Tasting Notes:
Japan on the Plate
From temple-lined streets in Kyoto to neon-lit dining counters in Las Vegas, Honolulu and Orlando, Japanese cuisine continues to evolve and inspire. At its heart is Kyoto — Japan’s cultural capital — where centuries-old techniques meet a new generation of chefs reimagining local ingredients with a fresh perspective. To mark the opening of our new property in the city, we explore the people, places and philosophies shaping Japanese dining today, at home and abroad. Discover where to eat, what to try and why Kyoto remains the starting point for it all.
Chef's tip
The Kyoto Restaurant Scene
This city might be renowned as the birthplace of kaiseki — a series of delicate small courses, each a work of art — but its dining culture is anything but static.
Wood-fired sourdough pizzas made with regional flours and toppings like butterbur sprouts headline chef Yoshihiro Imai’s tasting menu at Monk. At farm-to-table restaurant Tan, produce grown two hours north in Kyotango shines in dishes like the lunchtime rice bowl with tempura conger eel and wild mountain vegetables. At Sonoba, fans line up for Kento Yoshida’s soba noodle specials with bamboo shoots or sudachi.
Sushi in Orlando
Over the last decade, the sushi scene in Orlando has evolved into a diverse, high-quality landscape, featuring everything from intimate, Michelin-recognized omakase experiences to creative, modern izakayas.
Inspired by the standing sushi bars he discovered in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, Sean “Sonny” Nguyen — the chef behind Orlando’s Tori Tori and a trio of Domu noodle joints — opened Edoboy in 2022. One-hour reservation time slots are released every Monday for the eight-person counter, and there are no walk-ins. Guests can order up to 12 pieces across temaki (handrolls), torched nigiri (lightly flame-seared) and traditional nigiri, with the latter brushed with a mix of house-made shoyu (soy sauce), wasabi and various toppings. Extras include miso soup, made from the day’s fish bones, and sweet matcha s’mores.
Omakase in Las Vegas
Omakase, roughly meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” dates back to Japan’s Edo period. Traditionally, it’s a multi-course sushi experience using the freshest, high-quality ingredients available that day.
In recent years, omakase has become one of the most sought-after dining formats across the United States, and Las Vegas is no exception.
At ITO, an 18-course menu featuring fish flown in from Japan is served against the electric glow of Las Vegas’s shimmering lights. Just off the Las Vegas Strip, Eric Kim, chef-owner of Kame Omakase, presents a changing signature menu showcasing prized species such as blackthroat seaperch, live sea urchin and bluefin tuna.
Ramen in Honolulu
At Momosan Waikiki, former Nobu chef Masaharu Morimoto anchors the menu with comforting bowls of tonkotsu (a tasty pork bone broth), tsukemen (hot soup served separately from the chilled noodles and toppings) and other ramen favorites.
This fun restaurant is also a bedrock of the area’s food scene. The sheer choice of ramen shops, which outnumber saimin soup stands, reflects Hawaii’s large Japanese community (the renowned Sun Noodle factory opened in Honolulu in 1981). Casual options include Wagaya, where the signature broth is made from organic chicken and kurobuta pork bones, and Onoya Ramen, which offers a range of flavors, including spicy miso.
The Nobu Phenomenon
Actor Robert De Niro’s love of chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s miso black cod sparked a partnership that launched the first Nobu restaurant in New York's Tribeca more than 30 years ago. What began as a single, celebrity-fueled venture quickly became a global phenomenon.
Now, with nearly 60 restaurants worldwide, the multi-Michelin-starred chef is arguably the most famous sushi master in the world, synonymous with sleek dining rooms, meticulous craft and a distinctly modern take on tradition.
Chef's tip
Chef's tip
Chef's tip
Where to Stay
All conceptual images. Features and amenities subject to change without notice.
Kyoto
Tradimo Kyoto Gojo, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club places you in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gojo district, moments from Nishiki Market's centuries-old food stalls and the refined shopping along Shijo Street. One-bedroom Suites blend Japanese minimalism with full kitchens, while the location delivers easy access to Nijo Castle's imposing gates and the serene grounds of Sento Imperial Palace — making it an ideal base for exploring both ancient temples and Michelin-starred dining.
Orlando
Close to Orlando’s flourishing sushi scene, Orlando’s Sunshine Resort™ offers contemporary, spacious Suites — the perfect retreat after exploring standout spots like Seito Sushi or intimate, eight-seat omakase counters such as Sushi Saint. Following a day of dining discoveries or theme park excitement, retreat to your Suite to relax in the whirlpool tub and screened balcony.
