Whether you’re returning from a recent trip to the Expo 2025 in Osaka or simply curious about the flavours and traditions of Japan, there are plenty of ways to explore the country in the grand duchy.
Hailing from a village on the outskirts of Kamakura, a popular Japanese destination for capturing the dramatic backdrop of Mount Fuji, is Luxembourg-based entrepreneur Hajime Miyamae.
Miyamae’s love for gastronomy began early: as the grandson of an innkeeper, he enjoyed visiting fresh markets with his grandparents and spending time in the inn’s kitchen from a young age. Following his studies in Paris—and a sojourn during which Luxembourg friends first invited him to explore the grand duchy—he eventually decided to move to Luxembourg with the dream of opening an authentic Japanese restaurant.
On National Day in 1988, Kamakura officially opened its doors in the Grund. Back then, he recalls, there were around 100 Japanese people living in Luxembourg, and “it was hard to get most of the ingredients directly from Japan. It was complicated at the time.” Miyamae’s goal had been to provide locals with “authentic Japanese cuisine.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamakura had to close, and just months after reopening, it was hit with damages following the July 2021 flooding. Miyamae decided to pivot, and in September 2024, a new izakaya-style eatery, Aké, launched. “It’s a simpler concept. There are high tables, simple dishes like tempura, like tapas-style,” he explains. “For now, it’s working.”
Over the time since Luxembourg’s oldest Japanese restaurant transformed into this new concept, Miyamae has noticed how Japan feels closer—not only thanks to the internet, but also in terms of bilateral exchanges. Named a goodwill ambassador by Japan’s agriculture ministry in 2017, Miyamae has long supported Japanese cultural initiatives and exchanges, especially for youngsters to learn about cooking in Japan. He’s pleased, for instance, about the introduction of the working holiday programme that kicked off last year.
More Japanese flavours and traditions
Unlike when Miyamae started, there are now many spots in Luxembourg to experience authentic Japanese flavours. These include Yamayu Santatsu on rue Notre-Dame, Michelin-starred Ryôdo in Hollerich, and Belval-based Nonbe.
Ramen enthusiasts have plenty of options, too, such as Nanban or Ramen Samurai. One that’s regularly packed is Manzoku, which serves handcrafted noodles made with local ingredients and flavours sourced from Japan. Since its inception, Manzoku has expanded its Japanese grocery store—once located within the ramen bar, now at a standalone location just up the street—and sells a wide selection of products, including premium miso, condiments, and ceramics.
One of the newest entries to the scene is Les Nii Bakery, which opened in December 2024. The bakery produces Japanese desserts as well as European sweets “with a touch of Japan.”
The Japanese Embassy in Luxembourg also regularly organises cultural events, from bonsai and knife-sharpening demonstrations to Japanese calligraphy, ikebana, traditional music concerts, tea ceremonies, and more. Many of these events are family-friendly.
The Japan Luxembourg Association offers cultural and linguistic meetings and promotes kimono culture through international photo sharing.
Sake tastings and workshops
At the end of last year, UNESCO officially added sake to its “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list. This was positive news for people like Sense of Japan’s founder, Harumi Hayashi, who enjoys sharing this traditional rice wine with Europeans.
Earlier this year, the House of Japan also launched. Not only does it organise Japanese cultural events, but the team is devoted to all things sake, including tastings and workshops. They’ve partnered with Hôtel Le Royal Luxembourg for a “Japan Week,” which will take place from September 29 through October 2.
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