Mar 6, 2013 - 1 min read

Shigetsu Zen Cuisine

Enjoy Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine

By Ben Beechey

Community writer

The restaurant entrance lies behind a blue noren curtain nestled behind some trees

The set meal consists of rice, soup, vegetables, beans and an array of bean curd variations—all served on a red lacquer tray

Everything was so impressive, in both taste and appearance

The food is served with Japanese tea. Alternatively you can order other drinks including Japanese sake

Guests can sit in big open tatami rooms or in smaller private rooms. Small chairs are also offered to Western guests who don't fancy kneeling

The view from the restaurant windows is stunning, especially during autumn and spring

Depending on which window you choose to look from you can catch glimpses of various buildings in the temple complex

Looking out of the restaurant through the noren entrance

After lunch take a stroll around the temple complex, you won't be disappointed!

The grounds of the temple complex are impeccably kept and very relaxing

Shojin-ryori is the name of a Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that came to Japan from China with Zen Buddhism in the twelfth century.

The Shojin-ryori cuisine on offer at Tenryuji temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is served by monks, and is supposed to satisfy not only the palate, but also the soul. The food is famed for harmonising six basic flavours; bitter, sour, sweet, salty, mild, and spicy.

Meals are served facing a picturesque garden with stunning scenery and an impressive temple complex.

More info

Find out more about Tenryu-ji.

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By Ben Beechey

Community writer

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Kim 5 years ago

Great idea for the vegetarians! Never knew that, about the food being designed to harmonize those six tastes - very interesting!

Tian Li 10 years ago

I think maybe turning up your exposure on the food could have been better in terms of showing the details, freshness and the colorfulness of the food.

Nicole Bauer 11 years ago

I went to taste the food earlier this week and it was ABSOLUTELY amazing! For me it was the ultimate sensation of taste—something completely new to my taste buds and there were quite a few surprises in terms of taste too!

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Information

Tenryu-ji

68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto (Directions)

tenryuji.com

Kim 5 years ago

Great idea for the vegetarians! Never knew that, about the food being designed to harmonize those six tastes - very interesting!

Tian Li 10 years ago

I think maybe turning up your exposure on the food could have been better in terms of showing the details, freshness and the colorfulness of the food.