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Imagine starting your day with a private onsen experience, paired with an incredible breakfast that feels like a work of art. That’s exactly what we discovered at our latest hotel stay in Japan. We booked a traditional onsen hotel that not only offered us a unique onsen room but also indulged us with a breakfast and dinner that left us utterly speechless.
As a child, my mom used to transform my meals into artistic creations—bread shaped like airplanes, dolls made from fruit, and countless other imaginative designs—to make me excited about eating. Fast forward to today, and while competitive cooking shows showcase impressive culinary artistry, nothing prepared us for the breakfast we enjoyed at this hotel. It was more than just a meal; it was an extraordinary display of culinary craftsmanship that took us by surprise.
The Japanese Breakfast Adventure We Couldn’t Stop Talking About
The most interesting part was our entrance to the breakfast. We had a separate room just for us, with curtain doors and a big table. The room’s walls were made from bamboo, creating such an authentic atmosphere that it felt like we were in a movie—like the ones I’ve seen in National Geographic documentaries. We were warmly welcomed, and before entering the breakfast room, we were given special shoes to wear. We were greeted in Japanese, which added to the immersive experience. Before we even reached the room, we walked through a grand hall lined with bamboo and beautifully arranged Japanese cherry blossom flowers. The atmosphere was incredible, setting the perfect tone for our unique breakfast adventure.
Though we’re not typically breakfast people and rarely indulge in morning meals, there was one breakfast we had been eagerly anticipating for weeks. The excitement was so real that even in our half-asleep state, we couldn’t wait to dive into it.
This wasn’t just any breakfast—it was our first authentic Japanese breakfast, and it promised to be an unforgettable experience.
The Japanese breakfast menu is quite different from what we were used to growing up in Europe and living in the USA. It offered a delightful departure from the typical Western breakfast. Our spread included Steamed Rice (Gohan), providing a comforting base for the meal. We enjoyed the savory warmth of Miso Soup (Miso Shiru) and the unique taste of Fermented Soy Beans (Natto), which was an adventurous addition. The most interesting part was that we got to grill our own Chidai (fish) and cook our vegetable chicken soup, making the experience even more engaging and enjoyable. The array of Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono) added a refreshing crunch, while the Seasoned Dried Seaweed (Nori) brought a delightful umami flavor/ pleasant savory taste/Various Vegetable Side Dishes (Kobachi) completed this well-balanced and nutritious breakfast.
Our breakfast adventure was nothing short of delightful. The table was a feast for the eyes, adorned with a dazzling array of little dishes, each bursting with color. Some of the food was presented in tall, multi-tiered dishes that required a bit of effort to uncover. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully arranged and visually stunning.
I found the colorful plates to be a delightful touch—setting the mood for a joyful morning. The vibrant hues not only brightened the table but also lifted my spirits. Every inch of the large table was occupied by charming, intricate plates, some of which were closed, sparking my curiosity to see what delightful surprises lay hidden inside.
When we finally sat down, my first question was, “So where do I start?” I was a bit puzzled about how to approach this feast. We also had the fun task of cooking our own fish and vegetable chicken soup, with all the ingredients neatly arranged in small plates for us to mix and cook. It was my first time cooking with a candle, and the experience was as cute as it was unforgettable.
The food was incredibly delicious. The fish was perhaps the most amazing we’ve ever tasted, and no wonder—it was caught just a few hours earlier. We thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, complete with soft Japanese music, making it the most extraordinary breakfast experience. This meal wasn’t just food; it was a beautiful, interactive adventure that we will always cherish.
Celebrating My Birthday with a Ryokan Multi-Course Kaiseki Dinner in Otsu Japan
If you’ve ever dreamed of an unforgettable dining experience, let us take you on a journey through one of the most magical evenings of my life—a Ryokan Multi-Course Kaiseki Dinner in Japan. This was not just a meal; it was a special celebration that went beyond just eating.
As we stepped into the dining room, the atmosphere itself was a feast for the senses. We were dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and slipping into special slippers—exclusively designated for dinner—we were transported to a world where every detail was exactly placed to enhance our experience. These slippers were more than footwear; they were a symbol of respect for the occasion and the space.
The room was enveloped in a soft, inviting glow with delicate Japanese music serenading us. The table was set with an air of anticipation, featuring a menu written in elegant Japanese script. Each course was a mystery, a surprise that awaited us with every presentation.
Our culinary journey began with an exquisite plate of sashimi, paired with a delicate strawberry wine that added a touch of sweetness to the raw, fresh flavors. As we raised our glasses and toasted to many new adventures, the first taste of Japan set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.
Sashimi, one of the most iconic dishes in Japanese cuisine, is celebrated for its simplicity and purity. Traditionally, it features thinly sliced, raw seafood, which can include fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel, or even delicacies like octopus and squid. Each slice is a testament to the skill and precision of the chef, who carefully selects and prepares the freshest ingredients.
Our first course was a celebration of tradition and innovation, a perfect start to our Japanese culinary exploration. The strawberry wine, with its light and fruity notes, complemented the sashimi beautifully, creating a harmonious balance that delighted our senses.
One of the highlights of our Japanese dining adventure was getting hands-on with our meal. We had the delightful opportunity to cook our own veggies and meat, including liver and beef. The vegetables we cooked included a colorful medley of mushrooms, green and yellow peppers, and the taste was unbelievably juicy and fresh.
Believe it or not, this dinner spanned about three hours! The portions might have looked small at first glance, but by the end of the meal, we were completely satisfied and incredibly full. This immersive dining experience was a true testament to the Japanese philosophy of savoring each bite and enjoying the process of cooking and eating.
To top off this culinary adventure, we stayed at an incredible onsen hotel that featured a private onsen right in our room. The relaxing hot spring bath was the perfect way to unwind after our delightful dinner.
For more details about our stay, be sure to check out our full hotel review. If you’d like to see all the details and get a closer look at our dinning experience, visit our YouTube channel for the video coverage of this amazing trip.
