For many visitors to Japan, food is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating aspects of this friendly and beautiful country. Japanese cuisine is much more than just sushi, tempura and miso soup, and no matter the region or season, you can always find something fresh and delicious to satisfy your tastebuds. 

Best of all, the current weak yen is also making eating out - and eating well - a much more affordable experience than in the past. 

Last spring, I visited Kyoto and stayed at a quaint little ryokan on Nene no Michi in the temple-filled Higashiyama district, where I had my first experience of kaiseki ryori -- the Japanese version of haute cuisine. Being waited on by our graceful, kimono-clad hostess while enjoying the most visually pleasing (and seemingly endless) dishes of the chef's creation was an endearing highlight of that trip. 

This winter, I chose Motonago again for our family trip to Kyoto and reserved dinner and breakfast during our stay. It was exciting to share the experience with my parents who have had much more exposure to Japanese cuisine living in Taiwan, and get their verdict on the meal that drew me back.

Kaiseki ryori originated centuries ago in Kyoto (then Japan's capital) as a simple meal served at the tea ceremony and later evolved into an elaborate dining ritual favored by aristocrats. Today's it's widely considered Japan's finest style of cooking. 

The multi-course dinner comprises a series of meticulously presented small dishes inspired by the season, with colors, textures, and tableware to match. Fresh flowers are often used as decoration, injecting freshness and vibrancy to each course. 

Our dinner was everything we'd hoped for. Delicious meal, stunning presentation, along with the best company one can ask for in the world, Motonago had certainly delivered another triumph. 

對許多探訪日本的旅客來說，品嘗正宗「和料理」無疑是最有吸引力的玩點之一。這個友善的國家歷史悠久，風景優美，還擁有多元化的美食文化。吃的選擇不僅限於壽司，天婦羅和味噌湯而已，無論在任何地區或季節，總能找到許多新鮮美味的菜色，來滿足你的味蕾。近來日圓走跌，更是讓吃得好，吃的精緻，成為一個比過去更經濟實惠的經驗。

去年春天，我在京都一家古樸的旅館裡首次體驗到名為「懷石料理」的日式高級菜餚。端坐在有上百年歷史老屋裡的榻榻米，看著身著和服的女士優雅的呈現一道道賞心悅目的佳餚，是我那次日本行的亮點。

今年冬天我們全家前往京都，我再次選擇了位於東山高台寺下「寧寧之路」的元奈古旅館，預訂了早晚餐，期待與家人一起品嘗正宗的傳統和料理。

「懷石料理」源於好幾世紀前的京都（前日本首都），剛開始只是茶道中的簡單膳食，後來演變成為受貴族青睞的精美餐飲，今日它被廣泛認為是日本最優秀的烹飪風格。

我們的晚餐包括了一系列受季節啟發的菜色，結合食材與鮮花，每道菜都擁有與眾不同但融洽的顏色，質地和容貌，精心呈現於小碟上。大家對這頓精緻美味的晚餐感到非常滿意，我也覺得自己好幸運有機會舊地重遊，與心愛的家人一同編織新的回憶。

Our Kaiseki Ryori Menu

STARTERS

Aperitif 食前酒

First appetizer 先附

Main appetizer 前菜

Fresh slices of raw fish 向附

MAIN COURSES

Boiled and seasoned food 蓋物

One pot dish 台物

Broiled fish 燒皿

Hot food 溫物

Fried food 揚汁物

Vinegary delicacies 酢鉢

SHOKUJI

Miso soup 止椀

Rice 御飯

Pickled vegetables 香物

DESSERT 水物

MOTONAGO 元奈古

Kyoto Ryokan 京都旅館

〒605-0072 京都府京都市東山区 高台寺道鷲尾町51

511 Washio-cho, Higashiyama-ku

Nene no Michi, Kyoto 605-0072

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

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