At the heart of this tradition lies Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred establishment led by the legendary chef Yoshihiro Murata. Known for his mastery of kaiseki cuisine, Murata-san has elevated Kikunoi to the zenith of Japanese haute cuisine. Access to Kikunoi is a privilege, often requiring introductions from existing patrons and a place on an exclusive waiting list that can extend for two years.

The Urasenke Foundation represents one of the most prestigious tea ceremony schools in Japan. Founded by Sen no Rikyū in the 16th century, this institution has preserved the essence of chanoyu (tea ceremony) for over 400 years. Membership in the inner circle grants access to private ceremonies and direct teaching from grand masters.