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Home » Destinations » Asia » Japan

Kaiseki in Kyoto, Japan

Modified: Mar 4, 2020 · Published: May 12, 2011 by Dave Lee |

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.
Course #1 includes a variety of small dishes (from left): jellyfish, tofu, unidentifiable gelatin cube, ?, chicken, ?
Course #2: prawn, tuna, white fish sashimi
Course #2: prawn, tuna, white fish sashimi
Course #3: vegetable soup
Course #3: vegetable soup
Course #4:  unknown
Course #4: unknown
Course #5: spring roll
Course #5: spring roll
Course #6: fresh peeled tomato (I think)
Course #6: fresh peeled tomato (I think)
Course #7: a protein, possibly chicken, with vegetables
Course #7: a protein, possibly chicken, with vegetables
Course #8: unidentified
Course #8: unidentified
Course #9: green tea pudding
Course #9: green tea pudding

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Adrienne @Shenventure says

    May 12, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    I love that you'll try foods and not know what you're eating! How exciting and adventurous =). I love food and looking forward to doing the same when I visit Kyoto.

    • Dave says

      May 12, 2011 at 1:06 pm

      I had more detailed notes on the meal, but I lost the information. Usually if it is a multi-course meal I cross my fingers that the waiter/waitress will be able to speak at least a little English so I know what I'm eating. :)

  2. roy | cruisesurfingz says

    May 13, 2011 at 2:09 am

    Looks yummy! I usually never ask unless it looks REALLY dodgy

  3. Sophie says

    May 19, 2011 at 7:34 pm

     Looks like you had a great foodie adventure, I'm craving!

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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