Las Vegas
Studios, Suites and Villas at Polo Towers, a Hilton Vacation Club come equipped with full kitchens, though you may find yourself eating out more than in when the city’s most revered sushi counters are just minutes away. Between culinary adventures, enjoy the rooftop pool’s stunning views and the relaxed, casino-free atmosphere.
Hawaii
As part of Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Grand Islander, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers an extra special, indulgent escape with spa-like bathrooms and oversized balconies. Step directly onto the sand for outrigger canoe surfing or paddle out to Turtle Canyon’s offshore reef to snorkel alongside green sea turtles and tropical fish. Nearby Sans Souci Beach is one of Waikiki’s best spots for shore-entry snorkeling.
New York
The Quin, a Hilton Club offers spacious accommodations steps away from exceptional dining in Midtown Manhattan and close to Nobu Downtown. In Chicago, the elegant Suites at Hotel Blake by Chicago’s Loop are steps from acclaimed eateries — perfect for pairing a Nobu visit with other culinary adventures.
Tasting Notes:
Japan on the Plate
From temple-lined streets in Kyoto to neon-lit dining counters in Las Vegas, Honolulu and Orlando, Japanese cuisine continues to evolve and inspire. At its heart is Kyoto — Japan’s cultural capital — where centuries-old techniques meet a new generation of chefs reimagining local ingredients with a fresh perspective. To mark the opening of our new property in the city, we explore the people, places and philosophies shaping Japanese dining today, at home and abroad. Discover where to eat, what to try and why Kyoto remains the starting point for it all.
Chef's tip
The Kyoto Restaurant Scene
This city might be renowned as the birthplace of kaiseki — a series of delicate small courses, each a work of art — but its dining culture is anything but static.
Sushi in Orlando
Over the last decade, the sushi scene in Orlando has evolved into a diverse, high-quality landscape, featuring everything from intimate, Michelin-recognized omakase experiences to creative, modern izakayas.
Omakase in Las Vegas
Omakase, roughly meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” dates back to Japan’s Edo period. Traditionally, it’s a multi-course sushi experience using the freshest, high-quality ingredients available that day.
Ramen in Honolulu
At Momosan Waikiki, former Nobu chef Masaharu Morimoto anchors the menu with comforting bowls of tonkotsu (a tasty pork bone broth), tsukemen (hot soup served separately to the chilled noodles and toppings) and other ramen favorites.
Chef's tip
The Nobu Phenomenon
Actor Robert De Niro’s love of chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s miso black cod sparked a partnership that launched the first Nobu restaurant in New York's Tribeca more than 30 years ago. What began as a single, celebrity-fueled venture quickly became a global phenomenon.
Chef's tip
Chef's tip
Where to Stay
Kyoto
Tradimo Kyoto Gojo, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club places you in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gojo district, moments from Nishiki Market's centuries-old food stalls and the refined shopping along Shijo Street. One-bedroom Suites blend Japanese minimalism with full kitchens, while the location delivers easy access to Nijo Castle's imposing gates and the serene grounds of Sento Imperial Palace — making it an ideal base for exploring both ancient temples and Michelin-starred dining.
Orlando
Close to Orlando’s flourishing sushi scene, Orlando’s Sunshine Resort offers contemporary, spacious Suites — the perfect retreat after exploring standout spots like Seito Sushi or intimate, eight-seat omakase counters such as Sushi Saint. Following a day of dining discoveries or theme park excitement, retreat to your Suite to relax in the whirlpool tub and screened balcony.
Las Vegas
Studios, Suites and Villas at Polo Towers, a Hilton Vacation Club come equipped with full kitchens, though you may find yourself eating out more than in when the city’s most revered sushi counters are just minutes away. Between culinary adventures, enjoy the rooftop pool’s stunning views and the relaxed, casino-free atmosphere.
Hawaii
As part of Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Grand Islander, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers an extra special, indulgent escape with spa-like bathrooms and oversized balconies. Step directly onto the sand for outrigger canoe surfing or paddle out to Turtle Canyon’s offshore reef to snorkel alongside green sea turtles and tropical fish. Nearby Sans Souci Beach is one of Waikiki’s best spots for shore-entry snorkeling.
New York
The Quin, a Hilton Club offers spacious accommodations steps away from exceptional dining in Midtown Manhattan and close to Nobu Downtown. In Chicago, the elegant Suites at Hotel Blake by Chicago’s Loop are steps from acclaimed eateries — perfect for pairing a Nobu visit with other culinary adventures.
Explore exciting foodie escapes with Hilton Grand Vacations.
Visit bluegreenowner.com or club.hiltongrandvacations.com to book now!
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