Join me and my wife, Mette, a gifted chef in her own right, as we embarked on a three-day immersion in the heart of Kyoto alongside the extraordinary team at Noma. From behind-the-scenes kitchen experiences to foraging adventures with Fukunaga, lobster hunts with Hirokazu at Nishiki fish market, and serene moments of meditation in a nearby temple, our journey was nothing short of enchanting. And, of course, we savored the pinnacle of our experience as honored guests, relishing an unforgettable meal.
In those three days, we uncovered the essence of omotenashi, reveled in the delights of cloudy sake, and delighted in the nuances of a kinki serving, among countless other joys.
Our voyage spanned 20,000 kilometers, described in 6,000 words, and captured in thousands of images, 50 of which found their way into the pages of Gastro. Now, with a glimpse into our adventure, let your anticipation grow and appetite flourish. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.


Scenes from Kyoto - Noma pop-up in Japan

Street view in Kyoto - Noma pop-up in Japan

The beautiful scene entering Noma at Ace Hotel in Kyoto

The noren made for Noma pop-up at Ace Hotel in Kyoto

Ise ebi (Japanese lobster) at Nishiki Fish Market in Kyoto - from three days with Noma in Japan

The ise ebi serving at Noma in Kyoto

Starbursts cloudy sake at Noma Kyoto

Kinki fish serving at Noma Kyoto

Green rice serving at Noma Kyoto

Sashimi serving at Noma Kyoto

René Redzepi and Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann at Noma in Kyoto

Ace Hotel in Kyoto - and Kengo Kuma transformation

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)

Article about Noma pop-up in Kyoto, Japan (by Mette Juulsgaard Kaufmann and Martin Kaufmann)
