Overnight in Izu - the food

As previously shared, the food at the timeshare is one of the major attractions.  Dinner is in the kaiseki style, featuring many small courses.  It is considered an art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food.  It is a treat for the taste buds and eyes.

Visiting the timeshare is the only time we indulge in kaiseki, as it is a very elaborate affair.  It is a very traditional style and requires the attendees to use very formal table manners.  Luckily, I had a good teacher (my husband) to show me the ropes years ago.  For example, Chopsticks are picked up with three movements (pick up with the right hand, left hand holds the chopsticks while the right moved under the sticks, then utilize).  The environment is very quiet and respectful as each piece of food is admired and contemplated.  Only bowls are lifted from the table (soup and rice).

Zensai/appetizer course - 7 little bites, including a small squid,

a cheese ball shaped like a tangerine, bamboo, and a fava bean frog.

The wire hat is samurai helmet representing Boy's Day on May 5.

Tsukuri/sashimi course - A variety of raw fish, including tiny shrimp.

Sakisui/first soup course - A very simple soup featuring spring vegetables. 

Suzakana/Sunomono course - Pickled foods including a

crunchy green frog made from veggies!

Nabe/boiled course - Crab, mushrooms, and onions

in a divine broth.

Yakimono/grilled course - Hamburger steak

wrapped in a cabbage leaf and vegetables.

Mushimono/steamed course - Shrimp ball

and seasonal vegetables.

3 courses in one plate.  Gohan/rice, Konomono/pickles course, and Tomewan/last soup -
Rice, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), and miso soup, served with tea.

Mizumono/dessert course - Matcha pudding and fresh fruit.

Our son thoroughly enjoyed his meal.  A couple of the items were the same as us - the shrimp ball (upper left) and hamburger steak (upper right).

His meal also came with rice, miso soup, and dessert.

Breakfast is also an elaborate affair, just without the courses.  There was so much food that I couldn't get it all in one photo!

Salad, squid, tofu salad, tsukemono (pickles)

Rice, natto (fermented soybeans in little white square), fish, eggs, ginger

Udon, tofu ball, miso soup

A close-up of the udon

One thing is for sure, you never walk away hungry!