A look inside chef Kunal Kapur's vacation in Japan: From traditional Japanese ‘yukatas’ and ‘jinrikisha’ to bowing deer

Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

Chef Kunal Kapur is out and about on the streets of Tokyo, exploring Japanese culture, food and local charm. Here's what he shared on social media.

1 / 7
Kunal Kapur is currently vacationing in Japan, and over the past week, he has been giving fans a glimpse into his travels through a series of social media posts. From wandering through bustling streets and soaking in the local culture to indulging in Japan’s diverse culinary offerings, the chef has been making the most of his time exploring the country's sights, flavours, and local charm.(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

Kunal Kapur is currently vacationing in Japan, and over the past week, he has been giving fans a glimpse into his travels through a series of social media posts. From wandering through bustling streets and soaking in the local culture to indulging in Japan’s diverse culinary offerings, the chef has been making the most of his time exploring the country's sights, flavours, and local charm.(Instagram/@chefkunal)

2 / 7
He wrote in the caption, “Tokyo from the streets hits differently. One moment you’re walking through the bustling lanes of Asakusa in a yukata and the next you’re cruising through history in a traditional rickshaw pulled by some of the strongest athletes you’ll ever meet.”(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

He wrote in the caption, “Tokyo from the streets hits differently. One moment you’re walking through the bustling lanes of Asakusa in a yukata and the next you’re cruising through history in a traditional rickshaw pulled by some of the strongest athletes you’ll ever meet.”(Instagram/@chefkunal)

3 / 7
The chef explored the city aboard a traditional Japanese rickshaw, or jinrikisha, which he described as one of the most charming ways to discover historic neighbourhoods. Kunal was particularly impressed by the strength and endurance of the runners, who effortlessly pull passengers through the city's bustling lanes, praising them as some of the strongest athletes one could encounter.(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

The chef explored the city aboard a traditional Japanese rickshaw, or jinrikisha, which he described as one of the most charming ways to discover historic neighbourhoods. Kunal was particularly impressed by the strength and endurance of the runners, who effortlessly pull passengers through the city's bustling lanes, praising them as some of the strongest athletes one could encounter.(Instagram/@chefkunal)

4 / 7
Kunal engaged in goofy shenanigans with his fellow chefs Harpal Singh Sokhi and Ajay Chopra on the streets of Tokyo while dressed in traditional yukatas. Reflecting on the experience, he spoke about the patience and precision required to wear the garment correctly, describing it as much more than just an outfit. “Wearing one is an experience in itself,” he said. “Suddenly, you stand straighter, move slower and feel a little more connected to centuries of Japanese tradition.”(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

Kunal engaged in goofy shenanigans with his fellow chefs Harpal Singh Sokhi and Ajay Chopra on the streets of Tokyo while dressed in traditional yukatas. Reflecting on the experience, he spoke about the patience and precision required to wear the garment correctly, describing it as much more than just an outfit. “Wearing one is an experience in itself,” he said. “Suddenly, you stand straighter, move slower and feel a little more connected to centuries of Japanese tradition.”(Instagram/@chefkunal)

5 / 7
The chef also treated himself to a Japanese take on the classic Mont Blanc, a dessert with roots in France and Italy that is traditionally made by piping sweetened chestnut purée into delicate, noodle-like strands. Kunal's version featured freshly pressed Mont Blanc layered over ice cream, creating ribbons of silky chestnut cream. Captivated by both the presentation and flavour, he described the dessert as “light, earthy, subtly sweet and incredibly satisfying to watch.”(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

The chef also treated himself to a Japanese take on the classic Mont Blanc, a dessert with roots in France and Italy that is traditionally made by piping sweetened chestnut purée into delicate, noodle-like strands. Kunal's version featured freshly pressed Mont Blanc layered over ice cream, creating ribbons of silky chestnut cream. Captivated by both the presentation and flavour, he described the dessert as “light, earthy, subtly sweet and incredibly satisfying to watch.”(Instagram/@chefkunal)

6 / 7
Kunal also visited Nara Park, where gentle deer – considered messengers of the gods in Japanese tradition – roam freely. He wrote, “There’s something incredibly joyful about feeding them. One moment you’re holding a deer cracker, the next you’re being politely ‘requested’ for another by a deer that bows better than most humans.”(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

Kunal also visited Nara Park, where gentle deer – considered messengers of the gods in Japanese tradition – roam freely. He wrote, “There’s something incredibly joyful about feeding them. One moment you’re holding a deer cracker, the next you’re being politely ‘requested’ for another by a deer that bows better than most humans.”(Instagram/@chefkunal)

7 / 7
Impressed by the calm and clean environment of the park, Kunal wrote, “What makes it even more magical is the setting which is spotlessly clean, unbelievably peaceful and surrounded by nature that feels untouched by time. No chaos, no noise, Just rustling trees, curious deer and the simple happiness of sharing a moment with them.”(Instagram/@chefkunal) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 07, 2026 03:22 pm IST

Impressed by the calm and clean environment of the park, Kunal wrote, “What makes it even more magical is the setting which is spotlessly clean, unbelievably peaceful and surrounded by nature that feels untouched by time. No chaos, no noise, Just rustling trees, curious deer and the simple happiness of sharing a moment with them.”(Instagram/@chefkunal)

  • author-default-90x90
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Eshana Saha

    Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.

SHARE
Story Saved
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App
crown-icon
Subscribe Now!