Kaiseki, Negiya Ryofukaku, Kobe

One of Japan’s specialties is Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal known as Japanese haute cuisine. The prices vary depending on where you dine. Lunch is cheaper, ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 yen, and dinner from 10,000 yen onward. I had my first Kaiseki experience at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Kobe. I initially planned to have a Kaiseki meal in Kyoto, but I decided to try it since it was part of the Ryokan package.

The Ryokan I stayed at was the Negiya Ryofukaku at the famous hot spring town – of Arima Onsen in Kobe. The Kaiseki dinner is served in the room, and breakfast is at the public dining hall. The Ryokan provided a set of yukata for my sister and me to wear during our stay. It was so comfortable and wearing the yukata while dining made the experience extra special. The staff who served us our dinner was amiable and warm. She introduced every dish to us. The presentation of the food was simple yet enticing. The ingredients used were fresh. Some dishes were an acquired taste for us, and some were delicious. My favorite was the tempura and matcha jelly with cream. The shrimp tempura was scrumptious! The shrimp was cooked perfectly; the outer layer was crusty and crispy. The outer layer of the tempura was different from what I usually have. It was flaky and reminded me of deep-fried wontons. The baby eggplants were so cute!