Morning Dream Team Shinichi Hatori & Toru Tamakawa Travel Kyoto: Tamakawa Treats Hatori with Gratitude! Moved by Kikunoi & Imperial Hotel Hospitality, Savoring Ramen from Tamakawa's Student Days! A 'Moving Journey' Touching History and Their True Selves, Broadcast for Two Consecutive Weeks
Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa, familiar faces from morning news programs, embark on their first travel show together, with Tamakawa hosting Hatori in Kyoto as a token of gratitude for their 10 years of co-hosting. The special program, "Kyoto Trip You Don't Know," will air for two consecutive Mondays, May 18th and May 25th, revealing their true selves as they explore Kyoto's new and old charms.
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- 📰 Published: May 11, 2026 at 21:00
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This marks the first time the duo has appeared together in a travel program. Toru Tamakawa treats Shinichi Hatori to a trip down memory lane in Kyoto!
■ Tamakawa's deep impressions of Kyoto's tea, famous temples, and hospitality that he wants Hatori to experience
"Anata no Shiranai Kyoto Tabi" (Kyoto Trip You Don't Know), airing every Monday at 9 PM, features various travelers delving deeper into "Kyoto they never knew before," discovering new charms rather than just traveling. The broadcasts on Monday, May 18th, and Monday, May 25th, will feature the familiar morning program duo, Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa. Stepping out of their usual roles as host and commentator, the two will embark on a "hospitality trip" where Tamakawa expresses his gratitude to Hatori for their 10 years of co-hosting. The theme is "New Kyoto, Old Kyoto, My Kyoto." Tamakawa, who spent six years in Kyoto while attending Kyoto University and frequently visits for work, will guide Hatori to his carefully selected spots.
The two meet in Uji City. Tamakawa, wanting Hatori to experience a special kind of tea, takes him to "Marufuku Yoshida Mechaen," which produces the gyokuro tea Tamakawa regularly drinks. The 16th-generation owner personally teaches them how to brew gyokuro. Hatori is surprised, saying, "This is not the tea we usually drink," as Tamakawa describes a taste that "will change your preconceived notions about tea." They also introduce an unexpected dish that can only be enjoyed with this tea, discovering new aspects of tea's appeal.
Next, they visit the usually private Rurikoin Temple in Yase. What Tamakawa particularly wanted to show was the "Ruri no Niwa" (Lapis Lazuli Garden), where a space enveloped in tranquility unfolds. Sitting in front of the moss-covered garden, the two listen to the sounds of the wind and birds, reflecting on their 10 years together on the program. Furthermore, on the second floor, they enjoy the magical view of blue maple leaves beautifully reflected on the desk. Hatori describes the experience as "this is true luxury."
Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa visit the restaurant "Kikunoi." They learn about the profound depth of Japanese cuisine, from the dishes to the settings, from owner Yoshihiro Murata.
Additionally, Tamakawa desperately wanted to take Hatori to the prestigious Japanese restaurant "Kikunoi" on this hospitality trip. This Michelin three-star京料理 (Kyoto cuisine) establishment offers not just food, but something else Tamakawa wants Hatori to savor. Guided by owner Yoshihiro Murata, the two are amazed to learn the meaning behind the hospitality felt right from the entrance. In the "Aoi no Ma" dining room, a museum-worthy antique, which Tamakawa eagerly wanted to show, is subtly displayed... Hatori gasps in admiration. The eagerly awaited dishes include one that overturns the image of traditional Kyoto cuisine. Murata, a leading figure in Kyoto's culinary world, flexibly incorporates new ingredients and strives for further development of Japanese food, leading to endless conversation.
For accommodation, they choose the "Imperial Hotel Kyoto," which opened in Gion in March this year. In fact, Tamakawa had already stayed at this much-talked-about hotel and passionately shares the charms of its hospitality, speaking from his experience.
■ High-spirited Hatori, puzzled Tamakawa: Historical spots in unexpected places!
The next day, after leaving the Imperial Hotel, the two head to a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Tamakawa reveals a special "hidden gem" he knows... The "Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden," where he enjoyed cherry blossom dates with his girlfriend during his university days. This time, they get a special tour of the endangered plant conservation greenhouse, which is not usually open to the public. They experience a new side of the botanical garden while touching upon a part of its valuable efforts.
Next, they visit "Tentenyo Honten," a restaurant in Ichijoji, known as a fiercely competitive ramen district. With a 50-year history, it's a nostalgic spot Tamakawa frequented during his university days. The two savor the ramen filled with Tamakawa's youthful memories, reminiscing about their student lives.
Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa head to an izakaya located on the site of "Ikedaya"! Hatori is delighted, saying it was the most exciting part!
From here, it's Hatori's turn to treat Tamakawa. Hatori guides Tamakawa to places in Kyoto he always wanted to visit. First, they go to the site of "Omiya" on Kawaramachi-dori, where Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka were attacked. Further extending their walk to Sanjo-dori, they reach the site of "Ikedaya," known for the Shinsengumi's Ikedaya Incident. This area is a "historical heartland" for history-loving Hatori. However, surprisingly, Tamakawa seemed unaware of the existence of such historical spots...!? Currently, an izakaya recreating the world of the Shinsengumi operates on the Ikedaya site. The two reflect on the historical stage while enjoying a hot pot dish said to have been favored by Ryoma Sakamoto.
