TBS Sunday Theater Grand Maison Tokyo, starring Takuya Kimura and broadcast in 2019, captured the hearts of many fans.
The sequel, a special drama titled Grand Maison Tokyo, features Yuta Tamamori as Sous Chef Shohei Hirako supporting Chef Rinko Hayami.
For singer and actor Tamamori, Tokyo is an exhilarating city that also serves as a haven of relaxation. He describes Tokyo as a bustling city filled with must-see information, new trends, and immense energy. Here are some of his favorite spots in Tokyo.
Arva
‘I loved the pasta I had for lunch. I usually eat at casual places, so having a meal in the sophisticated atmosphere of a hotel is a refreshing change,’
Arva, an Italian restaurant on the 33rd floor of the 2 MICHELIN Star hotel Aman Tokyo, offers simple modern dishes using Japanese ingredients, influenced by the chef’s experience in Italy. The high-ceilinged dining room on a high floor offers a sense of openness with a view.
Tokyo Waterfront Spots
‘‘I enjoy just strolling around places with water, like the Odaiba district or along the Sumida River. There's something so nice about wandering through those areas. After filming, I often go out alone at night.
Since fishing is my hobby, I occasionally travel outside the city to the sea, rivers, and lakes. The best way to relax is to do nothing on a boat with no man-made structures in sight.’
The Sumida River flows through Asakusa, Ryogoku, Chuo Ward, and into Tokyo Bay. Taking a water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba or Tokyo Bay allows you to enjoy urban views from the river.
Odaiba, a prominent waterfront destination, offers a distinctive perspective on Tokyo, with the waves of Odaiba Marine Park set against the towering skyscrapers.
Restaurants Nearby：
ÉTAPE
Shunka Nakamura
Hamacho Kaneko
VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS
‘During the filming of Grand Maison Tokyo, Ikki Sawamura, who plays Rikutaro Kyono, called a café car to the studio. I still remember how the aroma of freshly roasted coffee filled the air, instantly refreshing me.
In Tokyo, I particularly enjoy Verve’s café latte. There's something special about taking a moment to savour coffee brewed by a skilled barista—it’s my favourite way to unwind.’
Founded in California in 2007, this coffee brand not only delivers high-quality coffee through direct trade with farms but also strives to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and promote environmental conservation activities.
In Japan, the roastery is located in Kita-Kamakura, and its shops are in Shinjuku, Roppongi, Ebisu, and Yoyogi Park, among others.
Héritage by Kei Kobayashi
‘I was simply moved by the unimaginably creative dishes. Having played a sous chef in Grand Maison Tokyo, I could imagine the hard work and effort of the chefs and producers behind the beautiful dishes.’
The French restaurant is located on the 45th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. It combines a homage to classical cooking with the hotel's hospitality and Chef Kei Kobayashi's sensitivity. It offers dishes like pâté en croûte, roasted squab, and Vacherin with a modern twist.
Shibuya, Omotesando
‘I love fashion, so I get excited by the trend-reflecting shop windows of high-end brands and the stylish people around town. Of course, I also shop, but just walking around can be stimulating and inspiring.’
Shibuya is a hub for youth culture and trends, while Omotesando blends fashion, art, and gourmet into a stylish cityscape. Both are symbols of Tokyo and favorites of domestic and international tourists alike.
Omotesando, in particular, features high-end brand stores, unique boutiques, and flagship stores where the latest fashions and trends can be enjoyed.
Restaurants Nearby：
l'élan
DEN KUSHI FLORI
HYÈNE
TBS's Sunday Theater drama Grand Maison Tokyo, starring Takuya Kimura and broadcast in 2019, captured the hearts of many fans. On Sunday, December 29, at 9 PM, a special drama continuing the story was aired, following Grand Maison Tokyo's achievement of Three MICHELIN Stars.
Hayami became the first Asian female chef to earn Three MICHELIN Stars within just a year of opening her restaurant. However, the spread of the new coronavirus caused a severe blow to her business. In a bid to survive, she returns to online sales of frozen dinners and recipes, which causes her dishes to focus more on appearance than taste, putting ‘Grand Maison Tokyo’ in danger of losing one of its Michelin stars. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s former top chef, Natsuki Obana, has disappeared somewhere in France. However, when Hayami visits a restaurant in Kyoto, rumored to soon be nominated as the world’s best French restaurant, she is convinced that Obana is there. Why has he mysteriously returned to Japan?!
