“Harmony is the complete alignment of one’s senses with the surroundings. It is a singular moment that transforms the entire dining experience.” ~ Chef Shinji Kanesaka.
To step into Shinji by Kanesaka St. Regis is to enter a world of regal tradition and exceptional artistry by Junzo Irikado – the man behind Ginza Sushi Kanesaka.
True to the spirit of artisan craftsmanship, the restaurant is designed to honour the best of Japanese architecture, heritage and hospitality. From the elegant koushido lattice panels to the shouji window panes set beneath a kawara roof, the entryway is a fitting prelude to what lies ahead.
Past the entrance, the soft glow of andon lamps illuminates an interior that embodies the style and timeless beauty of classic Japanese teahouses. The subtle scent of hinoki (cypress), sugi (cedar) and karin (red oak) wafts across an ishidatami or cobbled stone pathway leading to two private rooms – Sakura and Icho (Gingko).
Inspired by traditional hanare-ya or guest cottages typically used to receive distinguished guests, each room is exclusively furnished with wood from trees of their namesake and intricate, handcrafted elements delivered from Japan.
Within the main restaurant, Head Chef Keiichi Kobayashi and his team take centre stage at a 300-year-old hinoki sushi counter as master artisans of an age-old craft. Exquisite koushi shoji carvings depict ethereal scenes of nature while lush red carpeting and a floor-to-ceiling display of premium wines provide a lavish backdrop that lends a distinct air of luxury and grandeur.
From the very moment of arrival, guests are taken on a breathtaking, evocative journey that transforms the senses for a truly extraordinary dining experience.
A true craftsman, Head Chef Keiichi Kobayashi believes that the pursuit of culinary perfection requires a lifetime of discipline, focus and unwavering attention to the smallest details.
An Osaka native, he followed in the footsteps of his father to become a chef, moving to Tokyo to hone his craft. Only a few years later, he was appointed head chef of the restaurant, making his mark in a city that has produced some of the very best in the trade.
「初心忘るべからず」
“Never forget, at heart, where you come from.”
For more than two decades, his personal philosophy has kept him firmly rooted in his heritage and its time-honoured traditions. Today, Chef Kobayashi serves as Head Chef at Shinji by Kanesaka St. Regis, paying skilful homage to classic Edomae sushi and bringing the Kanesaka experience to life.
Each meal that he creates is an exceptional showcase of delicate flavours that perfectly reflect the transient beauty of each passing season. It is at once soulful, uplifting and utterly delicious.
