Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro is hosting a special Hokuriku Fair celebrating the culinary traditions of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui prefectures every Saturday through February. The highlight of the event is the Hokuriku Buri Festival, featuring live filleting demonstrations of premium yellowtail from the Hokuriku region.
Event Details
The Hokuriku Fair takes place at CrossDine, the hotel's first-floor all-day dining restaurant, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the rich flavors of northern Japan's coastal region.
Event Dates: January 17, 24, 31, and February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026 (every Saturday)
Dinner Times:
- First seating: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Second seating: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
(120 minutes per session)
Reservations:
Phone: 03-3980-4040 (CrossDine reservation line, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
Online reservations also available through the official website: https://ikebukuro.metropolitan.jp/restaurant/list/crossdine/menu/hokuriku_fair_buffet.html
Hokuriku Buri Festival
During each Saturday of the Hokuriku Fair, guests can witness an impressive live performance as chefs expertly fillet premium Hokuriku yellowtail right before their eyes. The fatty, perfectly marbled yellowtail is at its peak during this season, offering exceptional flavor and texture.
What makes this experience truly special is the opportunity to enjoy the freshly filleted yellowtail prepared three different ways by specialist chefs from Western, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine backgrounds. Each preparation highlights different aspects of the fish's natural qualities with carefully selected seasonings.
Western Cuisine Preparation
Chef Yoichi Saito, Head Chef of CrossDine, presents the yellowtail with:
- Smoked sea salt
- Yuzu-infused extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh green onions
Japanese Cuisine Preparation
Chef Yu Yokoshima, Head Chef of Japanese Cuisine, offers:
- Special hon-jozo soy sauce
- Crispy textured soy sauce
- Fresh wasabi
Chinese Cuisine Preparation
Chef Akio Atsuzawa, Head Chef of Chinese Cuisine, features:
- XO sauce with aromatic oil-based umami sauce
About the Hokuriku Fair
Running from January 13 to March 1, 2026, the Hokuriku Fair celebrates the culinary heritage of three prefectures known for their exceptional ingredients and unique food culture.
Toyama Prefecture is renowned as a treasure trove of seafood, blessed with fresh catches throughout all four seasons. The prefecture's rich marine resources provide a foundation for exceptional cuisine.
Ishikawa Prefecture combines diverse regional characteristics, from coastal areas to expansive plains, creating a unique fusion of food cultures that have developed over centuries. The region's distinct history and lifestyle have given rise to remarkable culinary traditions.
Fukui Prefecture benefits from its pristine natural environment, offering an abundance of mountain and sea delicacies. The clear waters nurturing the region have cultivated ingredients that create truly distinctive flavors.
Specialist chefs in Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, along with pastry chefs, have crafted original menu items showcasing traditional dishes and regional specialties from these three prefectures.
Pricing
| Category | Saturday/Sunday/Holidays |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥5,600 |
| Senior (65+) | ¥5,000 |
| Child (Elementary school) | ¥2,800 |
| Child (4-6 years) | ¥1,400 |
