Washoku: The Traditional Japanese Multi-Course Dinner “KAISEKI”

Onsen Ryokans are a popular destination for relaxation in Japan that provide a variety of hot springs; from natural, to commercialized. Not only do they provide amenities for relaxation, a list of appetizing courses are also served in these establishments known as “kaiseki”.

Kaiseki (会席料理) is a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner. The kanji 会席料理 meaning “cuisine for a get-together" is a banquet meal where the main beverage is sake (Japanese rice wine). Skills and techniques are performed by chefs in a high degree of brilliance for the preparation of such meals including their taste, texture, color, and overall presentation.

If you are familiar with western haute cuisine, both of them share a common trait. Here’s a collection of kaiseki photos from a variety of Onsen Ryokan I’ve stayed last year:

Some of the many courses included in the kaiseki from two different onsens in Ikaho, Shibukawa City

And below are one of the courses served in Tsukioka Onsen