Another place Hatori desperately wanted to visit was "Nidec Kyoto Tower," a place his mother took him to as a child, marking his first return in over 40 years. Tamakawa, on the other hand, is climbing Kyoto Tower for the first time. The two are highly excited, looking through binoculars and taking commemorative photos!
Tamakawa's hospitality trip, fully exploring Kyoto for two days. Hatori was...
■ Tamakawa's deep impressions of Kyoto's tea, famous temples, and hospitality that he wants Hatori to experience
"Anata no Shiranai Kyoto Tabi" (Kyoto Trip You Don't Know), airing every Monday at 9 PM, features various travelers delving deeper into "Kyoto they never knew before," discovering new charms rather than just traveling. The broadcasts on Monday, May 18th, and Monday, May 25th, will feature the familiar morning program duo, Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa. Stepping out of their usual roles as host and commentator, the two will embark on a "hospitality trip" where Tamakawa expresses his gratitude to Hatori for their 10 years of co-hosting. The theme is "New Kyoto, Old Kyoto, My Kyoto." Tamakawa, who spent six years in Kyoto while attending Kyoto University and frequently visits for work, will guide Hatori to his carefully selected spots.
The two meet in Uji City. Tamakawa, wanting Hatori to experience a special kind of tea, takes him to "Marufuku Yoshida Mechaen," which produces the gyokuro tea Tamakawa regularly drinks. The 16th-generation owner personally teaches them how to brew gyokuro. Hatori is surprised, saying, "This is not the tea we usually drink," as Tamakawa describes a taste that "will change your preconceived notions about tea." They also introduce an unexpected dish that can only be enjoyed with this tea, discovering new aspects of tea's appeal.
Next, they visit the usually private Rurikoin Temple in Yase. What Tamakawa particularly wanted to show was the "Ruri no Niwa" (Lapis Lazuli Garden), where a space enveloped in tranquility unfolds. Sitting in front of the moss-covered garden, the two listen to the sounds of the wind and birds, reflecting on their 10 years together on the program. Furthermore, on the second floor, they enjoy the magical view of blue maple leaves beautifully reflected on the desk. Hatori describes the experience as "this is true luxury."
Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa visit the restaurant "Kikunoi." They learn about the profound depth of Japanese cuisine, from the dishes to the settings, from owner Yoshihiro Murata.
Additionally, Tamakawa desperately wanted to take Hatori to the prestigious Japanese restaurant "Kikunoi" on this hospitality trip. This Michelin three-star京料理 (Kyoto cuisine) establishment offers not just food, but something else Tamakawa wants Hatori to savor. Guided by owner Yoshihiro Murata, the two are amazed to learn the meaning behind the hospitality felt right from the entrance. In the "Aoi no Ma" dining room, a museum-worthy antique, which Tamakawa eagerly wanted to show, is subtly displayed... Hatori gasps in admiration. The eagerly awaited dishes include one that overturns the image of traditional Kyoto cuisine. Murata, a leading figure in Kyoto's culinary world, flexibly incorporates new ingredients and strives for further development of Japanese food, leading to endless conversation.
For accommodation, they choose the "Imperial Hotel Kyoto," which opened in Gion in March this year. In fact, Tamakawa had already stayed at this much-talked-about hotel and passionately shares the charms of its hospitality, speaking from his experience.
■ High-spirited Hatori, puzzled Tamakawa: Historical spots in unexpected places!
The next day, after leaving the Imperial Hotel, the two head to a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Tamakawa reveals a special "hidden gem" he knows... The "Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden," where he enjoyed cherry blossom dates with his girlfriend during his university days. This time, they get a special tour of the endangered plant conservation greenhouse, which is not usually open to the public. They experience a new side of the botanical garden while touching upon a part of its valuable efforts.
Next, they visit "Tentenyo Honten," a restaurant in Ichijoji, known as a fiercely competitive ramen district. With a 50-year history, it's a nostalgic spot Tamakawa frequented during his university days. The two savor the ramen filled with Tamakawa's youthful memories, reminiscing about their student lives.
Shinichi Hatori and Toru Tamakawa head to an izakaya located on the site of "Ikedaya"! Hatori is delighted, saying it was the most exciting part!
From here, it's Hatori's turn to treat Tamakawa. Hatori guides Tamakawa to places in Kyoto he always wanted to visit. First, they go to the site of "Omiya" on Kawaramachi-dori, where Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka were attacked. Further extending their walk to Sanjo-dori, they reach the site of "Ikedaya," known for the Shinsengumi's Ikedaya Incident. This area is a "historical heartland" for history-loving Hatori. However, surprisingly, Tamakawa seemed unaware of the existence of such historical spots...!? Currently, an izakaya recreating the world of the Shinsengumi operates on the Ikedaya site. The two reflect on the historical stage while enjoying a hot pot dish said to have been favored by Ryoma Sakamoto.
Another place Hatori desperately wanted to visit was "Nidec Kyoto Tower," a place his mother took him to as a child, marking his first return in over 40 years. Tamakawa, on the other hand, is climbing Kyoto Tower for the first time. The two are highly excited, looking through binoculars and taking commemorative photos!
Tamakawa's hospitality trip, fully exploring Kyoto for two days. Hatori was...