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Hassun Seasonal Platter Kaiseki Second Course

Kyoto

‹ Kaiseki

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I

Origin

Kyoto kaiseki tradition — hassun course formalized through Sen no Rikyu tea ceremony kaiseki

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Description

Hassun (八寸, 24cm square) is the second course of kaiseki — and in many ways its creative heart. Named after the traditional square cedar tray that measures eight sun (approximately 24cm), hassun presents a seasonal theme through two contrasting items: one from the sea (umi no mono) and one from the mountain (yama no mono). The combination creates a seasonal landscape on the tray. If the season is spring, one item might be cherry blossoms-themed seafood; the other a mountain herb. The hassun is the course where the chef makes the most personal seasonal statement — it requires genuine knowledge of what is growing, migrating, and available at any given moment.

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The Thread

—Both use a brief early course to make a creative seasonal statement before the meal's main progression French
—Opening cold course presentation in Chinese formal banquet — multiple seasonal items arranged for beauty Chinese
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Flavour Context

Two-element seasonal dialogue: sea umami and mountain earthiness in one compositional statement

Pillars V — VII
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