Video Showcasing the Art of Traditional Japanese Kaiseki – Featured on Shokunin Diaries

Experience authentic, seasonal Japanese cuisine through the eyes of a master chef in Hida Takayama, Japan.

AJ INTERBRIDGE INC. is proud to share a special video collaboration that brings viewers closer to the heart of traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine. The video, Behind the Scenes with a Japanese Chef – Kaiseki Restaurant | Shokunin Diaries (Japan), offers an intimate look into the daily life of Chef Hiroki Oshita, owner of Hanahouchou, a celebrated kaiseki restaurant in Hida Takayama, Japan.

Originally from Takayama, Chef Oshita trained extensively in the Kansai region before returning to his hometown to open Hanahouchou. The video captures his dedication to crafting seasonal kaiseki dishes, each prepared to reflect the beauty of Takayama’s nature. From the inspiration behind his restaurant’s name, Hanahouchou (“Flower Knife”), to his passion for welcoming guests on meaningful occasions, viewers are invited to witness the essence of Japanese omotenashi (hospitality).

Chef Oshita’s restaurant is one of the many local culinary experiences curated by MACHIYA LOCALS, a dining platform operated by AJ INTERBRIDGE INC. Through MACHIYA LOCALS, travelers can access exclusive reservations and immersive kaiseki experiences led by regional chefs deeply rooted in tradition and artistry.

This video is not just a look behind the kitchen doors—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, seasonality, and the spirit of rural Japan.

▶︎ Watch the full video here:
Behind the Scenes with a Japanese Chef – Kaiseki Restaurant | Shokunin Diaries (Japan)

▶︎ To learn more about kaiseki dining experiences in Japan, visit MACHIYA LOCALS.