‘Chiso’ is a Japanese phrase with a double meaning: welcoming guests with well prepared food or the rushing about that preparing such food involves. The fare at Chiso Takayama expresses the bounty of Japan’s seasons, connecting it deeply with the natural world. That spirit dovetails with the tea ceremony’s concept of the once-in-a-lifetime encounter. In each dish, guests can taste the preciousness of the season and the good intentions of the food producers. ‘Go-chiso-sama’, the phrase Japanese people use to offer thanks for a meal, also expresses respect for these things.