The first set of dishes at a ryokan dinner
Foreign visitors to Japan are often very excited about trying Japanese food. Sushi is probably the first thing that pops into most people's minds when they think of Japanese food, but there is a great deal more to dining in Japan than maki rolls, and a lot of people are surprised by the variety of dishes they find upon arrival. A great way to get a taste of the variety of Japanese cuisine is to stay overnight at a nice ryokan. When my own family (who loves to eat) came to visit Japan for the first time, a ryokan stay was one of the first things I thought to arrange.
A few appetizers
After some experience with ryokan and Japan in general, it is my professional opinion that ryokan are among the best places to eat a delicious, traditional, Japanese meal. Ryokan are almost universal in their efforts to create high quality, interesting, beautiful dishes. Because most ryokan include dinner and breakfast in their cost, the whole experience is usually a very excellent value.
Some people find restaurant situations a bit stressful, particularly if they are trying to order food that is unfamiliar to them, in an unfamiliar language. Ryokan take the guesswork (and menu), out of your hands and do all the choosing themselves. Of course, many places offer different meal options, but all the choosing is done before hand so that you can just relax come mealtime.
A dish of creative "cherries"
Dinners are lengthy multi-dish events during which the ryokan staff do their best to impress their guests. Even at a modest ryokan, the staff will be extremely polite and the dishes interesting and tasty. At fancier spots, the quantity and quality of dishes, combined with such details as the service-ware, dining rooms decor and overall meal presentation are sure to impress even the most spoiled guests.
Another example of the first few dishes of a ryokan dinner
The meal takes place in another room in the ryokan, or even in your own room. At each place setting, an elaborate spread of dishes will be arranged and waiting for you when you arrive. This initial set of dishes is often quite extensive and may appear to be a lot of food. However, it's barely the beginning as a steady stream of dinner dishes continues throughout the meal until there is no more room on the table.
Some Westerners have trouble with the breakfasts because they seem... "un-breakfast-like". But anyone who enjoys a breakfast omelet, or bread, cheese and sliced meats or any other similar savoury breakfast should be able to handle what comes their way, with the possible exception of one or two small dishes. Ryokan breakfasts are considerably smaller than the dinners, though still hearty and filling. Both meals are sure satisfy, as well as to provide guests with many new tastes, and maybe even a few new ingredients.
A table arranged for breakfast, for three
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