Restaurants and lounges across Japan operated by the group brand VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES are offering "VMG Restaurants Christmas 2026," a special Christmas plan available for a limited time, and reservations are now open.
A Christmas Away From the City Bustle
Even in a city brightened by illuminations, one step inside leads to a quiet, classical world of its own. Guesthouses that once received dignitaries, along with residences and cultural properties more than 100 years old that have been home to countless stories, are dressed in warm holiday decorations for this season only.
The settings include a historic culinary inn (料理旅館) overlooking the sparkling Kamogawa River, an illuminated garden of scenic beauty, a Western-style mansion with the atmosphere of Taisho romance, and a night view from the top floor in Ginza. Beyond the meal itself, guests can immerse themselves in the gravitas and romantic mood that history creates and share a memorable moment with someone special.
Three Highlights of VMG Restaurants
1. A Special Christmas in Historic Spaces Rich in Important Cultural Properties and Taisho Romance
The venues include Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort (鮒鶴京都鴨川リゾート), a culinary inn about 150 years old that has been renovated; Kobe Geihinkan (神戸迎賓館), a Hyogo Prefecture-designated Important Tangible Cultural Property; Heian Jingu Kaikan (平安神宮会館), which overlooks a garden designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty; and THE GRAND GINZA on the top floor of GINZA SIX. The beautiful architectural details that tell of history and the illuminated gardens add to the romance of a special evening for two.
2. French Cuisine With Local Seasonal Ingredients and Afternoon Tea
The chefs at each venue have prepared Christmas-only courses. Along with French cuisine built around local ingredients, the lineup includes charming afternoon teas for the holiday season and a special dinner at a chef's counter limited to 12 seats.
Heian Jingu Kaikan (December 24 and 25 only, dinner with live music): French cuisine to enjoy with the night view of Shinen Garden
Kobe Geihinkan: Classic Afternoon Tea
Five-tier afternoon tea "Fuyu no Kyo KASANE" (冬の京KASANE)
3. Take Home "Strawberry Millefeuille" to Upgrade Christmas at Home
Takeout (available at some venues only) is also offered for the signature sweet "Strawberry Millefeuille" (苺のミルフィーユ), which follows the recipe of Maxim's de Paris Ginza (銀座マキシム・ド・パリ), a renowned restaurant. It combines custard cream scented with Cointreau, crisp pie pastry, and fresh strawberries, so the rich flavor can be enjoyed at home as well.
Participating Venues and Main Plans (Selected)
Kanto Area
THE GRAND GINZA (Chuo-ku, Tokyo / GINZA SIX 13F)
- THE GRAND 47 (dinner / lunch): Premium French cuisine using seasonal ingredients from all 47 prefectures of Japan.
- THE GRAND LOUNGE: "Christmas Afternoon tea 2026."
- Ginza Kiwami -KIWAMI- (銀座 極 -KIWAMI-): A chef's special dinner served at a counter of only 12 seats, with pairings selected by a sommelier.
- Takeout: The signature "Strawberry Millefeuille."
VMG CAFE Kudan Kaikan Terrace (九段会館テラス, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
- Located on the top floor of Kudan Kaikan, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Christmas dinner and afternoon tea are served in an open space overlooking the Budokan and the moat.
Kansai Area (Kyoto)
LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort (Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)
- A "Kyo French" course enjoyed in a building about 150 years old, with views of Higashiyama and the Kamogawa River. Proposal plans and private rooms are also available.
LE UN Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925 (アカガネリゾート京都東山1925) / Kodaiji Kiwami (高台寺 極-KIWAMI-) (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto)
- Beauty-conscious and healthy French cuisine in a Taisho-era residence. A chef's dinner is also held at Kodaiji Kiwami, which is limited to 11 seats.
Heian Jingu Kaikan (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
- A special dinner limited to two days, enjoyed in a luxurious space overlooking the illuminated Shinen Garden (神苑), a garden designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. A special afternoon tea is also offered on December 24 and 25 only.
Kansai Area (Hyogo and Osaka)
LE UN Kobe Geihinkan (Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo)
- Classic and modern Kobe French cuisine in an interior full of Taisho romance, in a Hyogo Prefecture-designated Important Tangible Cultural Property.
- From December 19 to 27 only, the chapel can be reserved exclusively for a candlelit proposal.
Kitano Ijinkan Former Kurupe Residence (旧クルペ邸) / Former Moore Residence (旧ムーア邸) (Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo)
- A special dinner in the exotic atmosphere of the Kitano Ijinkan, and "Strawberry Millefeuille" takeout at the Former Moore Residence.
Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Geihinkan (大阪迎賓館, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
- A special dinner with a night view of Osaka Castle and French cuisine using ingredients from Osaka, in a stately space that has welcomed heads of state from around the world.
VMG Restaurants Christmas 2026 Overview
- Period: Sunday, November 1 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (dates and times vary by venue and plan)
- Reservations and details: https://www.vmg.co.jp/restaurants/noel/
- Participating venues: THE GRAND GINZA / VMG CAFE Kudan Kaikan Terrace / LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort / LE UN Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925 / Heian Jingu Kaikan / LE UN Kobe Geihinkan / Kitano Ijinkan Former Kurupe Residence and Former Moore Residence / Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Geihinkan, and others
