If You Go Down To The Woods Today

Enju

In a city as huge, densely populated and urban as Tokyo, finding respite from the hurly-burly of modern life can be a challenge, which is why the beautiful hillside Happo-en garden in the affluent Shirokanedai district is such a magnet for those in seek of rural peace and quiet.

With 50,000 sqm of green space including a Nishikigoi carp pond complete with shrine and tea house, bubbling stream, and a huge range of trees, shrubs and bonsai, the 300-year-old garden is a year round joy of spring and summer blossom and autumn colour, before the arrival of powdery snows create a winter wonderland.

It’s within this backdrop that the new, traditional washoku restaurant Enju nestles. Demure and restrained the main salon may be, but it’s the picture-perfect window seats overlooking the cedars, pine trees and bamboo groves that are the prime spots.

With an all time hits series of prix-fixe kaiseki, sukiyaki, tempura and shabu-shabu sets to choose from, there are also buffet and à la carte options too, like soft egg rolls with dashi soup, and Togakushi soba noodles brought from Shinshu, all served on the house signature leaf-themed ceramics.

Want to maximise your garden experience? Come before lunch for a tour of the grounds and take in the sado tea ceremony, then settle down to your well-earned kaiseki. Enju... enjoy!