Introducing the appeal of “Hōsa,” a new-style Japanese food hall inside Nagoya Noh Theater, located near Nagoya Castle! | Explained by our PR representative

Hello! I am Kaneko from PR Division Headquarters, Department 1.

A sudden question: when you hear “Nagoya specialty cuisine,” what comes to mind?Miso katsu, ankake spaghetti, miso nikomi udon, chicken wings, kishimen, hitsumabushi…

Nagoya is overflowing with delicious food,and it is also home to a long-established Japanese food culture rooted in its history as the castle town of the Owari Tokugawa clan—such as renowned wagashi makers that once presented sweets to the Tokugawa family, and catered cuisine that townspeople have loved since the Edo period.In fact,this rich culinary heritage is very much alive today.

Three long-established brands that have carried on Nagoya’s food culture for nearly 400 years,shared the desire to “pass on Owari Nagoya’s food culture from the past to the future,” and that shared vision led to the opening of “Hōsa<hōsa>”!

Exterior of “Hōsa<hōsa>,” a new-style Japanese food hall inside Nagoya Noh Theater

By the way, “Hōsa” is a term that refers to present-day Nagoya City. Because Atsuta Shrine was once called the Hōrai (Hōrai) Shrine, the newly developed castle town that opened up to the left of the Hōrai Shrine—spanning the area from Atsuta to around Nagoya Castle—came to be called “Hōsa,” and Nagoya Castle was also known as “Hōsa Castle.”Now, allow me to introduce “Hōsa<hōsa>”!

Interior of “Hōsa<hōsa>,” a new-style Japanese food hall inside Nagoya Noh Theater

What is “Hōsa<hōsa>,” a new-style Japanese food hall where you can enjoy an “innovative modern” space, cuisine, and wagashi?

Opened on Friday, March 18, 2022, inside Nagoya Noh Theater near Nagoya Castle, the Japanese food hall “Hōsa<hōsa>” was born from the shared vision of three brands: “Shidashi Ryōri Yaohiko Honten,” a catered-cuisine establishment beloved as Nagoya’s kitchen since its founding in the Edo period; “Kashō Hanakikyō,” a wagashi shop with roots as a confectioner serving the Owari Tokugawa clan; and “Nagomu Kash i Nakamata,” which carries on the trade name of a seafood business founded in Atsuta/Miyajuku.

“Hōsa<hōsa>” is a “shokurakudō” where three areas come together: the private-room kaiseki dining “Hōsatei,” the Japanese food hall “hōsa,” and the select shop “hōsa select.” In addition to authentic kaiseki cuisine crafted by Chef Chikazawa—an “Aichi Master Craftsman”—it offers a new take on Nagoya soul food: kishimen created in collaboration with Hoshigaoka Seimenjo and proposed by a long-established restaurant. You will also find a wide lineup, including the visually stunning seasonal wagashi displayed on a Nagoya Castle-shaped stand in the “Waftanūn Tea,” and hon-warabi mochi kneaded fresh to order by artisans. A new food destination located just steps from Nagoya Castle, it can also be considered a new sightseeing spot in Nagoya.

Curious about the menu? By area, from Waftanūn Tea to authentic kaiseki cuisine.

Area 1: Private-room kaiseki “Hōsatei”

It consists of seven quiet private rooms that help you forget everyday life, plus a large hall of about 40 seats that can be reserved for private use. Private-room kaiseki “Hōsatei” is reservation-only for all seats, offering a space where you can take your time and enjoy authentic kaiseki cuisine.

Lunch kaiseki “Kinjō” ¥3,800 (tax included)

Centered on a main dish beautifully arranged with appetizers, sashimi, and grilled items, and extending to a hot pot filled with seasonal aromas—this is Chef Chikazawa’s cuisine as an “Aichi Master Craftsman.” Dessert is supervised by Kashō Hanakikyō.

Lunch kaiseki “Kinjō”

Kaiseki cuisine “Fukuju” ¥9,900 (tax included)

A colorful kaiseki course packed with seasonal flavors. With a focus on dashi, it brings out the best of each ingredient—beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.

Kaiseki cuisine “Fukuju”

Area 2: Japanese food hall “hōsa”

A food hall area where time flows gently, for lunch, café visits, and more. This space most fully embodies Hōsa<hōsa>’s concept of connecting Owari Nagoya’s food culture to the future, and it offers both table and counter seating so you can relax casually.

“Kashō Hanakikyō × Nagomu Kash i Nakamata × Yaohiko Honten Collaboration Waftanūn Tea Set” ¥4,400 per person (tax included)

An afternoon tea served on an original stand inspired by Nagoya Castle. Enjoy tea time with authentic wagashi based on the concept of “rediscovering Japanese beauty” through tradition and innovation, along with items such as dashimaki egg sandwiches that let you enjoy long-established flavors casually.Serving area: Japanese food hall “hōsa”
*Limited quantities; reservation required*The image shows a serving for two people.

“Kashō Hanakikyō × Nagomu Kash i Nakamata × Yaohiko Honten Collaboration Waftanūn Tea Set”

“Kishimen & Seafood Rice Bowl Half-and-Half” ¥1,600 (tax included)

A collaboration between Yaohiko’s signature dashi—made by shaving 100 bonito every morning—and Hoshigaoka Seimenjo’s kishimen. The half-and-half with a restaurant-quality seafood rice bowl is also recommended.

