garden, adorned with a peaceful waterfall and a pond where koi carp swim gracefully, offering a soothing visual spectacle that evolves with the seasons. This breathtaking view contributes to the cultural and culinary immersion, transforming each meal into an unforgettable experience. Additionally, until April 2026, guests can admire an exhibition of traditional Japanese dolls used during Hinamatsuri to wish for the healthy growth of children, adding a fascinating and culturally rich touch to the décor.

The restaurant is designed to offer optimal privacy and comfort, an element highly appreciated by locals as well as tourists seeking an authentic high-end Japanese dinner. The dining areas with their large bay windows allow guests to admire the garden while enjoying their meal. Each dish from the Kaiseki menu, served by staff dressed in elegant kimonos, celebrates the richness and subtlety of Japanese cuisine, reinforcing the sense of an authentic sensory journey. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Unkai offers private rooms with tatami mats and fully enclosed spaces. These private rooms are ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply relaxing in complete tranquility.

The Art of Kaiseki Through the Seasons

Unkai invites guests to discover the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine through its exquisite kaiseki creations. Each dish is carefully crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering an authentic and refined culinary experience. Special seasonal menus allow guests to savor unique flavors at each time of year, while the artistic presentation of each dish reflects the changing seasons. Ideal for family celebrations, Unkai also offers ceremonial dishes, paying tribute to Japanese culinary art in all its splendor. A selection of beverages, including beer, wine, sake, and shochu, accompanies these delicate dishes for a complete gastronomic experience.

Bursts of Umami and Winter Delights

Our KEI menu begins with this exquisite appetizer presented in two stages. First, the steamed turnip is delicately placed in the center of the plate, surrounded by snow crab and lily bulb, creating a perfect balance between land and sea. Seasonal mountain vegetables add a touch of freshness and color. The second course highlights fried eel and bamboo shoot, which bring a crunchy texture and deep umami flavors. The artistic presentation and carefully selected ingredients promise a refined tasting experience, enhanced by the accompaniment of a Mimurosugi Roman Series Junmai Dry Tsuyuhakaze, a dry sake that perfectly complements the delicate nuances of the dish, promising to accompany us throughout the dinner.

The white miso soup reveals itself to be a culinary masterpiece, marrying refined ingredients for a unique tasting experience. The creamy white miso broth serves as a delicate base, enriched with cod milt that brings a subtle maritime texture and taste. Pieces of yuba, or soy skin, add a silky dimension, while taro and turnip complete the blend with their earthy sweetness. Japanese mustard elevates the dish with a spicy touch, and yuzu zest brings a refreshing citrus note that balances the ensemble.

Continuing this culinary journey, the sashimi dish presents an elegant composition of tuna, flounder, and striped amberjack slices, expertly arranged on an artistic ceramic platter. Each piece of fish, strikingly fresh, is accompanied by delicate touches of bamboo and kombu seaweed, bringing a complexity of textures and flavors. A small portion of vibrant wasabi and a container of soy sauce complete this refined culinary experience, inviting a balanced and harmonious tasting. The natural setting, accentuated by a careful and minimalist presentation, magnifies the art of traditional Japanese cuisine.

This journey of flavors continues with a grilled dish presenting a sublime combination of pink sea bream and royal sea bream, coated in a delicate sesame sauce. The accompaniment is equally refined, with Japanese parsley and udo, a mountain vegetable that brings a crunchy and fresh touch. The dried mullet roe, finely sliced, adds a salty and umami note, while ginger completes the ensemble with its piquant freshness.

Continuing with a simmered dish, the Horikawa burdock, stuffed with minced chicken, creates a delicate balance between flavors and textures. The presentation is enhanced by carefully arranged vegetables, notably arrowhead, carrot, and giant butterbur, which add vibrant colors and gustatory depth to the dish. The whole is subtly perfumed with yuzu, offering a citrus touch that illuminates the savory broth. Served in a refined bowl, this dish is a true work of culinary art, inviting a refined and harmonious tasting experience.

To conclude this sumptuous meal, an exquisite dish presents a bowl of rice deliciously topped with Omi beef, a superior quality meat known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The beef is beautifully arranged on a bed of white rice, garnished with a touch of wasabi and mustard seeds, adding a slight spiciness and crunchy texture. The whole is accompanied by a red miso soup, bringing a comforting umami depth, and Japanese pickles that add an acidic and refreshing note.

Finally, this traditional dessert presents a grilled mochi, a Japanese delicacy made from rice cake, subtly placed in a sweet red bean soup, creating a perfect marriage between sweetness and texture. The presentation is completed by carefully sliced seasonal fruits, including a juicy strawberry, a crunchy apple, and a green grape, adding a touch of freshness and color to this refined dish.

My Review

Unkai Japanese Restaurant, a true gem of the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, offers an unforgettable immersion into the Japanese art of living. Thanks to its refined kaiseki cuisine, showcasing the richness of seasonal ingredients, and its enchanting setting enhanced by a traditional Japanese garden, each meal becomes a celebration of the senses. Whether drawn by an authentic culinary experience or the discreet elegance of the private rooms, Unkai promises a unique gastronomic adventure, paying tribute to the beauty and delicacy of Japanese culture.