Getaways
Japan’s flavors, traditions on spotlight
As the premier Japanese hospitality destination within Newport World Resorts, Hotel Okura Manila continues to honor its heritage by creating meaningful experiences rooted in Japanese traditions.
In celebration of Philippines-Japan Friendship Month, the Arita Wagyu Signature Tasting Menu at Yamazato, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts brings the award-winning flavors of Miyazaki Prefecture to Manila through an exclusive culinary collaboration.
Every July, the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month is celebrated in recognition of the enduring ties between the two nations. This marks the Treaty of Amity signed on 23 July 1956, which paved the way for decades of cultural exchange, mutual understanding and cooperation. For this occasion, authentic Japanese culinary and cultural experiences take place throughout July at the Michelin Guide-listed Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts, reflecting the spirit of omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of wholehearted hospitality, through exclusive dining experiences and hands-on workshops.
As the premier Japanese hospitality destination within Newport World Resorts, Hotel Okura Manila continues to honor its heritage by creating meaningful experiences rooted in Japanese traditions. This year’s celebration highlights the country’s rich culinary craftsmanship through an exclusive tasting menu alongside hands-on workshops that introduce participants to time-honored techniques behind some of Japan’s most iconic delicacies.
At Yawaragi, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts’ Japanese-inspired all-day dining restaurant, the seven-course Arita Wagyu Signature Tasting Menu dinner showcased Arita Wagyu, an award-winning premium Japanese wagyu from Miyazaki, Japan, recognized with a Gold Medal at the 2025 World Steak Challenge. Raised using pure groundwater from Mt. Osuzu, pesticide-free feed and stress-free care, Arita Wagyu is renowned for its exceptional quality and refined flavor.
The exclusive dining experience brought together Tadashi Sawauchi, Grand Chef of Japanese Fine Dining of Hotel Okura Group, a globally respected master of kaiseki cuisine with nearly five decades of experience; and Keiichiro Fujino, Japanese Executive Chef of Hotel Okura Manila, whose expertise has established Yamazato as one of Manila’s leading destinations for authentic Japanese dining. Together, the chefs presented a menu that reflected Japanese craftsmanship, seasonality and precision through every course.
The celebration continues at Yawaragi with the Mochi Workshop, led by Senior Pastry Chef Vi Serrano. Guests discovered the traditional process of transforming mochigome, Japan’s glutinous rice, into handcrafted mochi while learning the techniques behind one of Japan’s most beloved confections.
At Hotel Okura Manila’s MICHELIN-recognized Japanese fine dining restaurant, Yamazato, Specialty Chef Ikuma Sato led the Sushi Workshop. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of sushi-making, beginning with sushi-meshi, the seasoned rice that forms the foundation of every sushi creation. The workshop offered a guided introduction to one of Japan’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
These exclusive dining experiences and workshops offered an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship, traditions and hospitality that have long defined Japanese culture.