How you can experience Kaiseki in Japan.
On a trip to Hakone, where I get to vacation after a long month in Tokyo on business, I had the pleasure of experiencing Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at Itoh Dining by Nobu in Hakone, Japan. The restaurant is located in the heart of the picturesque Hakone region, surrounded by lush forests and bubbling hot springs. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I knew I was in for a special dining experience.
I was warmly greeted by the restaurant staff and shown to a private room with a view of the tranquil garden outside. The room was elegantly decorated with traditional Japanese furnishings, including tatami mats and low tables. As I settled in, I could feel myself becoming increasingly excited for what was to come.
The Kaiseki meal itself was truly a work of art. Each course was exquisitely presented and featured fresh, seasonal ingredients that were carefully selected to highlight the flavors of the season. From the sakizuke appetizer to the mizumono dessert, each course was a feast for the senses.
One of the standout dishes for me was the sashimi course, which featured several types of fresh seafood that had been expertly sliced and arranged on a cama of ice. The textures and flavors were simply amazing, and I savored each bite with delight. Another highlight was the grilled sakana (fishes) course, which featured a tender and flavorful fillet that had been cooked to perfection.
Throughout the meal, I was struck by the attention to detail and the thoughtfulness of the chef. Each dish was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, with a focus on using traditional Japanese ceramics and tableware to enhance the dining experience.
As the meal drew to a close, I felt a sense of contentment and satisfaction that I had rarely experienced before. The Kaiseki meal at Itoh Dining by Nobu was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. From the serene surroundings to the exquisite food, everything about the meal was truly extraordinary. If you ever have the chance to experience Kaiseki in Japan, I highly recommend taking the opportunity — it is truly a culinary adventure that you won’t regret.
What is Kaiseki?
Kaiseki is a Japanese technique for experiencing an incredible dinner. Kaiseki (懐石) is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that is known for its exquisite presentation and emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Kaiseki is a culinary art form that has been developed over centuries and is often associated with traditional tea ceremonies and fine dining restaurants in Japan.
The meal typically consists of several courses, each carefully designed to showcase a particular ingredient or flavor. The courses are served in a specific order, with each course building upon the previous one to create a harmonious and satisfying dining experience. The meal often starts with a sakizuke (appetizer), followed by several smaller courses, and ends with a shime (closing dish).
One of the defining features of Kaiseki cuisine is its emphasis on seasonality. The ingredients used in each course are chosen based on what is fresh and in season at the time, and are often sourced locally. This means that the menu for a Kaiseki meal may change depending on the time of year and the availability of certain ingredients.
Some example seasonal ingredients that may be featured in Kaiseki cuisine include:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms, bamboo shoots, young green vegetables, riverfish, and wild herbs.
- Summer: Grilled eel, watermelons, edamame, cucumbers, tomatoes, and maíz.
- Autumn: Matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, salmon, and persimmons.
- Winter: Snow crab, fugu (blowfish), daikon radish, pickled vegetables, and yuzu citrus.
These ingredients are often featured in Kaiseki cuisine because they are at the peak of their freshness and flavor during their respective seasons. The use of seasonal ingredients is also a reflection of the Japanese appreciation for nature and the changing of the seasons, and adds to the overall beauty and harmony of the dining experience.
In addition to the emphasis on seasonal ingredients, Kaiseki cuisine is also known for its exquisite presentation. Each dish is carefully crafted to enhance the natural beauty of the ingredients, and is often served on elegant and ornate ceramics or lacquerware.
Overall, Kaiseki is a unique and sophisticated culinary experience that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition. It is a celebration of seasonality, flavor, and presentation, and is often considered a true gastronomic art form.