The Tokyo National Museum offers more than just exhibitions to enjoy. Did you know that you can have a delicious lunch at the same level as a hotel on an outdoor terrace? The restaurant, Hotel Okura’s Garden Terrace, is located in the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, visit this museum and have a great time.
Tokyo National Museum
After passing through the main gate of the Tokyo National Museum, turn left.
The Kuromon
Ahead, you’ll see a large wooden gate on the left. This gate is called the Kuromon, or “black gate,” and it was the entrance to a former daimyo’s residence.
The only existing front gates of daimyo residences in Tokyo are the Akamon (or “red gate”) at the University of Tokyo. The Kuromon was built at the end of the Edo period (1603-1867) and was relocated to this spot in 1954.
Walk straight through the trees with Hyokeikan on your right, and you will see the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures at the far end.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures consists of more than 300 treasures donated to the Imperial Household by Horyuji Temple in 1878. The Gallery was opened in 1964, and the current building (the New Treasures Gallery) was newly constructed in 1999.
Visitors can browse the entire collection of The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures on a computer at the Digital Archive in the Reference Room. Descriptions of the groups are available in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, and French.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures is a modern yet harmonious building with horizontal and vertical lines and a large glass wall. An artificial pond is in front of the museum, and a granite pathway leads to the entrance.
I was drawn to the building by its cool, contemporary design and the way it blended in with the surrounding plants and flowers.
Hotel Okura Garden Terrace
The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere and was located in a secluded part of the museum, making it a quiet and peaceful spot. Since it was a beautiful day, I decided to sit on the terrace and enjoy the greenery and the pleasant breeze.
I ordered a draft beer to complete the perfect outdoor dining experience.
Shrimp macaroni au gratin
I ordered the shrimp macaroni au gratin and a sandwich, and the first thing that was served was a mini salad.
The sour dressing on the salad really whetted my appetite and excited me for the dishes to follow.
Next came the authentic, hot gratin. The aroma of the melted cheese was so enticing that it immediately drew us in and whetted our appetites.
The shrimp were plump and juicy, and the white sauce was rich and flavorful. I finished the gratin in no time because it was so delicious.
Sandwich of the Day
The restaurant only offered one type of sandwich each day, and the kind of sandwich changed daily.
On the day I visited, the day’s sandwich was an American Clubhouse Sandwich. It consisted of smoked chicken, bacon, and an egg on toasted bread. The bread was crispy, and the spicy mayonnaise added a nice kick to the flavor of the ingredients.
I enjoyed a leisurely alfresco lunch while admiring the surrounding greenery. The restaurant offered limited-time parfait and Japanese sweets sets to coincide with special exhibitions and events. I was particularly interested in the Hotel Okura French toast that I found on the menu, and I plan to try it on my next visit. The customer service was very attentive, and I recommend this place for a break after viewing the artwork at the museum.
