Shojin Ryori Lunch in 1200-Year-Old Ekoin Temple (Wakayama)
Enjoy a traditional shojin ryori Buddhist lunch at Ekoin, a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple in Koyasan, Wakayama. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians (a gluten-free option is also available).
Highlights
Explore Japan’s traditional heritage at Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture, which has over 1,200 years of history
Enjoy a beautifully presented shojin ryori traditional lunch that is naturally vegan and vegetarian. A gluten-free option is also available
Mindful lunch experience in Koyasan, a tranquil area known for its Buddhist history near Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto
10 meals
Experience Details
Delve into centuries of culinary traditions in Ekoin, a Buddhist temple nestled amidst the lush mountains of Koyasan, Wakayama. With a mesmerizing history spanning over 1,200 years, this revered temple, enshrining Buddhist deities of Amida-Nyorai and Bishamonten, provides the setting for a unique lunch experience where you can sample traditional Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori).
Gaze out at the peaceful, lush temple garden as you prepare for a meal unlike any other. The feast that awaits you is a testament to the time-honored art of shojin ryori. Known for its extensive use of fresh ingredients like vegetables, seaweed, legumes and tofu, this cuisine is free of animal products, making it vegetarian and vegan. Traditionally, five cooking methods, five flavors and five colors are used to create a harmonious and delicious meal consisting of several dishes.
Let your senses be enveloped by a captivating shojin ryori feast, artfully presented to blend colors, flavors and textures. You'll enjoy your meal in a traditional space overlooking the temple garden as your host explains the food contents in English to deepen your understanding of this culinary tradition. A gluten-free option can also be prepared upon prior request (see Options below).
Immerse yourself in ancient Japanese food traditions in this shojin ryori lunch in Ekoin Temple, Wakayama, where you can connect to a traditional culinary heritage and bask in the temple's serene surroundings.
Inclusions
Shojin ryori vegetarian lunch (gluten-free option available)
English interpreter
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the temple
Drinks (can be ordered onsite for a separate fee)
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify the host at least one week in advance. Please note that requests submitted with less than a week's notice may not be accommodated.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Whether you want a taste of tropical beach life, or traditional temple life, this diverse prefecture has you covered.
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 |
10 meals
Restore body and mind in this spiritual experience in Ekoin, a temple with over 1,200 years of history in the lush forests of Koyasan, Wakayama, where you can savor a vegan Buddhist lunch and participate in a traditional meditation guided by monks.
Delve into Buddhist history and cuisine in this private experience in the ancient Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama. Taste authentic vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) and experience a goma fire prayer ritual performed by monks.
Learn the traditional art of sushi-making at a 100-year old restaurant in Tokyo! Enjoy a hands-on class with a sushi industry professional, learning two methods of shaping sushi: kotegaeshi and tategaeshi.
Experience a slower pace of life at the peaceful 100-year-old house near the historical Kakurinbo Temple. Enjoy vegetarian shojin ryori and a special matsuri presentation.