Kaiseki ryori

Kaiseki ryori refers specifically to the seasonal multi-course cuisine served at traditional Japanese restaurants called ryotei. If you're staying at a Japanese hotel (ryokan) or luxury property with a kaiseki ryori restaurant, expect a deeply seasonal menu that changes monthly, sometimes weekly. The chef builds the meal around what's freshest that day, so menus rarely list specific dishes in advance. Practical tips: bring cash (some traditional ryotei don't accept cards), remove shoes if seated on tatami, and don't pour your own sake, your dining companion pours for you, and vice versa. Vegetarian options (shojin-style) are increasingly available but must be requested ahead.