Serene Sanctuary of Refined Japanese Dining MINATO Brings Fresh, Natural Flavours of Nagano to Hong Kong in Four-Night Gastronomic Showcase with Three-Hat Hikariya-Nishi

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(24 September 2026, Hong Kong) MINATO, the serene sanctuary of refined Japanese dining at Great Eagle Centre in Wanchai, welcomes Chef Masahiro Tanabe of Hikariya-Nishi, one of Nagano Prefecture’s most celebrated restaurants, for an exclusive four‑night guest-chef collaboration that brings the famed fresh, natural flavours of the ‘roof of Japan’ to Hong Kong. Served from 7 to 10 October 2026, ‘The Taste of Nagano’ gastronomic showcase is complemented by curated sake pairings from acclaimed Nagano brewery ILAKA Sake Atelier.

True to Nagano’s magnificent high-altitude terroir, Chef Tanabe is heralded for his vegetable-forward wellness gastronomy. At MINATO, he unveils his distinctive interpretation of modern Japanese cuisine enriched with subtle French techniques over 11 courses. To preserve the intimacy of the experience, only 30 sets will be served each evening.

Situated in a historic building a stone’s throw from Matsumoto Castle, Hikariya-Nishi has achieved a three-hat, ‘remarkable table’ rating from Gault & Millau Japan for three consecutive years (2024-2026) and is one of just 16 independent Japanese restaurants among the luxury Relais & Châteaux collection. Its elegant terroir-driven cuisine also earned a Tabelog Bronze Award and listing among Tabelog’s Top 100 Restaurants (Hyakumeiten) this year.

A Tochigi Prefecture native, 51-year-old Chef Tanabe has built a distinguished career over more than three decades, marrying classical French techniques with the simple beauty of exceptional seasonal produce from Japan’s Northern Alps. Inspired by his grandmother, who first introduced him to French cuisine, he trained in Lyon and Rome and was later mentored by Chef Kazunori Otowa, the renowned pioneer of French gastronomy in Japan.

Joining the Matsumoto-based Tobira Group in 2004, where he now serves as Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Tanabe masterminds a dining philosophy celebrating the simplicity and harmony of produce that expresses the unique character of the region’s terroir. The abundance of spring water in Nagano and the variety of vegetables grown organically in its fertile fields inform imaginative dishes grounded by the pure, natural taste of its star ingredients.

For four evenings only, Chef Tanabe and his Sous Chef Tomoaki Hando will collaborate with MINATO’s culinary team to craft ‘The Taste of Nagano’, an 11-course tasting menu priced at HK$2,588 per person, with an exclusive rate of HK$2,188 for Brilliant by Langham members. Each creation in this wholesome gastronomic journey reflects the union of Japanese craftsmanship, French artistry and wellness cuisine for which Hikariya-Nishi is revered, and the authentic sensory immersions in Japanese culinary tradition which make dining at MINATO extraordinary.

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‘The Taste of Nagano’ menu features:

• Vegetable and Caviar Spring Rolls with Clear Gazpacho

• Straw-grilled Returning Bonito complemented by Fermented Tomatoes 

• Shiitake Mushroom Terrine

• Seasonal Sashimi

• Grilled Cucumber with Shellfish Cream

• Hokkigai Clam Risotto accompanied by a silky Vegetable Mousse

• Bouillon de Légumes. Brioche with Celery Root and Truffle

• Teppanyaki Duck Liver

• Teppanyaki A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Tenderloin

• Cauliflower with White Chocolate Sauce, accompanied by Creme Brulee, Coconut and Tabasco Ice Cream and finished with Basil Oil

• Okinawan Mango and Basil Cream

Before this indulgent conclusion, the Hikariya-Nishi team will surprise diners with a meaningful Nagano savoury treat symbolising the connection between their homeland and Hong Kong, where they are thrilled to present four nights of unparalleled modern Japanese fine dining.

For sake connoisseurs, the adventurous 11-course experience can be complemented by a curated pairing of five expressions from ILAKA Sake Atelier – Black, Crimson, Indigo, Gold and Forest. Drawing on more than 350 years of sake-brewing heritage in Nagano, ILAKA relocated its brewery to Matsukawa Village in 2024 in pursuit of exceptional water and an environment ideally suited to sake making.

Its brewing water has a hardness of just seven milligrams per litre, placing it among the softest waters in the world. Sake brewed with ultra-soft water develops a remarkably soft, rounded and supple character on the palate. Surrounded by dramatic temperature variations and fertile alluvial terrain, Matsukawa provides a distinctive natural environment that further shapes ILAKA’s sake.

At the heart of ILAKA is master brewer Katsumi Tanaka, who has spent decades mastering the art of brewing with soft water, drawing out its distinctive elegance and finesse. Together, the ultra-soft water, Matsukawa’s natural environment, and Tanaka’s craftsmanship define ILAKA's signature style: refined umami, gentle sweetness, vibrant acidity and a remarkably graceful finish.

“Bringing Hikariya-Nishi’s dishes to Hong Kong offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with local diners and share the regional character of Nagano, whose distinctive natural environment and produce are at the heart of my cuisine,” says Chef Masahiro Tanabe. “Through this cultural exchange between the dynamic dining scenes of Nagano and Hong Kong, it is my wish to convey Japan’s culinary craftsmanship and create an unforgettable experience for guests.”

This exclusive collaboration reflects MINATO’s ongoing commitment to introducing Hong Kong diners to some of Japan’s most distinguished culinary talents. By bringing together regional masters with MINATO’s own accomplished chefs, the restaurant continues to create immersive dining experiences that celebrate authenticity, craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

Managed by Langham Hospitality Group, MINATO is a serene theatre of Japanese culinary tradition, where modern sensibilities and authentic craftsmanship meld in an aura of quiet luxury. Handpicked prime seasonal ingredients from Japan and all over the world prepared with creative flair raise dishes into the realms of modern culinary artistry.

MINATO is located at Shop G4-G6, G/F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, and opens daily from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For enquiries or reservations, please call (852) 2345-0663, WhatsApp (852) 6365-3696, email reservation@minato.com.hk, or visit www.minato.com.hk/#reserve.

For more information, please visit www.minato.com.hk.

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