04-05-2025
Nadaman's main ‘ryotei' reopens after modern renovations
After renovation, the Aoi-no-Ma dining room at Nadaman's main restaurant Sazanka-so in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward is set up with tables and chairs on March 28. (Kotaro Ebara)
Nadaman Co., an operator of high-end traditional Japanese restaurants, reopened its flagship location, Sazanka-so, on March 28 after renovations in response to the demands of the times.
The long-standing 'ryotei' (a type of traditional and exclusive Japanese restaurant) in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward is renowned for hosting an official banquet during a Group of Seven summit in Tokyo in 1986.
After the renovations, it has been equipped with tables and chairs for the first time, offering easier seating arrangements for aging patrons and foreign visitors.
'Ryotei may be closely associated with political dramas, but we want to cherish the tradition and make it a place open to society,' said Reiko Kanazawa, an 'okami' proprietress of the restaurant, referring to how fictional works depict politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen patronizing such establishments.
While cover charges have been abolished, the restaurant offers a lunch course at a starting price of 33,000 yen ($220), including tax and service fees, and a dinner course starting at 50,160 yen.
The restaurant has selected 'chawan-mushi' steamed egg custard prepared with foie gras as its signature dish to raise its profile in the social media era.
Founded in Osaka in 1830, Nadaman has been operating Sazanka-so in the garden of Hotel New Otani since 1974.
Nadaman has been making efforts to reinvigorate its business in recent years as customers have shifting away from using ryotei to entertain clients, and ryotei remain lesser known among young people.
