Japan’s spectacular cherry blossom season epitomizes a love of beauty and elegance, and a reverence for nature that has endured for over a thousand years. People flock to picnic under the sakura trees or wander among the blossoming boughs, enjoying the fragrance of the pink blooms and the mild spring sunshine. Sakura is quintessentially Japanese and is an iconic symbol of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
Pesach in Japan is a unique experience that allows you to celebrate an important Jewish holiday amidst the flowering cherry trees. With Gil Travel a unique and customized trip has been create to enjoy the best of Japanese luxury accommodation in the Tokyo Hilton. Passover in Tokyo also includes a sumptuous culinary adventure with kosher Japanese food prepared under the supervision of renowned Israeli chef Doron Sasson.
Why Celebrate Pesach in Japan?
Every culture that experiences the darkness and uncertainty of winter loves to celebrate the arrival of spring, a time of hope, renewal, and new growth. In Judaism, we look forward to the month of Nisan, and the traditional Seder meal that marks Pesach or Passover. Although Pesach commemorates the flight of the Israelites from Egypt, its earliest origins were as a spring festival.
In Japan, a country that experiences harsh snowy winters, the cherry blossom season inspired the tradition of Hanami, where people leave their homes to view the trees and savor the delicate and transient beauty of the flowering sakura. Although Pesach and Hanami might seem like poles apart, there is a common underlying thread that crosses all cultural barriers.
Jewish travel to Japan has also blossomed in recent years. Japan is a country of strong contrasts where every day brings new surprises and delights. The moment you step out of the bustling cities, you’re in a country of forests and mountains, dotted with tiny rural villages and ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The modern high-tech infrastructure blends seamlessly with thousands of years of history and tradition.
American Jews are falling in love with Japan, and are consistently impressed by its cleanliness and ordered efficiency, the politeness and hospitality of the people, and the deep sense of security that visitors feel - even in the middle of its busiest cities. Kosher Passover programs are a wonderful way to experience Japan, combining the best aspects of the Jewish high holiday with a once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure!
Enjoy the Luxury of a Tailored Kosher Passover Program
You might not think of Japan as a country with any significant Jewish history or modern-day connections, but the Jewish presence in Japan goes back at least to the 1700s. Today, the Chabad organization runs annual kosher Passover programs for Jewish residents and tourists. Gil Travel works closely with Chabad to bring travelers a warm and welcoming Passover experience as part of its exclusive Pesach in the East Program.
Pesach in the East is centered around the luxurious Tokyo Hilton Hotel at the heart of the city’s vibrant Shinjuku entertainment, business, and shopping district. The Hilton is arguably Japan’s top hotel and it combines the latest high-tech facilities with traditional Japanese service standards. The hotel offers guests 830 exquisitely designed rooms, with panoramic views of Tokyo’s amazing cityscape. Tokyo Hilton amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool, a rooftop tennis court, and a traditional Japanese garden. Guests can unwind after a day’s sightseeing by soaking in an onsen (traditional Japanese bath) or relaxing in the sauna, with separate facilities for men and women.
The Pesach in the East program is hosted in the Hilton’s state-of-the-art Kiku Convention Center, where guests have exclusive access to a private lounge, lobby, and round-the-clock bar and tea room. The spacious and beautifully decorated setting is quiet, luxurious, and family-oriented (with vetted babysitting services and kids’ activities on Yom Tov and Chol Hamoed). It’s ideal for a sumptuous Seder banquet, and for inspiring Tefillot and Shiurim. With Gil Travel’s meticulous planning and attention to detail, you’ll enjoy a truly memorable Yom Tov and a special Passover in Tokyo.
The Culinary Adventure: Gourmet Kosher Cuisine
The highlight of the Pesach in the East Program is the exclusive Seder banquet - and the culinary delights that continue throughout Chol Hamoed. Renowned Israeli chef Doron Sasson is collaborating with the Hilton's own executive chef and culinary team to bring a unique fusion of traditional Passover dishes with Japanese flavors. As well as preparing a superb gastronomical experience, Doron will ensure the highest standards of kashrut, with strict adherence to non-Gebrokts and non-Kitniyot dietary laws.
Some of the special treats on the Seder menu include Pesach-style sushi, seaweed finger food, traditional Japanese barbecue, and a variety of kosher Japanese sweets and other delicacies. Doron’s cuisine is under the supervision of the Rabbi Menachem Sudakevitch and the JKS – ועד הכשרות יפן. Jewish travel to Japan now includes world-class kosher dining and a gourmet experience that will transform your concept of food!
Recharge Your Spiritual Batteries
Amidst the bustle of Shinjuku, and the delight of meeting genuine kimono-clad Geishas, and Sumo wrestlers, attending traditional tea ceremonies, kabuki theater, and samurai performances, it’s important to remember the deeper religious and cultural aspects of Passover. The Pesach in the East Program provides a full schedule of religious services: Sederim, Minyanim, and Shiurim, offering a chance for spiritual enrichment and renewal. Enjoy the sense of community among participants and benefit from the educational and reflective opportunities provided by knowledgeable instructors.
If you’re traveling with kids or grandkids, they’ll love the childcare program and the chance to make new friends. There are loads of age-appropriate games and educational activities, with both a Hanami and Pesach flavor. The quality childcare (with trained and vetted staff) gives you an opportunity to take a break and explore Tokyo at your own pace and to focus on your own interests. The program offers some excellent curated tours of iconic Tokyo landmarks like the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and Shibuya Crossing. The carefully tailored blend of historical sites and modern attractions gives a profound insight into Japanese culture.
Your Gateway to the Land of the Rising Sun
This exclusive Pesach program is possible due to our wide network of contacts in Japan and our knowledge of Japanese culture and tourist sites, as well as our strong relationships with Chabad and the Tokyo Hilton. When you join us to celebrate Pesach in Japan, we can bring you a seamless integration of holiday observance with the chance to explore one of the world’s great travel destinations and a beautiful and ancient culture.
Passover in Tokyo is a family-oriented trip, but the childcare program means that there are plenty of opportunities to jump on the metro for some high-end shopping, or join an optional private tour, and experience Japanese culture on a deeper and more sophisticated level. Gil Travel is focused on its unique commitment to providing guest satisfaction and offering an environment for you to create lasting memories.
The cherry blossom season and Pesach are short events and demand for places on the exclusive Pesach in the East program is high. It’s important to book now if you want to join us at the Tokyo Hilton and experience the culinary delights of Doron Sasson’s collaboration with the hotel’s top chefs. You can also draw on our expertise to create a tailored itinerary for Chol Hamoed - with English-speaking Japanese guides - and to explore the possibilities of wider Jewish travel in Japan.
Author Bio
Iris Hami is President of Gil Travel Group, the largest travel management firm sending people to Israel. She has over 40 years of experience in the travel industry and uses that knowledge to craft unique Jewish journeys around the world. Her company has won multiple awards, including one from State of Israel Bonds for Extraordinary Achievements Promoting the State of Israel.