Kadensho (Arashiyama Kyoto Japan)

When we travelled to the famous Arashiyama Onsen region near Kyoto, we stayed at the Kadensho ryokan. Little did we know that we were in for a feast.

Our included dinner featured a wide range of Japanese dishes, including all the traditional dishes from the Kyoto region. In addition, there was all-you-can-eat tempura that was made to order. Enough said.

If dinner was not enough, there were late night ramen noodles and dessert available. In addition, the breakfast buffet offered a wide range of Japanese and Western foods – including a chocolate fountain.

Details:
Kadensho
嵐山温泉 花伝抄
京都府京都市西京区嵐山西一川町5-4
Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
http://www.hotespa.net/hotels/kadensho/

Kinzan (Arima Japan)

One of the most anticipated events of our trip to Japan was staying at the Kinzan ryokan in the hot spring region of Arima. In this 1 Michelin star resort, we got to enjoy natural hot spring, our own ‘suite’ (the smallest in the resort) with its own breakfast room, and a wagyu kaiseki dinner using the famous Tajima cattle.

Dinner lasted 10 courses and we experienced 6 different textures of wagyu beef: jerky, sushi, grilled, soup, mini-teppanyaki, and shabu shabu. All the dishes utilised the marbling of the beef to create sensational flavours.

Details:
Arima Onsen Hotel Kinzan
1302-4 Arima-cho, Kita-ku
Kobe
Hyogo 651-1401
Japan
http://kinzan.co.jp/

Fudouguchikan (Osaka)

The purpose of the trip to Osaka was a 2 night stay at an onsen ryokan (hot spring hotel), where we got to totally wind down and relax.

The experience began as soon as we checked into the Fudouguchikan, half an hour from Kansai Airport. Upon return from an afternoon soak in the onsen, our room was set up for the kaiseki banquet.

The revered matsutake mushroom was the feature of the night and the smell was fantastic. All the delicate dishes were well balanced and delightful.

And off we went for another relaxing bath later that night…

Details:
Fudouguchikan 犬鳴山温泉 不動口館
大阪府泉佐野市大木7番地
7，Ogi，Izumisano-sh
Osaka 598-0023
Japan
http://fudouguchikan.com/

Cuisine M! (Taipei)

During the Taipei visit, we were recommended by Cuisine M for a Japanese meal. The restaurant, situated at the ground floor of a bank’s office building, had a rather dark dining room which gave diners as sense of privacy – perfect for a business lunch.

For less than TW$3,000, we had a full Japanese banquet with all the fresh seafood: melt in your mouth toro tuna sashimi, juicy grilled crab legs, sweetest geoduck from the hotpot. And for main course there were wagyu steak and foie gras. The variety excited our taste buds and made an excellent lunch.

Details:
Cuisine M!
台北市松智路1號1樓
1F, No.1, Songzhi Road
Xinyi District
Taipei City
www.mitsuitaipei.com.tw

Mino Japanese Restaurant (Mosman)

I have never had the opportunity to try a Kaiseki – a Japanese style banquet that is a showcase of the chef’s skills. Off we went to Mino Japanese Restaurant at Mosman for Sunday lunch when we knew about their Kaiseki menus.

Over 6 courses, we sampled over 15 different style of cooking. All the mini dishes in the entrée platter have great balance of flavours and together formed a wonderful experience, while the Wagyu steak was a standout main course.

At $59, it sure matches many high end degustation menus offered by restaurants in the area.

Details:
Mino Japanese Restaurant
521 Military Road
Mosman NSW 2088
http://www.minomino.com.au/