Two-Michelin-starred chef Kristian Baumann is bringing his acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Koan (No. 91, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025) to Japan for the very first time. For three nights only, from 29–31 October, Koan arrives at Michelin starred est restaurant inside Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, offering an intimate residency that gives diners in Tokyo a rare taste of one of Europe’s most influential kitchens.
Guests will be taken on a journey of memory, identity, and discovery through Baumann’s deeply personal, Korean-influenced tasting menu. Set against the refined backdrop of est at Four Seasons Otemachi, the exclusive residency is both a cultural exchange and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Japan’s food lovers.
Each evening, Koan’s storytelling menu will be accompanied by a wine and beverage pairing curated by Lasse Peder Nielsen, Koan’s Head Sommelier and General Manager. Guests will be greeted and welcomed with subtle signatures from est’s Chef Guillaume Bracaval and Pastry Chef Michele Abbatemarco, who will contribute the introductory snacks and final petits fours, gently bridging two culinary perspectives.
Each evening is an unmissable opportunity to experience Baumann’s signature philosophy: Danish precision infused with Korean soul. Guests can expect dishes like Hokkaido scallops with Omija berries and sweet potatoes, lightly poached oysters with champagne and gamtae, and Kristian Baumann’s signature dessert of roasted seaweed ice cream with hazelnut oil and caviar. The beverage pairings span from Chenin Blanc from Loire, E.G. Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Bl, to Koan’s signature cocktails.
Kristian Baumann says:
“It is an incredible honour to bring Koan’s energy to Tokyo, and to share our journey with the guests of est at Four Seasons Otemachi. Japan has always inspired me, from the purity of ingredients to the spirit of hospitality, so this residency feels personal. This menu encapsulates my journey, exploring the synergies between my Korean heritage and Danish upbringing. I hope it resonates with the guests.”
With seats limited to an intimate number of guests each evening, reservations are essential. The menu, including food and drink pairing, is priced at ¥75,000. Bookings are now open through Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.
For more information or to secure your place, visit the link
For media inquiries, interviews, or press coverage on Koan and Kristian Baumann, please contact:
Morena Kolmarkai | morena@lotuslandagency.com
ENDS
About Koan and Kristian Baumann
Koan, the two Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen, is the culinary home of Chef Kristian Baumann. Adopted from Korea and raised in Denmark, Baumann blends his Danish upbringing with his Korean heritage to create cuisine defined by authenticity, memory, and identity. His journey, from travels and international cuisines to launching Koan with business partner and Head Sommelier Lasse Peder Nielsen reflects both resilience and vision.
Koan’s name, inspired by Zen Buddhist practice, reflects a philosophy of exploration and storytelling. Each dish is a dialogue between Danish terroir and Korean tradition, paying homage to Baumann’s ancestral roots while resonating with cultural significance. Menus are paired with thoughtful wines, non-alcoholic options, and traditional Korean sool, curated to achieve balance and harmony.
The restaurant also champions sustainability, supporting local artisans, prioritising staff well-being, and integrating carefully designed interiors by Danish artists with hand-selected Korean tableware. This holistic approach to fine dining earned Koan two Michelin stars within just ten weeks of opening its permanent space in April 2023 and ranked no.91 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2025, establishing it as one of Europe’s and the world’s most compelling culinary destinations.