In today’s Japan, the challenges of rapidly declining population and super-aging society have prompted the promotion of “regional development,” in which each region is expected to realize an autonomous and sustainable society that makes the most of its own unique characteristics. In order for local regions to secure their growth potential in the future, it is important to develop sustainable towns and revitalize local communities where people can live with peace of mind. One of the most effective ways to revitalize a region is to promote the area’s tourism resources and attract visitors.
Against this backdrop, the Hokuriku Shinkansen line between Kanazawa and Tsuruga opened in March 2024 in the Hokuriku region. Hokuriku is known as a region blessed with rich regional resources, including traditions and culture nurtured by its long history, distinctive nature, and diverse food. The extension of the Shinkansen line may be an opportunity for many people to become interested in Hokuriku and visit the area for sightseeing.
Amid renewed interest in Hokuriku’s food and traditions, “Palace Hotel Tokyo” has announced an event to showcase the charms of Ishikawa Prefecture. The hotel has developed the “Essence of Japan” event, which aims to provide “the highest quality of Japan” from 2022. Three dinner events featuring food and traditional crafts from the three Hokuriku prefectures will be held, the first in Fukui Prefecture, and the second in Ishikawa Prefecture.
At “Essence of Japan – Hokuriku Series, Ishikawa Prefecture” on August 30, 2024, chef Toshiya Ikehata, owner of “L’Atelier de NOTO” in Ishikawa Prefecture, who conveys the charm of Noto through its cuisine, Wajima lacquerware artist Akito Akagi, and Palace Hotel Tokyo Executive Chef Masatoshi Saito will serve a special dinner for one night only.
In addition to a special menu by Ikehata and Saito featuring an abundance of seafood and vegetables produced exclusively in Noto, Wajima-nuri, a traditional craft of Ishikawa Prefecture by Akagi, will be used as tableware to accentuate the cuisine.
Lacquerware created for this event will be featured as hot appetizers. Guests will be able to take this lacquerware home after the event.
For dessert, a sustainable dish of ice cream made from “BONEARTH rice,” Koshihikari rice grown with fertilizer made from recycled discarded tableware, developed by “Nikko Company”, a long-established manufacturer of western tableware in Ishikawa Prefecture, will also be served.
For an after-meal snack, Japanese sweets from “Yoshihashi Confectionery”, a long-established confectionery shop in Kanazawa, will be offered, making this an event where visitors can experience Ishikawa’s rich food and historic culture through the course. It has also been announced that a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which occurred in January 2024.
[Event Summary]
Date and Time: August 30, 2024 (Gold) 18:00 Payment / 18:30 Banquet
Place: Palace Hotel Tokyo 4F Banquet Hall “Yamabuki”
Reservation start date: Monday, June 3, 2024
Price: 55,000 yen (including meals and beverages) *Service charge and consumption tax included
With the extension of the Shinkansen (bullet train) drawing more attention and expectation to the Hokuriku region, this event, where visitors can enjoy Ishikawa’s culinary culture in the heart of Tokyo, will provide an opportunity for even residents of the Tokyo metropolitan area who live far from the Hokuriku region to experience its charms.
Ishikawa Prefecture was damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January this year. Holding an event where visitors can actually experience the appeal of Ishikawa’s food products and traditional crafts of Wajima would be a boost to connecting the historic culture. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to disaster relief efforts from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
We hope to see more opportunities like these events to contribute to regional development from the Tokyo metropolitan area while having fun without having to visit the region directly.
[Related Article]
[Reference Site] Nikko Company official website
[Reference Site] PALACE HOTEL TOKYO /ESSENCE OF JAPAN Vol.4 Hokuriku Series, Ishikawa Prefecture