Hassun Seasonal Platter Kaiseki Second Course
Kyoto kaiseki tradition — hassun course formalized through Sen no Rikyu tea ceremony kaiseki
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.