The chef learned the importance of seasonal expression and tea ceremony lore at a ryotei. Wickerwork ceiling and latticed windows are architectural details from tea houses; each guest is greeted with the tea ceremony spirit of ‘a once-in-a-lifetime encounter’; the menu reflects the changing of the seasons and annual events. Rice served as long rectangular shapes and sweet weak tea to cleanse the palate between courses are elements of tea ceremony service as well. ‘Yugen’ means ‘deep and immeasurable meaning’, signifying the profundity and beauty of Japanese cuisine.