Tokyo Honeymoon: Savor Japan’s Most Celebrated Traditions

2025.02.11

The menu for February, 2025

A Taste of Japan’s Celebratory Cuisine and Customs

Japan has a rich culinary tradition deeply rooted in celebrating life’s milestones. Among the most symbolic elements of these traditions are Tai (Sea Bream) and Shio-gama (Salt Crust), which are essential features in weddings and celebratory feasts. The beautifully colored red and white Tai is cherished as a centerpiece of joyous occasions, while the ritual of breaking a salt crust signifies the beginning of a new chapter in life.

If you’re visiting Japan, why not experience both this “taste of celebration” and this “ritual of new beginnings” firsthand?
For couples traveling to Japan on their honeymoon, this tradition holds special significance—it is a beautiful way to honor their new journey together, making their trip even more memorable.

In this article, we will introduce you to a dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition and gourmet excellence, perfect for a special night in Tokyo.

Why is Tai considered such a special fish in Japan?
What is the significance of Shio-gama, and why is it used in celebrations?
What is the ideal Japanese dining experience for honeymooners?
How can you create an unforgettable dinner at Ise Sueyoshi?

Celebrate your special journey with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, indulging in Japan’s rich culinary traditions.

Tai in Weddings

Japan has a rich tradition of celebrating special occasions with symbolic foods and customs. Among these, tai (red sea bream) holds a particularly important place. Its elegant appearance and refined taste make it an essential dish at celebratory gatherings. The name “tai” is also associated with the word “medetai“, which means auspicious or joyous, making it a common feature at weddings, New Year celebrations, and other significant milestones.
At traditional banquets, whole tai fish is often served with its head and tail intact, symbolizing completeness and good fortune. Two popular ways to enjoy this prized fish are:

Tai Sashimi (Tai Sugatazukuri) – A beautifully arranged presentation of raw tai, often served as the highlight of the feast.

Tai Meshi (Tai Rice) – A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with tai, allowing the delicate umami to soak into every grain.

Tai also has a unique characteristic that makes it even more meaningful in Japanese culture: tai fish live in pairs and stay in the same area for life. Because of this, they are considered a symbol of a harmonious and lasting marriage. It is believed that serving tai at weddings and special celebrations brings good fortune and strengthens bonds between loved ones.
For honeymooners visiting Japan, experiencing this culturally significant dish can be a memorable way to celebrate their new journey together.

Salt Crust Celebration: A Tradition for New Beginnings

In Japan, there is a unique traditional ceremony called “Shio-gama” (Salt Crust) that symbolizes opening new paths for the future. This custom involves baking a hardened salt crust made of salt and egg whites, which is then broken open with a small wooden mallet.
This act carries a deep meaning of celebrating a new beginning and paving the way for a bright future. At weddings, newlyweds break the salt crust together as a way to wish for their lifelong happiness. Additionally, this ritual is performed at major life events such as ship launching ceremonies and new house celebrations.
Would you like to experience this uniquely Japanese tradition and take part in the symbolic act of opening a new path?

Kaiseki: A Celebration

Kaiseki is a refined multi-course dining experience that embodies the essence of Japanese culinary tradition. Each dish reflects the beauty of the seasons, carefully prepared with delicate flavors and meticulous craftsmanship by skilled chefs.

For a special honeymoon evening, choosing kaiseki allows you to fully immerse yourself in Japan’s elegance and spirit of hospitality. The carefully curated course menu highlights seasonal ingredients, offering a feast that delights the eyes, pleases the palate, and touches the heart.

In a serene and intimate setting, you and your loved one can share a memorable moment, making your special night in Japan truly unforgettable.

Honeymoon Fine Dining

Tokyo is home to numerous fine dining restaurants, but choosing a place that offers a truly special Japanese dining experience for your honeymoon is essential. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, why not indulge in cuisine that is both traditional and sophisticated?
Among Tokyo’s top kaiseki restaurants, Ise Sueyoshi stands out as a place where every guest can fully immerse themselves in the depth of Japanese culture. With English-friendly service, it ensures that every visitor enjoys an intimate and memorable dining experience, making it the perfect setting for your special night.

