Kaiseki in Kyoto, Japan

In Kyoto, beyond enjoying the best sushi of my life, I was also discovering new cuisines like Kushikatsu.

Kaiseki was another discovery. It's a Japanese form of haute cuisine with a special emphasis on multiple courses, local seasonal ingredients, and presentation.  As you'll see in the photos below, presentation plays an important role through the 9-course meal I enjoyed one evening.

In keeping with traditional Japanese etiquette, I had removed my shoes at the restaurant's entrance, and sat Indian style on the floor at a low table where I awaited each course with great anticipation (mostly because I couldn't read the Japanese menu).

If you've tried Kaiseki in Kyoto, I'd like to hear about your experience in the Comments section.

Course #1 includes a variety of small dishes (from left): jellyfish, tofu, unidentifiable gelatin cube, ?, chicken, ?

Course #2: prawn, tuna, white fish sashimi

Course #3: vegetable soup

Course #4: unknown

Course #5: spring roll

Course #6: fresh peeled tomato (I think)

Course #7: a protein, possibly chicken, with vegetables

Course #8: unidentified

Course #9: green tea pudding

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.