What is 'Kaiseki Cuisine'? What are its characteristics?

You can think of it as Japan's "Haute Cuisine." It's not just a meal; it's more like an artistic experience.

As for its characteristics, I think there are a few main ones, all quite interesting:

First, absolute emphasis on "seasonality." This is the soul of Kaiseki cuisine. Simply put, it means "eating what's in season," and using the freshest, most premium ingredients available for that particular time of year. For example, in spring, you'll have the freshest bamboo shoots; in summer, freshly caught ayu fish; autumn is the season for matsutake mushrooms; and in winter, you'll savor plump crabs. So, when you go for Kaiseki, the menu changes completely with each season, and what you're truly tasting is that "flavor of the season."

Second, great attention to "original flavor." Its cooking methods don't use complex seasonings to "transform" the food. Instead, they strive to highlight the most exquisite natural taste of the ingredients themselves. Simple techniques like steaming, charcoal grilling, and boiling are often used, allowing you to directly experience the "true essence" of high-quality ingredients. It feels particularly light, refined, and healthy to eat.

Third, presentation is paramount. Kaiseki cuisine is renowned for its meticulous plating and tableware. Every dish presented is like a work of art. The color of the plate, the arrangement of the food, and the use of leaves or flowers as garnishes are all carefully designed by the chef to reflect seasonality and aesthetic beauty. Therefore, before eating, people usually take time to "admire" the dish.

Fourth, a ritualistic "course menu." You don't order à la carte; instead, the chef prepares a complete set menu (omakase) based on the best ingredients of the day. It starts with an appetizer, followed by clear soup, sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered dishes, then rice, miso soup, pickles, and finally, fruit or dessert, served one by one in sequence. The entire process is unhurried, allowing you to settle down and fully experience the entire dining journey.

So, all in all, dining at a Kaiseki restaurant is more like experiencing a complete performance that combines gastronomy, aesthetics, and a philosophy of nature. You're not just tasting flavors, but also an ambiance and a culture.