For Japanese travelers seeking to immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind Japanese culinary experiences, eating a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal, is still one of the top things to do in Japan. A modern-day culinary art form rooted in Japanese tradition and the Japanese four seasons, kaiseki is a visual symphony that satisfies the soul and the tastebuds.

Served initially to the noble class as part of a tea ceremony kaiseki’s beautifully plated dishes of a kaiseki meal are now sought after by locals and travelers alike, eager to experience the essence of Japanese culture. From Kyoto's traditional kaiseki meals to modern-day Japanese kaiseki cuisine, here are the top things why kaiseki meals are a must-try when visiting Japan:

1. Kaiseki is not omakase

Unlike omakase sushi restaurants or omakase robatayaki fine dining establishments – where the menu decision is wholly left to the chef – kaiseki meals focus more on the artful presentation of washoku dishes using seasonal and local ingredients. In omakase restaurants, chefs curate dishes that can be personalized according to guests, while in kaiseki restaurants, dishes are served in a set of sequences, and the menu is predetermined and meticulously crafted to reflect the changing seasons of Japan.

Learn More: The ultimate guide to Tokyo's top Omakase restaurants

2. Luxury dining: Kaiseki is Japanese haute cuisine

Kaiseki chefs train for years to master the art of culinary presentation, and it’s all seen in the beautiful multi-course dishes they prepare that incorporate different flavors, textures, and aesthetics. Every plate, tableware, or lacquerware is carefully chosen to make every aspect of the dining experience perfect to a tee.Kaiseki meals often include many dishes, carefully designed for a progression of flavors, umami, and balance. It can start with a tasting menu with small appetizers and progress into richer and more flavorful dishes that incorporate seafood, meat, and soups. While the kaiseki meal is part of a long Japanese culinary tradition, it is still a modern-day gastronomic venture with chefs incorporating their style and philosophy, and contemporary cooking methods along with the old to ensure that presentation, texture, and taste are elevated to satisfy modern-day guests.

3. Don’t mistake Kaiseki for kaiseki

Kaiseki or kaiseki? Which is it? There are two schools of thought when it comes to a kaiseki meal. According to the Michelin Guide, Kaiseki comes from chakaiseki 懐石, a 16th-century tea ceremony tradition that incorporates meals before drinking matcha, a high-grade Japanese green tea. 

In contrast, kaiseki, or kaiseki-ryori 会席, refers to the elaborate multi-course meal that made the kaiseki term popular worldwide in the first place. The meal showcases seasonal ingredients in its elaborate dishes which are also paired with sake and tea service.

4. Appreciation for nature: seasonal ingredients are king in kaiseki dining

The Japanese have a deep appreciation for nature and the changing seasons. The use of seasonal ingredients in their food in particular in kaiseki meals, reflects this philosophy and in turn, makes diners as close as possible to this part of the Japanese culture. For example, sakura or cherry blossoms are incorporated in a Sakizuke dish (appetizer), while in summer, when the temperatures rise, cold somen noodles are served as a Hassun dish. Kaiseki dishes are meant to be served small so that guests can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and tastes. In essence, these are the following standard courses of a kaiseki meal, using different ingredients of the season:

• Sakizuke - a small appetizer dish that may include sashimi, salad, etc.

• Suimono - clear soup with seafood or meat and vegetables

• Hassun - small dishes served on a large plate or individual plates

• Mukozuke - sashimi / seasonal fish

• Takiawase - a delicate broth that includes proteins like seafood or meat

• Futamono - a soup or stew served in a dish with a lid

• Yakimono - grilled or pan-fried dish

• Shokuji - rice dish

• Mizumono - dessert dish

5. Kaiseki is an expression of the Japanese ‘omotenashi’ culture

The Japanese are known for their omotenashi hospitality culture – where guests are served with the utmost care more so evident when eating a kaiseki meal, which is more than just about food but a dining experience. The level of customer service is particularly high and guests are treated with unequalled personal attention that they may never find anywhere else. Expect to be pampered with great food, served in a sequence of dishes, and cooked in a variety of ways while being served like VIPs.

