Kyoto Century Hotel Unveils Cocktails Inspired by Utagawa Kuniyoshi's Samurai Prints and 'Cats' — Bartenders Capture the Dynamic Energy of Ukiyo-e and the Texture of Feline Fur

Kyoto Century Hotel (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City; General Manager: Miwa Sakurai) will offer, for a limited period from Saturday, July 18, 2026, to Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (National Holiday), collaboration cocktails at its main bar 'Essex' in conjunction with the exhibition 'Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Super Creator of Ukiyo-e'. Additionally, the hotel will sell accommodation plans that include exhibition tickets and cocktail vouchers.

(Left) Shape Shifter / The Playful Kanji (Right) Dual Spirit / Harmony of Strength and Flexibility

This event is offered in conjunction with the exhibition held at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, and features two newly created cocktails inspired by the masterpieces of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a renowned ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period who gained immense popularity for his innovative ideas and exceptional drawing skills, earning him the nickname 'eccentric artist'.

'Dual Spirit / Harmony of Strength and Flexibility' captures the bold world of warrior prints, drawing inspiration from the dynamic presence of the heroic figure 'Tengan Isobyo-e' as he triumphantly hurls his archenemy to the ground in the artwork 'Honcho Suikoden Goketsu Happyaku Nin Issho: Tengan Isobyo-e Yasha Arashi'. Based on two premium spirits, this cocktail blends vibrant vitality with refined flexibility, expressing a powerful yet profound harmony. A red paprika garnish, evoking the symbolic 'fundoshi' (loincloth) from the artwork, adds a striking accent. 'Shape Shifter / The Playful Kanji', inspired by the whimsical wordplay image 'Neko no Ateji: Fugu', where cats form the shape of the word 'fugu' (pufferfish), recreates the artwork’s charm—where 'individuals unite to form a new expression'—by layering two different classic cocktails. Guests can mix the drink themselves in the glass, transforming it into an entirely new, enchanting flavor—a clever and humorous touch reminiscent of Kuniyoshi’s playful spirit. Additionally, guests who order either cocktail will receive an original coaster featuring the respective artwork.

This special cocktail event captures the dynamic vitality and imaginative wit of Edo-period ukiyo-e artists within the glass, interpreted through the bartender’s artistry. Enjoy an artistic moment at this authentic bar before or after your visit.

'Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Super Creator of Ukiyo-e' Collaboration Cocktails (with Original Coaster)

[Period] July 18 (Sat), 2026 – September 23 (Wed, Holiday)

[Hours] 17:30 – 24:00 (Last Order at 23:30)

[Location] Main Bar Essex (2F, Kyoto Century Hotel)

[Inquiries] TEL 075-351-0085 (Restaurant General Reception, 10:00–19:00)

[URL] https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-centuryhotel/topics/kuniyoshi-utagawa-cocktail/

Cocktail Lineup

Dual Spirit / Harmony of Strength and Flexibility

Inspired by the heroic 'Tengan Isobyo-e' slamming his archenemy to the ground with dynamic energy, this cocktail embodies the spiritual concept of 'harmony of strength and flexibility'. It features a double base of two premium spirits: 'Hakushu', a domestically produced Japanese whisky with the refreshing clarity of young leaves and a bold smokiness, and a Hokkaido gin infused with concentrated Japanese botanicals—symbolizing Japan’s rich natural landscape. Finished with a smoky aroma, it expresses Isobyo-e’s penetrating vitality and refined suppleness. The red paprika, reminiscent of a fundoshi, adds an accent, creating a powerful yet deeply harmonious drink.

[Price] 2,000 JPY

Dual Spirit / Harmony of Strength and Flexibility

Shape Shifter / The Playful Kanji

'Neko no Ateji: Fugu' is a playful typographic artwork where adorable cats huddle together to form the outline of the word 'fugu'. Inspired by this composition—where 'individuals unite to create a new expression'—this cocktail blends two distinct classic cocktails to express Kuniyoshi’s lighthearted humor.

At the base, the mysterious blue layer of the violet-hued 'Violet Fizz' is topped with the dessert cocktail 'White Cargo', floated with 'Kino Bi', a premium Kyoto craft gin. The bubbles of soda evoke the free-spirited and capricious movements of cats, while the rich, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream recalls their soft, affectionate fur. When stirred together in the glass, the drink transforms into a completely new flavor—an imaginative and playful experience.

Shape Shifter / The Playful Kanji

A non-alcoholic version of this cocktail, featuring a green apple flavor, is also available.

[Price] 2,000 JPY each for alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions

Shape Shifter / The Playful Kanji (Non-Alcoholic)

※ Takeout of drinks is not available. Please note in advance.

※ Prices include a 15% service charge and consumption tax. A table charge of 500 JPY per person will be applied separately.

※ Menu contents may change due to availability.

※ Business hours and other details are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for updates. ※ All images are for illustrative purposes only.

'Honcho Suikoden Goketsu Happyaku Nin Issho: Tengan Isobyo-e Yasha Arashi' c. 1831 (Tenpo 2), Private Collection 'Neko no Ateji: Fugu' c. 1841–1843 (Late Tenpo), Private Collection

'Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Super Creator of Ukiyo-e' Ticket & Cocktail-Inclusive Accommodation Plan

[Stay Period]

Check-in: July 18, 2026 (Sat) – Check-out: September 23, 2026 (Wed, Holiday) ※ Reservation required at least 3 days prior

[Sales Period] July 9 (Thu), 2026 – September 20 (Sun), 2026

[Inclusions] One-night accommodation with breakfast at Kyoto Century Hotel

General admission tickets to 'Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Super Creator of Ukiyo-e' (per person, excluding children sharing beds)

※ Please check the exhibition details below for closure days.

Cocktail collaboration tickets (per person, excluding children sharing beds)

[Reservation] https://go-keihanhotelgroup.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/keihan-century/plans/10196694

[Details] https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-centuryhotel/topics/kuniyoshi-utagawa-cocktail/

[Inquiries] TEL 075-354-1000 (Hotel Main Line, 10:00–18:00)

In addition to the accommodation plan, from July 18, 2026 (Sat) to September 23, 2026 (Wed, Holiday), Kyoto Century Hotel’s front desk will also sell general admission tickets to the 'Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Super Creator of Ukiyo-e' exhibition.

Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art 'Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Super Creator of Ukiyo-e' Exhibition Overview

A prominent ukiyo-e artist active in the late Edo period, known for his