“Kishimen & Seafood Rice Bowl Half-and-Half”

“Fluffy Wanuki Plate” ¥1,300 (tax included)

Based on the concept of “increasing moments of comfort,” artisans carefully bake each one by hand:a completely new, blissfully textured dorayaki, “Fluffy Wanuki.” Please enjoy this new experience—fluffy and moist—freshly baked.

“Fluffy Wanuki Plate”

Area 3: Select shop “hōsa select”

The concept is a “select shop for food culture.” It proposes a new everyday life and lifestyle centered on food.With “Japanese” as the theme, the lineup includes exceptional items showcasing the craftsmanship of Nagoya’s master artisans, as well as pieces that delight the eye with fresh styles and designs while carrying on tradition. By incorporating both tradition and innovation, it connects not only food but also lifestyle to the future. It features not only Owari Nagoya’s traditional and signature products, but also selections from across Japan. It can also be used as a new Nagoya souvenir.

The appeal of Hōsa<hōsa> from a PR representative’s perspective!

1) A standout store manager!

The manager of Hōsa<hōsa> is, incredibly, only 20 years old!Although also an employee of Hanakikyō,they reportedly presented within the companytheir strong willingness to take on challenges and their language skills, and were selected for the role. You will be impressed by the fresh customer service and enthusiasm.

From left: Manager Mr. Kuno and the store staff

Manager Kuno has long been interested in Japanese culture—collecting traditional-pattern accessories, wearing kimono for photos, and even working part-time at a Japanese restaurant.That passion never changed, and when considering working as a full-time employee, Kuno encountered Hanakikyō and decided to join the company.

Kuno shared a strong desire to spread a new Japanese culture to customers visiting not only from across Japan, but from around the world. “All three brands are long-established, yet they are challenging themselves with new expressions in the food, sweets, and the space—so I truly hope you will enjoy it,” said Kuno.

2) A menu that changes with the seasons

Starting with the signature “Waftanūn Tea,” the menu at Hōsa<hōsa> changes with each season. According to the artisans,wagashi are meant to be enjoyed with all five senses, so they develop the menu so that guests can feel something not only in the taste, but also in the appearance, aroma, the sound when eating, and the sensation when touching the sweets (with a spoon, chopsticks, etc.). I actually tried the spring version of the “Waftanūn Tea,” andI felt “spring” in abundance—both visually and in flavor!(As of May, the Waftanūn Tea has already switched to the summer version!)

Spring version of the “Waftanūn Tea”

In fact, the “Waftanūn Tea,” developed over a period of six months, has even more points of attention!While being a shop located near the historic Nagoya Castle, it pursues innovation, with a concept of being simple yet impactful—elegant yet lavish. The design is finished with a Nagoya Castle-shaped stand that expresses the gable of Nagoya Castle, which is also featured in the Hōsa＜hōsa＞ logo.

It is also made with great care in the materials, using beautiful hinoki wood—the same material that shapes Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace.With this highly photogenic Waftanūn Tea, we would love for everyone to experience “nun-katsu” as well!

3) A wonderful Japanese-modern interior

The interior is a very calm Japanese-modern space. During the day, dappled sunlight filters in beautifully from outside, and you cannot help but be captivated (laughs).In addition to table seating, there are also counter seats equipped with power outlets, making it useful for situations such as working alone.

4) A live demonstration counter for “Fluffy Wanuki”!

At Hōsa<hōsa>, there is a “live demonstration space” where the signature “Fluffy Wanuki” is baked right in the store.

“Fluffy Wanuki” live demonstration

You can enjoy freshly made, piping-hot “Fluffy Wanuki”!I have tried it several times myself, and the texture is just like a soufflé pancake! It is a neo-dorayaki that overturns everything you thought you knew about dorayaki. It also pairs perfectly with sweet red bean paste and butter—truly exquisite.

That concludes our introduction—what did you think?There is still so much charm that photos alone cannot convey,so when you visit Nagoya, please be sure to stop by Hōsa<hōsa> near Nagoya Castle!You are sure to fully experience Owari Nagoya’s Japanese food culture!

◼ Brands at Hōsa <hōsa>
• Yaohiko Honten https://www.yaohiko.nagoya/
Founded about 300 years ago in the Edo period as a greengrocer and pickle shop in Nishirokuchō, west of Nagoya Castle town. Without changing its long-held spirit, it delivers 5,000 meals every day as Nagoya’s kitchen. This is its second location, following Hōzentei at the Tokugawa Art Museum.

• Kashō Hanakikyō http://hanakikyo.com/
A wagashi shop in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Its roots trace back about 400 years to Kikyōya, which was appointed as the official confectioner to the Owari Domain by Lord Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first lord of the Owari Domain. While preserving tradition, it actively pursues innovative wagashi-making where the richness of Japanese sweets meets Western flavors.

• Nagomu Kash i Nakamata https://www.nkmt.jp/
Inheriting the trade name of a seafood business founded in Atsuta/Miyajuku in the late Edo period, “Nagomu Kash i Nakamata” now operates a wagashi shop in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. With the vision of “increasing moments of comfort,” it takes on daily challenges to evolve and update wagashi, including the blissful dorayaki “Fluffy Wanuki.”

◼ Store Information
Store name: Hōsa <hōsa>
Address: 1F, Nagoya Noh Theater, 1-1-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
Seating: 112 seats (24 table seats, 10 counter seats, 7 private rooms, large hall: 42 seats)
Opening date: Friday, March 18, 2022
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (L.O. 16:30)
TEL: 052-253-8566
Website: https://www.hosa.nagoya/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hosa_nagoya/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hosa.nagoya
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hosa_nagoya