6. Ambiance is key: Try a kaiseki meal at a ryokan

Kaiseki restaurants embrace Japanese design aesthetics, contributing to a pleasing dining ambiance. From limited seating to the decor and layout, kaiseki restaurants provide a great backdrop for an intimate dining experience.

For those who want to get an authentic kaiseki experience, try it in a ryokan. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns and usually provide the aesthetic and cultural backdrop – from its architecture, furniture, table setting, etc. – that makes it an ideal place to enjoy a kaiseki dining experience on top of the other perks that go with the stay at a ryokan: tea ceremony, an onsen bath (if it’s available), and the works. Most ryokans are located in historic towns, and rural areas with access to hot springs, mountains, and forests.

How to enjoy a kaiseki - traditional food in Japan: Top 5 tips

For diners, who will taste a kaiseki meal for the first time, promise to be blown away! To get the best kaiseki experience, here are some of the secrets to truly relishing this exquisite cuisine with our top five tips:

1. Book in advance and check the restaurant’s payment methods

Award-winning kaiseki restaurants are always in demand so it’s advisable to research in advance and book them before arriving in Japan. Platforms like Michelin Guide and Tripadvisor are available and TableCheck, which is integrated with these travel applications, are excellent resources for finding specialized kaiseki restaurants. TableCheck serves more than 8,000 high-end dining establishments across Japan including 280+ Michelin restaurants. Before booking, make sure to research whether the restaurant requires any prepayment. Although rare, some venues may accept only cash. 

RELATED: Japan's culinary delight: The TableCheck Guide for unforgettable Omakase experiences | The ultimate guide to Tokyo's top Omakase restaurants | A culinary journey: Top sushi Omakase restaurants in Kyoto and Osaka

2. Have an open mind 

As part of good table manners, start by cleaning your hands with oshibori (hot wet towel) and saying ‘itadakimasu’ (‘I humbly receive’) before eating the first dish of the kaiseki meal. Savor each bite, engage all the senses, and appreciate the flavor, aesthetic, and texture of each dish and tableware. Remember: every detail is part of the whole dining experience of the kaiseki multi-course meal. 

3. Limit distractions to enjoy your kaiseki meal

Having a kaiseki meal in Japan is an experience like no other. Make sure to turn off the phone to focus on the meal. While taking photographs is not a taboo (how can anyone resist not taking photos of these Instagrammable-worthy dishes?), ensure that it doesn’t take away from appreciating the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into every dish served.

4. Experience the tea tradition and enjoy the sake!

With its historic past rooted in tea ceremonies, a kaiseki meal is never complete without drinks. From drinking tea during meals to locally brewed hot or cold sake, which has deep roots in Japanese tradition. Sake has different aromas and flavors which can enhance the overall taste of a kaiseki meal and can also cleanse the palate in between washoku plates.

5. Wear something comfortable; avoid wearing perfume

There are many places to enjoy a kaiseki meal all over Japan but for those who want to experience kaiseki in a traditional restaurant, wear something comfortable. Some restaurants have tatami mats, so wearing comfortable attire can add to a pleasant dining experience.

Just like an omakase meal, it’s advisable not to wear perfume and overpowering fragrances to avoid interfering with the delicate aroma of the kaiseki dishes and disrupting the dining experience of other guests.

Kaiseki: A must-try experience

In essence, a kaiseki meal goes beyond mere dining—it's an artistic and sensory journey that encapsulates the essence of Japanese culture, making it a must-do experience for visitors to Japan. TableCheck is a go-to reservation system for the country's best kaiseki restaurants.

Trusted by over 8,000 hospitality operators, TableCheck empowers the best Japanese kaiseki restaurants in the country to deliver exceptional experiences to their guests and elevate their dining offerings to new heights. Through TableCheck's integration with partners like Michelin Guide, Tripadvisor.com, and SAVOR JAPAN, diners can experience the best dining experiences in Japan.