Tin du lịch Kaiseki Ryori – Explore the "luxurious" culinary style of the Japanese

Kaiseki Ryori, the art of dining, requires a fairly high price to experience and demands both "meditation" and "balance" when savoring, yet it attracts numerous travelers. What makes it so interesting? Let's explore with NhatbanAZ to help you better understand this unique cultural facet of the Japanese!

What is Kaiseki Ryori?​

Kaiseki Ryori is not just a meal; it is a refined and profound experience of Japanese culinary culture, which the people proudly “showcase” to the world, just like the exquisite wagyu beef. This culinary art form presents you with a harmonious balance of flavors, colors, and the arrangement of ingredients in Japanese dishes. Kaiseki has its roots in Cha-kaiseki, a meal served during tea ceremonies at the end of the 16th century.

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The term “Seki” means “season,” therefore, the dishes in the Kaiseki menu must clearly reflect its seasonal culinary characteristics, including both land and sea delicacies from the Samurai archipelago. Each dish is specially prepared in an intricate and meticulous manner, harmonizing flavor and aesthetics for the diners.
Kaiseki Ryori is a traditional Japanese culinary style originating from the mythological rituals of Shinto deities. It is a refined and rich dining experience focused on creating a meal that is both delicious and visually appealing, allowing customers to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Kaiseki Ryori includes various dishes, from appetizers to main courses and desserts. Each dish is meticulously prepared and presented to reflect the chef's skill and elegance. These dishes are often arranged in collections, showcasing the contrast between different flavors and types of food. Due to the high standards for quality, each meal typically requires chefs to invest a significant amount of time, striving for perfection.

This culinary style also emphasizes the components of the meal, such as the balance of ingredients, the freshness and quality of materials, and the use of special spices to enhance the flavors. Additionally, Kaiseki Ryori is viewed as a means of expressing love and appreciation for nature and the environment, through the choice of ingredients and their arrangement on the plate.

Key components of Kaiseki Ryori:​

Some main components of Kaiseki Ryori include:

• Sashimi: fresh raw food.
• Nimono: simmered dishes.
• Yakimono: grilled items.
• Agemono: fried dishes.
• Sunomono: vinegared dishes.
• Gohan: Japanese rice.

Each dish is prepared with delicate techniques and a high level of attention to detail.

Origin of Kaiseki Ryori meals:​

The story of Kaiseki Ryori began during the Edo period (1603-1868), when Japanese cuisine gained popularity and developed. During this time, traditional festivals and ceremonies were frequently held, which is where Kaiseki Ryori originated.

Shinto deities are considered the first to experience Kaiseki Ryori, which was used in their festivals and rituals. Subsequently, Kaiseki Ryori was passed down and developed among the aristocracy and upper classes in Japan. According to many records, only the wealthy and noble during this period had the opportunity to experience it, and there were even requirements for beautiful attire and strict rules to enjoy this meal. The Japanese would typically wear a Kimono instead of a Yukata (casual festival clothing) when attending a Kaiseki meal, indicating the formality of the experience.



Kaiseki Ryori is not just a refined culinary style but also reflects the philosophy and thought of Japan. In Kaiseki Ryori, the use of locally sourced ingredients and seasonal foods is considered very important, seen as a way to express love and respect for nature.

Kaiseki Ryori is also regarded as a form of art, showcasing the skills and delicacy of Japanese chefs. To prepare a Kaiseki Ryori meal, chefs must possess expertise in cutting, preparing, and arranging ingredients, as well as knowledge in using various spices and foods to create distinct flavors and aromas.

Today, Kaiseki Ryori is considered a precious traditional culinary style of Japan and an essential part of Japanese culinary culture.

Kaiseki Ryori is not just a meal but a refined and profound experience of Japanese culinary culture. When enjoying Kaiseki Ryori, you should pay attention to the following steps:

• Learn about Kaiseki Ryori: Before visiting a Kaiseki Ryori restaurant, you should research this culinary style to better understand how to appreciate and respect the meal's components.
• Enjoy the dishes in order: Kaiseki Ryori is divided into many small dishes, often served on small plates or in small bowls. You should enjoy the dishes in order, starting from lighter appetizers and ending with dessert.
• Savor each bite: Kaiseki Ryori features dishes prepared with delicacy and care, so you should savor each bite and appreciate the unique flavors and aromas of each dish.
• Respect the tradition: Kaiseki Ryori is a valuable traditional culinary style of Japan; hence, you should respect the meal components and avoid creating a mess or wasting food.
• When enjoying Kaiseki Ryori, patience and respect are necessary to fully savor the refined experience of Japanese culinary culture.

Furthermore, you must respect your fellow diners and the chefs who have prepared your meal. Therefore, during a Kaiseki meal, minimizing chatter to maintain this serene atmosphere is encouraged.

Interacting with chefs:​

In some Kaiseki Ryori restaurants, you may interact with chefs and discuss the dishes. This will help you understand better how the dishes are prepared and create a more enjoyable experience while savoring Kaiseki Ryori.

The cost of enjoying Kaiseki Ryori can be very high, depending on various factors such as location, number of dishes, the restaurant's reputation, and even the chef's age.

On average, the cost of experiencing this “luxurious” meal at a traditional restaurant ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 yen (equivalent to approximately 90 to 270 USD) per person. However, in higher-end or internationally renowned restaurants, prices can escalate to hundreds or even thousands of US dollars for a meal.

If you wish to enjoy Kaiseki Ryori at a lower cost, you can seek restaurants in smaller towns or suburbs. Additionally, restaurants that can accommodate large numbers of guests tend to have relatively reasonable prices.

Some interesting facts about Kaiseki meals:​

• Kaiseki Ryori has developed from the traditional banquets of Shinto deities and later became a refined culinary style during the Edo period (1603-1868).
• The name “Kaiseki” originates from the Chinese phrase “kaiseki-ryori,” meaning “food to eat before drinking tea.” When this cuisine became popular in Japan, the name was shortened to “Kaiseki.”
• The meal is a culinary masterpiece, focusing on creating a dining experience that is both beautiful and deliciously refined.
• There is always a high emphasis on balance among ingredients, their freshness, and the use of special spices, which is vital to help diners reach a “zen state” in their culinary experience.
• Kaiseki Ryori is meticulously and delicately prepared, showcasing the chefs' skills and artistry.
• This meal is often served on special dishes designed to highlight the sophistication and balance among different courses; you might even notice that the tableware is selected based on themes, seasons, or the feelings of the chef.
• In Kaiseki Ryori, the use of traditional beverages like sake and tea is very common.
• Kaiseki Ryori is usually served in traditional restaurants or luxury resorts in Japan and is regarded as a precious culinary experience.