Unforgettable Kaiseki Night

At Ise Sueyoshi, guests can indulge in a refined kaiseki dining experience featuring premium Japanese ingredients, including tai (sea bream), top-grade wagyu beef, Ise lobster, tuna, and fugu (pufferfish). Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the essence of Japan’s culinary excellence.
Furthermore, Chef Yuuki Tanaka personally explains every dish in English, allowing guests to not only savor the flavors but also learn about the cultural and historical significance behind each course.
The restaurant offers an intimate dining atmosphere with a limited number of seats, ensuring a private and tranquil setting for an unforgettable meal.
For those celebrating special occasions, we also provide a “Salt Crust Ceremony” option. Whether it’s a birthday dinner, honeymoon celebration, anniversary, or any other special moment, we are honored to share in your joyous occasion.
Make your honeymoon night truly unforgettable with the finest hospitality and an exquisite dining experience.

For more about Kaiseki, please visit here.
https://ise-sueyoshi.com/infomation-en/what-is-kaiseki-cuisine/

A memorable kaiseki experience

May 2023 • couples

When we were coming to Japan for our honeymoon, we wanted to experience one Kaiseki restaurant, and I am so glad we chose Ise Sueyoshi. Yuuki, the chef, is kind and approachable and takes great care in sourcing, preparing, and explaining the dishes to you. The courses are elegant and simple, letting the flavors of the ingredients shine through. Some highlights were the beef, wild turban tempura, a tomato and tofu refresher, and a matcha chocolate dessert that was one of the best desserts I’ve eaten. If you are looking for a meal to remember when you’re in Tokyo, in an intimate restaurant that seats five patrons, then this is the place to go. Ise Sueyoshi goes the extra step in publishing a book of ingrdients to read while you eat, printing out an elaborate menu for guests to take home, and providing pictures of your experience to cherish.

Best Tokyo Restaurants

While Tokyo is home to many restaurants, finding a place that offers an authentic kaiseki dining experience can be a challenge.

Moreover, it can be even more difficult to find a restaurant that provides full English support while also accommodating guests with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians and those requiring gluten-free options.

At Ise Sueyoshi, we take pride in offering a flexible and inclusive dining experience, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine.

For those seeking an authentic washoku (Japanese dining) experience in Tokyo, Ise Sueyoshi is a must-visit destination.

Make your honeymoon in Tokyo even more special by experiencing the flavors and hospitality of traditional Japan.

For more about our vegan and gluten-free philosophy, please visit this page:Vegan and Gluten free Options in Tokyo: Inclusive Dining at Ise Sueyoshi

For more about our Fugu delicacy and its unique culinary experience, please visit this page:Poison Fish: Exploring Fugu, Japan’s Most Expensive Delicacy

We are proud to continue delivering an exceptional dining experience that earned us the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024 award, ranking among the Best Restaurants in Tokyo.

Discover more about our journey to becoming one of the best restaurants in the city [here].

Visit Ise Sueyoshi

Location: Conveniently located 12 minutes from Roppongi Station and 8 minutes from Hiroo Station.
Hours: Open 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, reservations only. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
🌸We will be open Monday to Saturday from March through April!
Book Your Experience ☟

Reservation Page

Conclusion

At Ise Sueyoshi, we humbly invite you to experience a dining journey that caters to all dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, halal, or have specific preferences, we are here to create a memorable and inclusive dining experience for you, especially for special occasions like a honeymoon.

Looking ahead to 2025, we promise to continue striving as the “Best Kaiseki Restaurant,” delivering unique culinary experiences that reflect the beauty and depth of Japanese culture. Reservations are now open through the end of 2025. We encourage you to plan early and join us for a special dining experience. May our dishes and hospitality create cherished memories for your journey.

Tokyo Honeymoon: Savor Japan’s Most Celebrated Traditions | 伊勢すえよし

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