To celebrate the first anniversary of Canes & Tales at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the bar hosted internationally acclaimed bartender Kenta Goto (Bar Goto, Bar Goto Niban) for an exclusive one-day masterclass and guest shift on Friday, 3 April.
Born and raised in Tokyo, Kenta Goto has built a 20-year bartending career in New York. Following a seven-year tenure at the acclaimed Pegu Club, he opened Bar Goto on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 2015, followed by Bar Goto Niban in Brooklyn’s Park Slope in 2020. This event marked a rare appearance by Kenta Goto in Osaka and highlighted the growing exchange between Japan and the international cocktail community.
The sold-out masterclass, offered to the local bar community, explored Japanese-style cocktail techniques, flavor balance, and Kenta’s approach to translating his cocktail philosophy into consistently high-quality guest experiences.
The guest shift ran from 7PM until sold out, featuring a curated selection of Kenta’s most iconic cocktails sponsored by Suntory. Coinciding with cherry blossom season, the menu subtly highlights the delicate flavors of sakura while blending American classics with Japanese ingredients and flavors. Highlights include Bar Goto’s signature Sakura Martini (Haku Vodka, Roku Gin, and Kanade Japanese Cherry Blossom), Yuzu Blossom (Roku Gin, Kanade Yuzu, Italian Bitter, Lime and Yuzu), Iyemon Old Fashioned (Haku Vodka, Roku Gin, Kanade Matcha, Iyemon Sencha) and Sakura Ramos Fizz (Roku Gin, Kanade Sakura, Double Cream, Egg White, Lemon, Sakura Bitters, Sparkling Water).
“Marking our first anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Waldorf Astoria Osaka,” said Andrew Moore, General Manager. “As a brand born in New York, it is especially meaningful to celebrate this occasion with Kenta Goto, who has built his remarkable career in New York while bringing Japanese craftsmanship to the global stage. We are sincerely thankful to our guests and the Osaka community for welcoming us so warmly. Experiences like this collaboration at Canes & Tales embody our vision of connecting cultures and creating memorable moments through exceptional hospitality.”
Originally opening its doors on 3 April 2025, Canes & Tales has become a must-visit destination for cocktails in Osaka and a key part of the local bar community. Tucked at the end of a dimly lit corridor on the 28th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the intimate 47-seat bar is hidden behind an alluring dark green door, distinguishable only by a symbolic gold ampersand. Canes & Tales reinterprets the spirit of the 1930s American Jazz Age through a contemporary, cross-cultural lens, merging sophisticated, old world New York with Osaka’s artistic and historical identity. Designed by internationally renowned designer André Fu, Canes & Tales evokes the spirited sense of escape into a re-imagined world of Osaka’s heritage and charm.
The bar’s inaugural menu, Tales of the Jazz Age, reimagines each of the 11 narratives found within F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous book of short stories. The team is underway with development for the next menu, also inspired by a renowned literary work and set to launch later this year.
Canes & Tales has hosted an impressive lineup of local and international talent over the course of its first year, including the first-ever programming as part of The Essence Series, a new initiative from Hilton’s luxury brands aiming to foster connection and creativity within the bar community, showcasing top bar talents across Asia-Pacific through masterclasses, guest shifts and cultural immersions.
Reservations may be made here and walk-ins are also available. For more information, visit the website here or follow on Instagram @canesandtales.