When I was in Japan, I wanted to have a Kaiseki dinner. It is a traditional Japanese dinner where they serve you bits of every style of cooking. It also costs upwards of JPY20,000 a meal. And that’s a basic no frills one! Needless to say, it was OUT of budget.
So, when I booked my hotel at Hakone and it said it came with dinner in the room, I did not expect the spread we got. It might not be a kaiseki or even a mini one, but it sure gave me a taste of Japan – and boy! Did I love every taste! Here are a selection of photos.
When the lady came into the room to set up the table, my eyes nearly fell out of my head. I was expecting a bento box. Yes I know I paid for the room etc, but this was Japan! Things are expensive! But the spread was impressive.
From top, there was pickles and fruit – pear and grapes – a large bowl of rice for 2 to share and a cold umeshu (plum wine) to get things going. It was autumn when I was there and it was cold and rainy.
There was appetizers, tempura and sashimi and even a hot pot. The hot pot was just raw beef slices placed on top of a selection of fresh mushrooms and tofu with a bit of water and covered. The pot is kept warm by a candle and as it heats, it cooks the beef. It was a very substantial portion and no, I have no pictures of the cooked item because I ate it up too quickly.
The sashimi was tuna and a white fish. I never once ate salmon in Japan. I think its too cheap or something. It was always tuna or white fish but the fish served was sweet, firm and delicious. Always.
There was a large slab of cold tofu topped with cod roe, fresh grated wasabi and okra with a sauce, some salted fish or shellfish. Or perhaps they were fresh, I can’t remember. The chawan mushi steamed egg was amazing! Large cup brimming with unagi, gingo nuts, crab meat and wakame. Aahhhhh….. And there was also some braised prawns with snow peas and konyaku.
That plus rice and all the green tea you can drink served to you in the comfort of your room. All meant for one person.
Bliss! I miss Japan already and I’ve only been there once! 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks lovely!
<3
My Japanese teacher told me that they don't do salmon sashimi there in Japan. Not quite sure of the reason though haha
I sure feel overwhelmed by the visuals of the mini kaiseki dinner at Hotel Musashiya. Maybe next spring when I visit Japan to hike up Mt Fuji, on coming down, to just sample this meal would be a visit to treasure. Where can I find Hotel Musashiya in Hakone to book a stay ?
I had a similar experience in a Korean restaurant in Toronto last year and it was just a lunch. The starter bits just covered the table.
that’s for ONE person? *jaw drops*…ok, how about we go international with the next foodie trip and head to Japan? LOL…