In this sixth edition, we visit ARGO, a French restaurant in Hanzomon overlooking the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi. Dressed in kimono, we celebrated the first anniversary of Kimono-en, enjoying refined French cuisine with a view of lush greenery and the city skyline.
ARGO is located on the ninth floor of Tojo Kaikan, a historic building in Hanzomon. Established in 1912 by photographer Usaku Tojo as Tojo Photo Studio, it gained acclaim for portraits of the Showa Emperor, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and successive prime ministers.
Today, the building houses the Tojo Photo Studio, a beauty salon, and ARGO, offering spaces that celebrate life’s most memorable moments.
The charm of ARGO lies not only in its elegant cuisine that elevates classical French into a modern expression, but also in its breathtaking views of the Imperial Palace greenery and the surrounding cityscape.When I visited in August, from a window-side seat we enjoyed a splendid summer scene—lush trees flourishing under the blue sky, a view that made the dining experience even more memorable.
The cuisine of Chef Mr. Go Karasawa, who trained at renowned restaurants such as Restaurant Monna Lisa and Ginza L’Ecrin, combines classical French technique with inventive artistry. Originally from Niigata, he incorporates ingredients from his hometown into his dishes.
Every plate delights with both beauty and flavor.
A luxurious appetizer of corn and sea urchin was served as an ice cream, accented with a drop of whisky applied by pipette—an almost scientific performance for the senses.
A scallop wrapped in kadaif pastry, placed atop a meaty shiitake mushroom, was seasoned with kanzuri, a traditional fermented chili paste from Niigata. The crisp texture of the kadaif contrasted with the succulent scallop and the hearty shiitake.
Tilefish grilled with its scales was paired with a rich piperade sauce from the Basque region. The scales fanned out like petals, crisp and aromatic, while the fish remained tender and springy.
The main dish, veal fillet steak, was cooked to a perfect pink, juicy and tender, elevating the artistry of French cuisine.
Dessert featured peaches prepared in multiple ways, showcasing the fruit’s rich sweetness and smooth texture.
ARGO also includes a library with art and design books, creating a refined space for waiting or lingering after a meal.
n the historic Kojimachi district, where embassies and tradition meet, ARGO offers an oasis of elegance. Here, French culinary mastery and Japanese aesthetics harmonize, making it an ideal destination in kimono.
ARGO
ONE FOUR TWO by Tojo 9F, 1-12 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
ONE FOUR TWO by Tojo 9階
TEL: +81-3-3265-5504
＜Hours＞
Lunch：11:30-15:00（L.O.13:00)
Dinner：18:00-22:30（L.O.20:00）
＜Closed＞
Mondays & Thursdays
.
Official Website＞＞
